The Who's-Who of Wine and Mixology to Showcase their Expertise at the Madeira Wine Experience New York

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | Ideal Glass Studio

9 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011

Featuring Eugenio Jardim and Francesco Dionese

(New York, NY – November 11, 2025) — The Madeira Wine Institute (IVBAM – Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira), together with leading Madeira wine producers and wineries, proudly presents the Madeira Wine Experience New York on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Ideal Glass Studio — headlined by industry luminaries Eugenio Jardim and Francesco Dionese.

Originally from Brazil, Eugenio Jardim moved to San Francisco in 1988 and has since built a celebrated 25+ year career in food and wine. As an independent consultant, sommelier, and educator, he leads high-profile classes, seminars, and tastings across the U.S., Portugal, and Brazil. In 2015, Jardim became the first Wines of Portugal U.S. Ambassador, overseeing national education and marketing initiatives to this day.

"I am thrilled to illustrate the versatility of Madeira through the curated seminars and speed tastings at this year's Madeira Wine Experience," shares Jardim. "Madeira wines come in a range of styles, from dry to sweet, pairing beautifully with an array of dishes — from seafood and roasted meats to decadent desserts. To drink Madeira is to taste history in a glass."

Born in Piemonte, Italy, Francesco Dionese entered the hospitality industry at 19, moving from Italy to London before making his mark behind some of the world's most dynamic bars in London, Barcelona, and New York City. In 2016, he won the regional title for "Master of the Manhattan" in New York and was a finalist in Bombay Sapphire's "Most Imaginative Bartender" competition.

"Beyond food and wine pairings, Madeira shines in mixology," says Dionese. "It adds complexity, freshness, and balance to both classic and contemporary cocktails. I am excited to share some of the signature drinks I have created that highlight Madeira's incredible versatility."

Tiago Freitas, Director of the Madeira Wine Institute, adds:

"This event is more than a tasting — it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and excellence. Madeira Wine stands as a symbol of our identity, the result of centuries of craftsmanship and harmony between people and nature. We invite guests to discover, connect, and be inspired."

Event Details

PUBLIC SESSION (5:30–8:30 PM)
Consumer Tickets: $55 | Tickets available at the link below

Guests will enjoy a walk-around tasting featuring selected Madeira wines, delicious small bites from Leitão, and six signature Madeira cocktails crafted by New York mixologists — with a chance to vote for the evening's favorite cocktail.

Cocktail Competition Mixologists:

• Megan Staniford, The Mean Fiddler
• Madison Maguire, Miss Nellie's
• Ann LeCompte, 5 Napkin Burger
• Karen Ramirez Cebada, 5 Napkin Burger
• Ricardo Mejia, La Devozione
• Aurelio Rojas, Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria

Culinary Partner: Leitão, West Village — Executive Chef Nuno Sousa presents authentic Portuguese small bites.

Experience Highlights

6:00–6:45 PM – Madeira Cocktails Made Easy
Hands-on demo with Francesco Dionese, showcasing how Madeira elevates classic and modern cocktails. Limited seating.

Mini-Tasting Series with Eugénio Jardim:

• 7:15–7:30 PM – Madeira Wine Varieties
• 7:30–7:45 PM – Madeira's Different Levels of Sweetness
• 7:45–8:00 PM – Madeira: 10-Year-Old Face-Off

About Madeira Wine

Madeira Wine is a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira, renowned for its resilience, complexity, and range of styles — from dry and fresh to rich and sweet. The DOP Madeira region spans about 1,235 acres of volcanic terrain shaped by Atlantic influences. Its unique climate and centuries-old winemaking methods produce wines of exceptional structure and longevity.

Madeira's principal grape varieties — Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia, and Tinta Negra — each define a distinct style and sweetness level. Wines may be labeled as Colheita (vintage, minimum five years of aging), Frasqueira/Garrafeira (vintage, minimum twenty years in cask), or by Indication of Age (5, 10, 15, 20 years, etc.). Drier styles are typically served chilled as aperitifs, while sweeter versions pair beautifully with desserts — all celebrated for their remarkable aging potential.

Event Details:
Madeira Wine Experience New York 2025
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Ideal Glass Studio | 9 West 8th Street, New York, NY
Trade Session: 12:00–4:00 PM
Public Session: 5:30–8:30 PM

More information available at the link below

Media Contact:
Donna White
Donna White Communications
203-558-4262