basic question

[Thomas]

Let's put it this way: the process of making port wine can be done anywhere. But you won't get the soil and you won't often get the same grape varieties when port wine is produced elsewhere. And yes, the Portuguese lay claim to the word Port (Oporto) the same way the French in Champagne lay claim to that name.

Think of this way: it certainly would be strange to find a French or Portuguese wine called Sonoma or Napa or Finger Lakes?