Apart from elegant embroidery, delicious wine and magnificent horses, would you like to know what makes Portugal a very popular country in the world? Did you know that this country is abundant in cork oak trees? If you must know, the country is the place for quality cork stoppers. Because of their numerous vineyards and the rise in demand for wine in the world, these small instruments have been employed throughout the world. 

In spite their existence in locations such as Africa and some parts of Europe, the cork oak tree is mostly found within Portugal. These trees can reach a height of 20 meters and have leaves with dark green color. Its abundance in the country has gained yet more prestige for them. They are actually responsible for, not only a percentage of the world's wine industry but also, majority of the production and selling of cork stoppers in the world.  

These objects are used by the Portuguese together with their world class wines. These instruments are used to preserve the quality and freshness of the popular beverage. Basically, these corks are flexible, elastic but compressed in nature. With an organic substance called suberin found in the barks of these trees, these stoppers are able to block any form of liquid and air from entering its body and is also fire-resistant. 

To make these stoppers, the bark of the cork oak trees is harvested. From there, these are processed and turned into what we call as the covers for our wine bottles. At the same time, because of the durability of these corks, these have been used in buildings, boats and even for aesthetic purposes. Thanks to the innovation of the Portuguese, the art of creating these cork stoppers have progressed. Now, there are seven major types of corks sold in Portugal.