Set to open to the public in mid-2020, World of Wine will be a massive cultural complex with a collection of experiences dedicated to the history and development of the industries that have shaped the city and region – including wine, cork and fashion and design.

Expected to attract over 1 million visits each year, World of Wine will incorporate a series of museums, restaurants, artisan and handicraft shops, an international wine school and extensive temporary exhibition space.

It is being developed in 30,000m2 of former warehouse space in the historic centre of Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank of the Douro river in Porto, Portugal.

Adrian Bridge, CEO, The Fladgate Partnership said: “We want to shine the spotlight on Porto and surrounding area and engage with our visitors from Portugal as well as the millions of visitors that travel to Portugal from around the world each year.

“Neill [Lochery] will write a series of major works for us over the coming years, starting with the official book of World of Wine. He has an ability to make history accessible and engaging, and has been hugely successful in taking many of the little known yet important histories of Portugal to an international audience. We are delighted that he will write the official book that will be released worldwide in mid-2020 to coincide with the opening of World of Wine.”

Writer Neill Lochery said: “It is a pleasure to have been invited by Adrian [Bridge] – he is man who has done an enormous amount to transform the city in recent years. I am thrilled to be working on the project that is helping develop Gaia and the Porto region and bring new and exciting experiences to local and international visitors alike.

“There is a rich and fascinating history, from medieval times to the present day – and I look forward to chronicling the importance of Porto and the surrounding area to Portuguese and world history.”