Support for Douro winemakers received 380 applications announced the minister

The Portuguese government announced that 380 applications were submitted for a €12 million support program for Douro winemakers who left grapes unharvested due to unsold production. Minister of Agriculture José Manuel Fernandes revealed this during a parliamentary hearing regarding the 2027 State Budget. The exceptional aid aims to provide a minimum income to affected viticulturists and prevent vineyard abandonment. Applications were accepted from late September to mid-October, and beneficiaries must keep the unharvested grapes until an inspection by the Institute of Douro and Porto Wines. The region faced significant production declines last year, exacerbating grape disposal issues this year.