Portugal

Portugal, like many of its European counterparts, has a rich winemaking history that dates back to the Roman Empire. Wine has been made there continuously since that time, though winemaking was likely much less prominent during the 800-year occupation of the country by the Muslims and Moors.

Today, Portugal is most famous for Port (or “Porto”) wines, which have been produced in the country since the 1600s. These unique fortified wines are produced exclusively from grapes harvested in the Douro Valley, and draw their name from the seaport city of Porto, where they were traditionally brought to market or packaged for export. Port is made in several styles, including Vintage, Tawny, Ruby, Late Bottle Vintage and Colheita.

Madeira, another fortified wine, is produced on the Portuguese island of the same name.  In addition to fortified wines, Portugal also produces some fine table wines. Their reputation in this market has improved considerably over the past 15 years or so. Most of these wines come from the Douro Valley and Dão regions, with a few originating in the Vinho Verde region of northern Portugal.