History of Portuguese wine country unfavorable for viticulture, making the country a ready market for imported wines; its proximity to France, made French wines a natural source. At times the supply was threatened by political and military conflicts between the English and French crowns. New sources had to be found such as the wines of Portugal. Documents exist detailing Portuguese wine shipments from the Minho region to England occurring as early as the 12th century. These wines, including those from the wet northern region of modern-day Vinho Verde, were often light and astringent with noticeable acidity. Despite the new source, the variety of French
Paraguayan wine Paraguayan wine Paraguay is one of the countries of South America that produces wine. However, Paraguay does not have active wine exports as of 2018 and its wine is little known outside its country of origin. Paraguayan wine history falls into three distinct chronological categories. In the mission period starting in the late 16th century, Spanish-speaking Jesuit missionaries planted European grapes ("vitis vinifera") as part of the cultural goal of creating a self-sufficient Christian community. Following Paraguayan independence in the early 19th century, winegrowing died out as the country turned to other beverages, such as yerba mate and beer, and