Madeira is the home of the Verdelho grape. In the 1400s and early 1500s care was taken to plant enough vines to offer proper quantity of wine to sell commercially. Passing sailors drank Verdelho to protect them from scurvy. Numerous barrels of Verdelho wine was taken on long sea crossings; enjoyed by all. Guineafowls are endemic to Africa and among the oldest of the gallinaceous birds. In the 15th century, a Venetian, Ca' da Mosto, was hired by the Portuguese to bring guineafowls back from Africa. These beautiful, interesting birds were popular in private aviaries of Kings and nobles in Europe. There is a good chance that vessels carried both Verdelho barrels and guineafowls together during their travels.
