|
The excitement of the first half of the nineteenth century led to the revival of the vigorous planting and regrowth of vines on rocky terraces and steep mountainsides. Many Madeirans were willing to struggle with the backbreaking tasks of resculpting the rocky surfaces to extend every bit of vine-growing soil available. |
Importantly too, it was the Methuen Treaty signed by England and Portugal that opened the doors to the English to develop the wine trade with greater force.
By the middle
of that century, the sugar and wine businesses were mostly owned by English
residents, many of whom had been born on the islands and were capable
of speaking both Portuguese and English. They inextricably blended the
customs of the two countries for future generations.
By 1840 there were at least 13 English Wine Firms in Funchal with
growing Anglo-Madeiran ventures.
