The seizures were the result of several inspection actions carried out by the IVDP in conjunction with the security force.

“The significant number of inspection actions carried out demonstrates the IVDP's ongoing commitment to protecting the Porto and Douro Designations of Origin. This systematic action, in conjunction with the competent authorities, is essential to ensure compliance with the legislation and preserve the authenticity of our wines”, said Gilberto Igrejas, president of the public institute, which is based in Peso da Régua, district of Vila Real, in a statement.

According to the IVDP, between 2024 and 2025, the actions carried out resulted in the seizure of 104,000 litres of illegal liqueur wine, which is also known as fortified wine and has a high alcohol content, and 2,895 litres of brandy.

As explained, these actions are part of its mission to protect and control the Porto and Douro Designations of Origin, contributing to the defense of the legality and integrity of the Douro Demarcated Region.

In addition to the activity carried out daily in the territory, the IVDP also highlights that the interoperability of the systems with the Tax and Customs Authority (AT), the Vine and Wine Institute (IVV) and the Institute for the Financing of Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP) “allows for more effective and efficient control and traceability”.

On the other hand, he adds, “the computerized control mechanisms for current accounts, expanded following administrative modernization projects, now allow the institute to carry out its mission with greater accuracy and quality.”

He adds that, as a result of previous seizures and by court order, the destruction of approximately 175,000 litres of fortified wine has already been ordered.

In the same period of 2024 and 2025, the IVDP also carried out several control actions that resulted in 144 physical inventory inspections, focusing on operators who sell table wine outside the Douro Demarcated Region, and in 1,074 inspections of the Porto and Douro Designations of Origin, with samples collected for laboratory control.