Portuguese wine is produced in Portugal, located in southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Roman Empire and is known for its unique grape varieties, such as Touriga Nacional, Albarinho and Tinta Roriz. The production of fortified wines, such as Port and Madeira, made Portugal famous, but the country is now a source of fantastic dry table wines. The wine regions of Portugal are divided into several sub-regions, each protected by an appellation for their unique terroir and grape varieties. Some of Portugal’s most famous wine regions include the Douro Valley, Dao, Alentejo, Lisboa and Vinho Verde. Portuguese wine is unique because it doesn’t rely on international varieties, such as Cabernet and Chardonnay, but on its own grapes — some only found in the country.

Winemakers in Portugal produce a wide variety of wines. Still, some of the most popular include the fortified Port and Madeira, which are typically sweet and served as a dessert wine. Vinho Verde, made in Portugal’s humid north, is an easy to drink white wine and an affordable alternative that has become increasingly famous. Douro red wines, made in the same region as Port but in a dry style, are amongst the best in the country.

Portugal produces various wines, including red, white, rosé, sparkling and fortified wines like Port and Madeira. Some of the most popular grape varieties used in Portuguese winemaking include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Alvarinho. The wine regions of Portugal vary in size and commercial significance, but they all offer distinct wine styles, often deliciously compatible with the country’s highly regional cuisine.

Portugal produces many high-quality wines, but the ones that compete with the best in the world often come from the Douro Valley, where Touriga Nacional and others grow on steep, terraced vineyards overlooking the Douro River. The region’s wineries, also known as Quintas, produce sweet Port and, more recently, red table wine. Some of the best wine in Portugal comes from this exciting region and includes Quinta do Noval Vintage Port, Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas, Niepoort ‘Vertente’ Tinta Amarela Blend, and Niepoort Ruby Port. These wines are known for their complexity, depth of flavour, and ability to age well. Other notable Portuguese wines include Frasqueiras Reservas Pereira D’Oliveiras, Fonseca Bin 27, and Quinta do Vallado Douro Tinto. When choosing a Portuguese wine, it’s essential to consider the grape variety, the region and the winemaker’s style. Although Portuguese wine’s quality is overall high, winemakers also produce ordinary wines for everyday enjoyment, which are less expensive than their more sought-after bottles.