Full-Day Madeira Wine Tour: Vineyards to Cellars, Island Wines

Wine, like life, is meant to be enjoyed, so what’s better than a day around the island enjoying Madeira ́s wines? We ́ll experience a more intimate approach of the island, it ́s vineyards and wine producers, in a group of no more than 12 people.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
For over 5 centuries, Madeira wine ́s popularity spans all over the world, so much that most people know the wine better than they know the island. Yes, Madeira is well known for its fortified wine, but did you know the island also produces still wines?

Over the course of the day with us, aside from tasting a variety of island produced wines we ́ll take part on a journey through the wine-making process starting from the vineyards right to the glass of wine.

1st Stop
After all pick-ups, we begin our day in the heart of Funchal at the Blandy’s Wine Lodges – one of the oldest and main Madeira Wine producers in the Island.

The Blandy family of English origin has owned this prestigious wine house for over 2 centuries and even today the younger generations maintain the tradition. We will tour their cellars and learn all about the wine making process followed by a tasting of 2 Madeira Fortified Wines.

After savouring our island ́s fortified pride, we ́ll leave Funchal and travel to the northern coast to the municipality of São Vicente, the second largest grape growing county in Madeira.

2nd Stop
It is here in São Vicente where our next breath-taking stop is, the Quinta do Barbusano, a wine producer consisting of vineyards of various grape varieties. Since 2006, Quinta do Barbusano produces white, rosé and red wines.

Although the Verdelho (high quality white wine) is the most important of this variety, the demand for their red wine has also increased. At the Quinta do Barbusano, indulge in a typical lunch (beef on laurel skewers) served among a vineyard (most likely prepared by the producer himself), harmonized with several still wines produced at the vineyard and with a jaw-dropping view.

3rd Stop
After lunch we move on towards Seixal to the Terras do Avô, a still wine producer. Here we’ll taste a variety of locally produced still wines accompanied by some delicious snacks.

Terras do Avô was founded in 2008 and currently markets four Terras do Avô wines. These wines have the distinctiveness of being produced on the island. Although the reds are produced with national and international cast varieties, they always acquire different characteristics due to the 'Terroir' (variety, soil and climate).

The whites are produced from a unique variety from the island, the Verdelho da Madeira. Terras do avô wines are produced with the greatest care, commitment and dedication of an entire family.

4th Stop
Time and wine flies when you are having a good time. The time has come to return to the south coast, however, before we head back to Funchal we will make a last stop at Vinhos Barbeito, a Madeira Wine producer located in Estreito Câmara de Lobos where we will taste some very special fortified Madeira Wines. Vinhos Barbeito was established in 1949, and, since then has continuously been managed by family.

The quality of their wines has gained an outstanding reputation amongst consumers thus strengthening their image within the international market.