Did you know that Madeira is a world-renowned wine-growing region with its own special winemaking process? An integral part of the island’s culture and history, Madeira wine is of the highest quality. Whether you’re passionate about quality wines or simply eager to discover new ones, you’ll be won over by this unique sensory experience, just like we are. We were surprised by this tasting journey, where the wines are unique because the vines have adapted to the volcanic soil and temperate oceanic climate of the Flower Island.
In this article, thanks to our tips and photos, discover Madeira through its wine traditions, cellars and vineyards. See our selection of the best tastings to help you make your choice. A wine experience you won’t forget!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Our 4 favorite wineries in Madeira
Before revealing all our advice on winery and vineyard visits in Madeira in this article, find our guided selection here if you don’t want to read the whole thing:
- Tasting and private tour of the famous Henriques & Henriques winery, with views of the sublime surrounding panoramas. Find out more
- Vineyard tour in Funchal and wine tasting – Find out more
- 1 full-day excursion to Madeira’s vineyards, including wine tasting and local cuisine. More
- Half-day with an oenologist and meeting with a wine producer, followed by a tasting in the Camara de Lobos region. To find out more
Tips for visiting wine cellars in Madeira: The essentials
How to choose a wine cellar in Madeira?
When selecting wine cellars in Madeira, consider the following criteria:
- Wine quality: check the reputation of the wines produced, their aromas, flavours and specific characteristics.
- Awards and distinctions: awards won by the winery guarantee recognition of quality, and are sometimes indicated on the official website or on site.
- Visit experience: check out our wine tourism options (guided tours, tastings, events, food and wine pairings, etc.).
- Explanation of winemaking techniques and innovations: the winery’s conventional and innovative methods are interesting to discover during the tour.
- Location: consider the proximity of the winery to your itinerary for your visit and stay (including your accommodation) in Madeira to best plan your activities.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Best time to visit wineries in Madeira
Wine tastings are available all year round in Madeira! If you like a lively atmosphere, the best time to visit the wine cellars on the Isle of Flowers is in August and September. This is when the renowned Madeira Wine Festival takes place. This festival, organized during the grape harvest season straddling these 2 months, is a tribute to this regional product, known the world over for its excellent quality. On the program: tastings, visits to cellars and vineyards, musical entertainment. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, it’s possible to organize tastings and visits to vineyards or cellars all year round outside these busy months.
Would you like to see Madeira’s vines in bloom? The island of eternal spring has given us gardens in bloom all year round, but the peak flowering season, particularly for vines, is before summer, between April and May. In winter, although temperatures are cooler, the island remains welcoming, and the Christmas festivities will add a special atmosphere to your visit.
Practical advice
- Duration: wine tastings with cellar visits generally last 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether you opt for a special experience (vineyard tour, walks to scenic viewpoints, local cuisine tasting…).
- Storage and transport of wine purchased after tasting: be careful about the temperature at which bottles are stored during transport, as wine doesn’t like heat! You can also order it on site and have it delivered to your home, depending on the producer. Finally, transport the bottles head-up and make sure they don’t bump into each other. Ask the grower for advice on the spot.
- Free or paid tasting: depending on the winery, they may offer paid tastings and give you a bottle to take away at the end. Some of them charge for the tasting of several wines, and the purchase of bottles is done separately at a later stage. Tastings are sometimes included in the tour price, as at Blandy’s Wine Lodge for example.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Several immersive tours to discover Madeira wines
What could be better than immersing yourself in the regional culture by living a guided experience on site with locals? Here are our ideas for visits we tried out during our stay.
Vineyard tours from Funchal
Immerse yourself in Madeira’s terroir by exploring the vineyards within easy reach of the capital Funchal.
For a convivial, gourmet experience, why not opt for a guided tour with wine and local produce tasting? – See prices, photos and availability.
The must-see Blandy’s Wine Lodge
If you’re planning a wine-themed getaway in Madeira, how can we not mention the must-visit Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal? Nestled in the heart of the old town, this Wine Museum offers an insight into local know-how through guided tours and tastings. Located in a historic building in the old town, Blandy’s Wine Lodge immersed us in the world of Madeira wines through an organized tour. Discover the secrets of the island’s grape varieties and indulge in the local flavors. Please note that only certain parts of the site are accessible free of charge.
Would you like to combine tasting workshops with cellar tours? It’s possible! Book your guided tour of culinary specialities now, including local produce and wine tasting of course!
A unique experience at Hotel Socalco Nature (La Calheta)
Overlooking La Calheta, we were seduced byHotel Socalco Nature, which offers rooms and apartments with kitchenettes nestled in atypical dwellings. All this in the heart of a vineyard and on a cliffside to make you dream! Although access to the establishment is not easy, once you’re there, you’ll enjoy a truly unique experience imagined by Chef Octávio Freitas. His ambition? To promote Madeira as a gastronomic destination, and he succeeds with flying colors. In particular, he runs Restaurant Desarma, our favorite Michelin-starred restaurant in Funchal in our selection here.
From the hotel and its vineyard, we were pleasantly surprised not only by the view of the resort and La Calheta Beach, but also by the unparalleled concept devised by the inventive chef! Start with a tour of the organic garden, followed by a cooking class and a hands-on probiotics workshop. Then enjoy a delicious meal based on produce from the garden, paired with Madeira’s finest wines such as Sercial or Bual. Enjoy your meal!
Getaway to the Madeira Story Center Museum
Discover the Madeira Story Center Museum in Funchal, a fun way to retrace the history of the archipelago, from its volcanic formation to its present-day development.. Although the museum lacks a certain modernity, it gave us an insight into the evolution of the island over the centuries, covering a range of themes from the discovery of Madeira to maritime trade and wine-making traditions. You’ll finish your visit upstairs, where you’ll find a panoramic restaurant. We loved the view over the orange roofs of Funchal! This visit certainly nourished our understanding of the history and evolution of the island’s wines, while enriching the tasting experience during our stay. Find out more about the traditional method of heating wine to 50°C (122°F), known as “estufa”, in the great houses of Madeira. In fact, this museum is one of our picks for the best museums in the capital.
But also, wine as a gift…
And if you’re lucky, some hotels offer wine on arrival. For example, we were delighted to discover a fine bottle of Madeira wine in our room at the Boutique-Hotel Castanheiro in Funchal, which is also one of our picks for the best places to stay in the capital.
Our favourite places to enjoy Madeira wine
Enjoying the island’s local terroir, discovering its gastronomy and its art of the table are also part of the journey to immerse yourself in the destination! Like us, taste Madeira’s great vintages paired with exceptional meals to open up and appreciate new flavors. Here are some of our suggestions for Funchal:
- Restaurant 1811: this charming bistro offered us a fine wine list with numerous references in the heart of the famous Blandy’s Wine Lodge.
- Restaurant Desarma (Michelin-starred): nestled on the 11th floor of The Views Baia Hotel, we enjoyed a surprisingly fine gourmet menu that revisits traditional Madeira dishes with originality. Opt for the starter with a ball of beet cooked in Madeira wine and accompanied by goat’s cheese, a delight!
- Restaurant Casal Da Pena: on the perched terrace, we feasted on freshly caught fish, lightly grilled lamb chops and crisp vegetables. Authentic, generous cuisine paired with the island’s finest wines!
- Restaurant Santa Maria: stroll through Funchal’s old town and take a seat on the charming terrace of Restaurant Santa Maria. An original concept where we ate traditional Portuguese dishes with the possibility of tasting several local wines.
For more great places to enjoy wine and food in the capital, read our article here. And coming soon, our selection of Madeira’s best restaurants.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
Madeira wines, a little history
Why are they so famous?
Madeira wines are among the incomparable nectars in the world wine ranking. During our stay, we learned that the winemaking process is unique. It includes a controlled heating stage called “estufa”, imitating the conditions of 18th-century ship holds. Surprising, isn’t it? This treatment gives the wine great aromatic complexity, with notes of caramel, dried fruit and roasted nuts. Their ability to age almost indefinitely and their diversity of styles, from dry to sweet, contribute to the worldwide renown of these wines. The 4 noble grape varieties used individually are Bual, Sercial, Verdhelo and Malvasia. Cheers!
The historical and cultural importance of Madeira wines
Did you know that Madeira wine has been produced on the island for over 500 years? We realized how closely it is linked to the identity and heritage of this island destination. We learned more about its unique winemaking process, developed over centuries. This know-how is a testament to the ingenuity of the local people. Historically, this wine has played a crucial role in maritime trade, earning it worldwide renown. This fragrant cru is also often used in many recipes for cooking with wine. Today, Madeira wine remains a symbol of the island, shaping its landscape and economy, while perpetuating a centuries-old tradition appreciated the world over.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
SHE MADE THE TRIP Elisa
