In Portugal wine is a very serious business – whether it’s making it or enjoying it. Viticulture was introduced here by the Greeks, over 2,000 years ago, and today the country is the seventh largest wine producer in the world.

The two most famous varieties are Port wine and Madeira.

Port – or vinho do Porto – is a fortified wine made from grapes grown in vineyards in the Douro valley. It is stored in enormous wine-lodges on the banks of the river opposite the city of Porto. Most of these lodges are open to the public for tours and tastings and make a great day out.

There are four main types of Madeira: Sercial is a light, dry aperitif; Malvasia is a very sweet and heavy dessert wine; Vermelho is a sweeter type of Sercial; and Bual, or Malmsey, is a drier version of Malvasia. Madeira is often sold as a vintage wine when aged in casks for more than 15 years, and as a blended wine when three to 10 years. The oldest surviving bottle dates back to 1722.

But there are so many more glorious wines of all kinds produced here. I’ll get back to you on them after a few more glasses of research.

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