Portugal has 13 well delimited wine producing regions, the most famous of which are: Port, Rios do Minho, Dao, Bairrada, Estremadure, Ribatejo, Alentejo, Madeira and Setubal.  There is only one authentic port wine originating in the Douro Valley of northern Portugal.  All wine production is well controlled by law, which distinguishes four categories: Vinho de Mesa (table wine), Vinho regional (regional wine), Indicacao de provenienca Reglamentada (PPR - wine of controlled origin) and Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC - appellation controllee). The last category is considered to be the best.

The important red grapes of Portugal are: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Pinheira, Alfrocheiro, Preto Jaen, Perriquita, Aaragonez, Trincadeira and Preta.  For white wines, Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura, Avesso, Pederna, Muscatel, Arinto, Antao vaz, Rouperio, Vital, Malvasia, Sercial, Verdelho and Bual.

Most wine enthusiasts associate Portugal with port and Madeira wines.