The Port wine sector and the State intervention

Abstract

Both the production and the trade of Port wine have been the subject of the State intervention over more than two centuries. The permanent, regular trade fluxes are due, to a great extent, to this intervention, the features of which have significantly evolved along time and History. Such an intervention did not occur in a sector where private initiative was lacking, and consequently, suppletive action was required. On the contrary, the Port wine sector has been one of the most dynamic, modern, innovative sectors of Portuguese economic activity since the beginning of the 18^th century.