Wine sector regulation at the periphery of Europe : the case of Portugal. Its position at the periphery of Europe confers specific features to Portugal's economic and social attributes. Internally, the three main characteristics are : a dominant role of the State in domestic affairs, strong social solidarity mechanisms and a complex social fabric relying on informal compensatory mechanisms. Externally, emphasis is laid on Portugal's geo-strategic position at the European periphery and the implications of such a position. The present study approaches Portuguese viticulture in terms of sectorial regulation, and identifies historical periods with different forms of regulation of the viticultural industry. The major differences and similarities between Portugal and the European wine producing country par excellence, i.e. France, are highlighted. Starting from the XVIIIth century, the first period that is identifiable in this historical analysis lasted till the first quarter of the XXth century. This period corresponds to a phase of in-stitutionalisation of two wine spheres, i.e. Port wine versus other wines. A phase of mass production then followed from the 1930s to the 60s. During this period, the Port wine trade met with difficulties on international markets and production of domestic common wine was favoured. Finally, a third period corresponds to integration into Europe. Following the development of new consumption patterns, this period is characterised by a qualitative renewal both on Since 1861, Portugal and France have adopted the same global strategy in world-wide viticulture. Concerning the differences between the two countries, Portugal is characterised by the dominant role of the State, weak professional organisations, delayed adoption of new consumption patterns and delay in the existing relations of production and subjection to foreign economic regimes. With respect to this dependence, the importance of the integration process into the European community should be underscored for the wine sector. This integration has promoted access to more quality-demanding markets. It has been a funding resource to improve the productive and industrial levels of Portugal and has helped to develop new ways of organising and managing the wine sector. As a result, this sector has become less government-dependent and more concerned with quality. These factors have made it possible to increase the relative share of quality wines (VQPRD) in the national wine production, and have also helped reduce the traditional polarisation between Port wine and the remaining Portuguese wines. A better range of wines can now be found on the market.