Port is a fine after dinner drink with a great tradition.
It is made from a variety of grapes cultivated in northern Portugal. The brandy, called aguardente, serves to halt the fermentation process. This process ensures that some of the grape sugar is retained and at the same time, fortifies the wine. Although the Port is actually made in the Douro region, it is transferred to cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Oporto, for the maturation process. They also want to avoid it being mistaken for Port not produced in Portugal.