If you’re looking to experience the best of Madeira’s wine culture in a full-day tour, this Visiting Local Vineyard with Wine Tasting & Lunch offers a comprehensive taste of the island’s heritage. Priced at $207.52 per person, the tour covers multiple vineyard visits, a traditional Madeira lunch, and a cable car ride to a stunning beach. With a high 5.0 rating based on 24 reviews and recommended by 100% of participants, this experience combines scenic drives, expert-guided tastings, and local culinary delights.

The tour departs at 9:00 am from Funchal and lasts approximately 8 hours. It is suitable for most travelers, with hotel pickup and drop-off included in the price, making logistics straightforward. This tour is particularly praised for knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and excellent wine-tasting opportunities, though its pace is relaxed, making it ideal for those eager to savor Madeira’s sights and flavors without rushing.

Key Points

Full-day Madeira wine experience with multiple vineyard visits and tastings
Includes local lunch paired with Madeira wines, with vegetarian options available
Cable car ride to Faja dos Padres, offering breathtaking views and a visit to an almost desert-like beach
Visits to Camara De Lobos, Sao Vicente, and Seixal, showcasing diverse scenery and cultural highlights
Expert guides like Susanna and Manuel receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge
Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off across Funchal and nearby towns

Exploring Madeira’s Vineyard Landscape and Local Wine Culture

This Madeira wine tour takes you through different parts of the island, with a focus on visiting local vineyards and wine cellars. Starting in Camara De Lobos, a charming fishing village, the tour provides a chance to see where Madeira grapes are grown and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions. The stops are carefully chosen to combine scenic beauty with cultural insights, making the experience rewarding visually and educationally.

The visit to Faja dos Padres stands out as an unusual highlight. This location features a walk around the property, allowing visitors to discover exotic fruits, plants, and the history of the area. The breathtaking scenery, combined with the peaceful surroundings, makes it a perfect spot for photos and relaxation. The guided walk helps visitors appreciate the unique environment and the stories that shape this spot.

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Vineyard Visits and Wine Tasting at Sao Vicente and Camara De Lobos

A key part of this tour is the guided tour through a vineyard with a wine enologist at Sao Vicente. Here, participants meet the wine producer and sample a variety of wines. The wine tasting includes three white wines, one rosé, and two red wines, paired with traditional tapas, enhancing the flavors and offering a true taste of Madeira’s wine diversity.

Back in Camara De Lobos, the tour visits a historic wine lodge dating from 1850, where the large barrels and modern facilities produce some of the island’s finest fortified wines. This famous wine lodge has earned numerous medals and awards, dispelling the impression that Madeira wine is outdated or dull. The sampling session here is often noted as a highlight, with five different fortified wines served, giving guests a broad perspective on Madeira’s wine craftsmanship.

The Traditional Madeira Espetada Lunch and Wine Pairing

A highlight of the tour is the lunch at a Madeira wine estate, where the focus is on local ingredients and traditional recipes. The espetada, a popular dish of skewered meat, is prepared with fresh ingredients, showcasing Madeira’s hearty culinary style. The meal is paired with local wines, designed to complement the flavors and deepen the tasting experience.

The lunch lasts around three hours, providing ample time to relax and enjoy the generous portions and fabulous wine pairings. Vegetarian options are available upon request, ensuring that all dietary preferences are catered for. This part of the tour offers a gastronomic perspective, connecting Madeira’s food with its wine traditions.

Scenic Cable Car Ride to Faja dos Padres Beach

Following lunch, the tour includes a cable car ride that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and vineyards. The cable car transports visitors to Faja dos Padres, an almost untouched beach that resembles a desert oasis. The scenery here is striking, with vivid landscapes and clear waters, making the ride a memorable visual highlight.

At Faja dos Padres, guests can walk around and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, exploring the exotic fruits and lush vegetation cultivated in this area. The beach itself is a rare sight – a quiet, pristine spot perfect for relaxing or taking photos. The cable car is included in the tour, adding a sense of adventure and scenic beauty to the day.

Northern Coaststop in Seixal and Vineyard Views

After the beach visit, the tour continues along Madeira’s northern coast, stopping in Seixal. Here, the landscape shifts to include vines on slopes, expansive sea views, and the Laurel forest at higher elevations. The scenery provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the island’s geographical diversity.

This stop is a good opportunity to see vintage vineyards and natural beauty. The relaxed pace allows visitors to take in the fresh air and scenic vistas, rounding out the day’s sightseeing with a sense of tranquility and connection to Madeira’s natural environment.

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Visiting the Historic Madeira Fortified Wine Cellar

The tour concludes with a visit to a historic Madeira wine lodge that features large barrels and a modern wine lodge dating from 1850. This location is renowned for its top-quality Madeira fortified wines, which have earned medals and awards over recent years.

Here, visitors sample five different fortified wines, gaining insight into Madeira’s wine production process and its long-standing reputation for quality. The modern facilities demonstrate how the island balances tradition with innovation, appealing to those interested in wine craftsmanship.

Practical Details and Booking Information

This full-day Madeira tour is designed for convenience, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, Caniço, Camara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol, and Calheta included. The group size is limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Booking typically occurs 58 days in advance, reflecting high demand. The tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for planning. The mobile ticket makes access easy, and pickup is offered for added convenience.

Why This Madeira Wine Tour Is Worth Considering

This 8-hour Madeira wine tour combines vineyard visits, tastings, scenic highlights, and a delicious traditional lunch, making it a well-rounded choice for anyone interested in Madeira’s wine and culinary traditions. The inclusion of a cable car ride to Faja dos Padres adds an unforgettable scenic element, while stops in Camara De Lobos, Sao Vicente, and Seixal showcase the island’s diverse landscape.

The tour receives perfect ratings from all 24 reviews, with guests especially praising knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and excellent wine quality. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy relaxed pacing, cultural insights, and scenic drives, though it requires a full day and some walking at stops like Faja dos Padres.

While the price of $207.52 might seem high, the experience’s inclusions — multiple vineyard visits, tastings, a traditional lunch, and scenic cable car ride — offer good value. It’s a comprehensive way to explore Madeira’s wine culture and natural beauty in one well-organized day.

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Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included

5.0

(24)

100% 5-star

“Excellent wine tasting in beautiful setting plus delicious lunch. Our guide was very friendly but couldnt stop talking – mostly about herself!”

— David S, Featured

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price across various locations in Madeira.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options are available on request for the lunch.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending in the late afternoon.

What stops are included?
Stops include Camara De Lobos, Faja dos Padres, Sao Vicente, Seixal, and the Madeira wine lodge.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
The pace and walking involved are generally manageable for most, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking at Faja dos Padres and scenic stops.

Are there any additional costs?
All wine tastings, lunch, and cable car ride are included; no extra charges are expected unless additional personal purchases are made.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are best made 58 days in advance, and the tour can be canceled free of charge with 24 hours’ notice.

What is the overall rating for this tour?
It holds a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating based on 24 reviews, reflecting consistent satisfaction.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of vineyard visits, expert-guided tastings, scenic cable car rides, and a local Madeira lunch makes it a comprehensive and highly praised experience.