1756 – Region along the Douro River was demarcated for the production of Port Wine using 335 Pombaline Markers (Granite Stone Markers bearing a number). This region is the oldest demarcated region in the world. 1926 – The Portuguese government creates a protected warehousing/distribution zone in Vila Nova de Gaia. Only warehouses/wineries located in this zone could sell directly to consumers. All other wineries in the Douro region were prohibited from selling/exporting directly. Quintas had to sell their grapes/wine to the big Port houses to do business. 1986 – When Portugal joined the EU. Government regulations limiting the selling/exporting of wine from Vila Nova de Gaia were lifted. All producers from the Douro region could now sell/export wine under their own brand without restrictions.