November 25, 2025 – New York, NY: On Tuesday, November 18, hundreds of Madeira wine lovers gathered at Ideal Glass Studio for the Madeira Wine Experience New York, an immersive wine and food event highlighting the remarkable diversity, heritage, and versatility of Madeira wine.
The event welcomed members of the wine and hospitality industry from 12:00–4:00 PM, followed by a consumer session from 5:30–8:30 PM. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed a walk-around tasting of Madeira wines paired with small plates from Leitao restaurant, along with a two-part educational seminar led by Wines of Portugal U.S. Ambassador Eugenio Jardim.
The evening program expanded on the daytime experience with interactive elements including a Madeira cocktail class presented by celebrated New York City Mixologist, Francesco Dionese, three educational speed tastings, and live cocktail demonstrations from six top New York mixologists. Each bartender featured an original Madeira cocktail recipe in a spirited competition for the chance to win a trip to Madeira.
Dozens of Madeira wines from dry to sweet styles, ranging from non-vintage blends to single-vintage bottlings were poured by Madeira producers and featured throughout the seminars, speed tastings, and mixology demonstrations.
A highlight of the evening was the People's Choice vote, where attendees selected their favorite Madeira cocktail created by the participating mixologists. Each cocktail was first evaluated by an industry panel on multiple criteria; that score was then combined with the People's Choice vote to determine the final ranking.
The winning cocktail of the evening was "Passion's Ember," featuring Broadbent Madeira Rainwater, created by Karen Ramirez Cebada of 5 Napkin Burger restaurant.
Ramirez Cebada shared: "I wanted to make a cocktail that represented both Madeira and NYC. Madeira is known for its subtropical climate, while NYC is known for its dramatic seasons, including harsh winters. Cinnamon adds warmth, capturing NYC's cold-weather spirit, and passionfruit — a prominent fruit in Madeira — enhances the quiet complexity of Broadbent's Rainwater Madeira. Together, these ingredients harmonize beautifully in one glass."
Recipe Ingredients:
- Rainwater Madeira
- A hint of Flor de Caña rum
- Passionfruit purée
- Orange
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon-infused simple syrup
The Runners-up included:
- Megan Staniford, The Mean Fiddler
- Ann LeCompte, 5 Napkin Burger
- Ricardo Mejia, La Devozione
- Aurelio Rojas, Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria
- Adrian Cardenas Monroy, Bocca/Mr. Capri/Dada
Tiago Freitas, Director of the Madeira Wine Institute, shared remarks on the longstanding connection between Madeira and the United States: "The United States has long been one of our most valued markets — not only for its dynamism, but also for the deep historical connection that unites our peoples. It was with Madeira Wine that America toasted its Declaration of Independence, and today, in that same spirit of celebration, we returned to New York to strengthen relationships, inspire new partnerships, and create new opportunities for discovery and connection. We congratulate all of the mixologists who participated in our cocktail competition for highlighting the character of this extraordinary wine through their creative Madeira cocktail recipes."
He continued: "This event is more than a tasting; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and excellence — a gathering place for professionals and enthusiasts who share a passion for authenticity and heritage. Madeira Wine stands as a symbol of our identity, the result of centuries of craftsmanship, dedication, and harmony between people and the unique nature of our island. With each glass, may you rediscover why Madeira Wine is timeless — a wine that crosses centuries, captivates generations, and continues to amaze the world. Let us raise a glass — to Madeira, to wine, and to the enduring friendship that brings us together."
Photo Credit: Gabi Porter
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 988.42 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.
More Information
For more information, visit the links below:
Vinho Madeira Wine
Facebook: Vinho Madeira Wine
Facebook: Madeira Wine EUA
Wines of Portugal
Media Contact
Donna White
Donna White Communications
203-558-4262
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