Madeira
wine tasting tours and winery visits

The Douro Valley is the shining star of Portuguese wine production boasting a global reputation, however the Portuguese island of Madeira is an equally beautiful destination for a wine tasting holiday, with a fascinating tradition of viticulture. When you’re not sipping world-class wine we highly recommend exploring the island’s spectacular, lush landscape.  

Another picturesque Portuguese island gem, with an abundance of natural beauty are The Azores. Despite its centuries old vine culture, wine tourism is in its infancy, so it’s an exciting time to visit on a wine tasting holiday.   

WINE TASTING TOURS IN MADEIRA & THE AZORES
Madeira is best-known for its production of Madeira wine: a complex, fortified wine with exceptional longevity. However, you don’t need to be a dessert wine fan to enjoy a wine tasting holiday in Madeira. Not all Madeira’s fortified wines are rich and caramel-sweet, some are dry and fragrant, and table wines are also produced with a unique flavour influenced by the volcanic soils. The best way to understand the varying styles and learn about the history of Madeira’s unique wines is on a wine tasting tour.  

The wines produced in The Azores also enjoy unique characteristics that are influenced by the proximity to the ocean, the volcanic soil and rock walls that surround the vineyards. Book a wine tasting tour and you will meet the local winemakers who are passionate about the individuality of Azorean wines and discover wines that you can’t find anywhere else in the world! 

FOOD TASTING EXPERIENCES IN MADEIRA & THE AZORES.
Madeira’s Mediterranean climate and fertile soils, well irrigated by miles of levadas (man-made irrigation channels), produce a rich bounty of produce. Avocado, custard apple, cherries, sweet potato and passion fruit are plentiful. Sugar Cane has been grown across the island since the 15th century and is currently used to make sticky sugar cane molasses and Cane Aguardente – a unique Agricultural Rum. To fully appreciate Madeiran cuisine, join a guided gourmet tour and visit the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal.     

When visiting The Azores, be sure to arrange a Cozido das Furnas dinner or, even better, book a cooking class and learn the secrets behind this hearty stew that is slowly cooked in the volcanic ground. Another must-try speciality of the islands is lapas (limpet clams) which are served grilled with butter, garlic and a drizzle of lemon.  

MORE REASONS TO VISIT MADEIRA & THE AZORES.
Madeira is arguably one of the prettiest islands in the world and the best way to appreciate its natural beauty is to don a pair of walking shoes and follow one of the island’s many trails. From short, easy strolls to challenging treks there are paths for every ability. The man-made levadas have become particularly popular walking routes through the picturesque landscape.   

Exploring on foot is also highly recommended when you visit The Azores. The island’s geothermal pools and sandy beaches are perfect for a post-trek refreshing swim. The Azores are also one of the best locations in the world for whale-watching between the months of April and October.