Madeira Wine’s golden age is regarded as the 18th century. Most of the sugar cane plantations on Madeira Island were replanted with vines after Brazil began producing sugar cane at lower prices and the sugar cane on the island became susceptible to illnesses owing to soil depletion. The Portuguese crown granted a monopoly on the Brazilian market to Lisbon-based merchants in 1640, bolstering foreign businessmen on Madeira Island who explored new markets for Madeira Wine outside of the Portuguese territory in South America towards North America.