Wine & Food Tour

Exploring Pico, Portugal, becomes even more special with this Wine & Food Tour offered by Terralta Nature Tours. Priced at $225.31 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, making it a full-day experience dedicated to the island’s culinary and vinicultural delights. With a small group cap of 8 participants, this tour ensures personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere, ideal for those eager to learn about local traditions while indulging in authentic tastes. The tour is highly rated, with all 24 reviews giving it a perfect 5-star rating, emphasizing its quality and popularity. Booking is recommended about 57 days in advance due to its high demand.

The tour begins at 10:00 am from the easy-to-find Madalena – Gare Marítima João Quaresma. It offers a carefully curated itinerary that balances visits to historic vineyards, local distilleries, and UNESCO-protected landscapes, capped with a regional lunch that showcases Pico’s culinary heritage. This experience is perfect for food and wine lovers who want to combine scenic exploration with tasting authentic Azorean products. While the tour involves some walking and outdoor visits, the pace remains relaxed, making it accessible for most travelers.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants ensures personalized interaction.
• Visit to Pico’s UNESCO-listed vineyards and historic wine-producing sites.
• Includes a regional lunch featuring local dishes, cheeses, and beverages.
• Sampling of wines, cheeses, and liqueurs at different stops, including Picowines and a local distillery.
• Tour departs at 10:00 am from Madalena and lasts about 8.5 hours.
• Highly praised guides like Filipe, known for their knowledge and connections.

Exploring Pico’s Vineyard Heritage at Picowines

The tour kicks off with a guided visit to Picowines, where the focus is on wine tasting and understanding the island’s viticulture. The admission is included, and the guide provides insights into the local wine-making process, helping guests appreciate Pico’s rich tradition as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. The visit lasts around an hour, giving enough time to enjoy a selection of local wines and ask questions about the island’s unique terroir.

The vines of Pico are a key highlight, with the next stop offering a deeper look into the historic vineyards of the island. It’s a guided walk through UNESCO-protected vineyard landscapes, where centuries-old vines tell stories of generations of wine makers. This area, known as Lajido da Criacao Velha, is a UNESCO heritage site, and the 30-minute visit offers stunning views and insights into the island’s agricultural history.

Visiting the UNESCO-Listed Vineyards of Lajido da Criacao Velha

Next, the tour takes guests to the Paisagem Protegida do Lajido da Criacao Velha, where century-old vines stretch across volcanic soils. The landscape offers breathtaking views of the island’s rugged terrain, and the visit is a short 30-minute walk that emphasizes the importance of vine cultivation to Pico’s identity. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this area showcases how traditional practices have preserved the landscape for centuries.

Guests gain an appreciation for how the unique volcanic soil and climate influence Pico’s wine flavors. The site also provides picture-perfect scenery, making it a favorite stop for those wanting memorable views paired with cultural depth.

Sampling Local Liqueurs at Adega de Santana

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Adega de Santana, a distillery where local liqueurs are crafted. The one-hour visit includes a tasting session of various liqueurs, giving insight into Pico’s distillation traditions. The guide explains the process and shares stories behind each beverage, enhancing the tasting experience.

This stop offers a chance to discover locally made spirits that showcase the island’s craftsmanship. Guests leave with a deeper understanding of Pico’s liqueur culture and may choose to purchase bottles to bring home.

Discovering UNESCO’s Vineyards in the North

The largest stop on the itinerary is a two-hour guided exploration of the northern vineyards, covering notable sites like Lugar do Cabrito, Arcos, Lajido de Santa Luzia, and Cachorro. This extensive visit highlights Pico’s diverse vineyard landscape, where traditional methods are still employed, and the scenery is marked by stone walls and volcanic terrain.

During this walk, guests learn about local wine production and see how the landscape remains largely unchanged for centuries. The area’s spectacular views and cultural significance make it a key part of Pico’s viticultural identity.

Enjoying a Regional Lunch with Local Delights

After a morning of sightseeing and tastings, guests are treated to an included regional lunch. The meal features authentic Azorean dishes such as local cheeses and possibly other regional specialties. The lunch offers a relaxing break in the day, providing time to savor the flavors of Pico and reflect on the morning’s experiences. Many reviews mention this meal as a standout, often describing it as the best lunch of the week.

The lunch not only satisfies hunger but also deepens understanding of local culinary traditions, making it a genuine taste of Pico’s gastronomy.

Visiting the Island’s Distillery for Liquor Tasting

The Adega de Santana stop further emphasizes Pico’s tradition of distilling local spirits. During this one-hour visit, guests can taste various liqueurs crafted on the island. The guide shares stories of local production, giving an authentic look into Pico’s liquor culture. It’s an engaging experience for those interested in Alpine spirits and local craftsmanship.

Guests often appreciate the knowledgeable guidance and the opportunity to taste distinctive liqueurs directly from the producers.

Scenic Walks and Cultural Insights on the North Vineyards Tour

The two-hour exploration of northern vineyards immerses visitors in Pico’s cultural landscape. The areas visited are known for their UNESCO designation and traditional stone walls that enclose the vineyards. As the guide explains the history and importance of this region, guests enjoy sweeping views of volcanic terrain and quaint rural settings.

This stop is praised for providing insight into local wine-making practices and for being a photographer’s paradise. It’s a chance to walk among centuries-old vines and learn how they continue to thrive in Pico’s volcanic environment.

The Guide and Overall Experience

Filipe, the guide, receives high praise for his extensive knowledge of the island’s history, nature, and wine culture. Described as outstanding, Filipe’s storytelling and strong local connections significantly enhance the tour. Guests find the pace well-balanced, with enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

His friendly approach and deep understanding make the experience feel personalized and authentic, leaving guests with a genuine appreciation of Pico’s cultural and natural heritage.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Booking

The tour departs at 10:00 am from Madalena – Gare Marítima João Quaresma. The group size is limited to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with good mobility, and service animals are allowed.

Booking should be made well in advance—an average of 57 days ahead—to secure a spot. The tour features group discounts and offers the convenience of a mobile ticket. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for weather or schedule changes.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Taste of Pico’s Wine and Food Heritage

This 8.5-hour guided tour offers an excellent way to explore Pico’s famous vineyards, taste local wines and spirits, and enjoy a traditional regional lunch. The focus on UNESCO World Heritage sites and authentic culinary experiences makes it ideal for those curious about Pico’s cultural landscape.

The personalized attention from guides like Filipe, combined with the diverse stops, makes this tour stand out among other activities on the island. The tour is well-suited for food and wine enthusiasts who appreciate storytelling, scenic landscapes, and local traditions, all wrapped into a thoughtfully curated experience.

While physically engaging, the tour remains accessible for most participants and provides a deep dive into Pico’s vineyard heritage and gastronomic culture. For a comprehensive taste of Pico’s landscape, history, and flavors, this tour is a rewarding choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes visits to vineyards, a distillery, UNESCO sites, a regional lunch, and wine, cheese, and liqueur tastings.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Madalena – Gare Marítima João Quaresma and concludes at the same location.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking at several stops, including vineyard areas and landscapes, which may suit most but should be checked based on individual mobility.

What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended to enjoy the scenic views and outdoor visits.

Is food or drink included apart from tastings?
Yes, the regional lunch is included, offering local dishes and cheeses.

What makes this tour special compared to other activities on Pico?
Its focus on UNESCO-listed vineyards, local spirits, and authentic gastronomy, combined with a small group size and knowledgeable guides, provides an engaging and in-depth experience.

How do I book this tour?
Advance booking is recommended through the provided platform, with options for group discounts and mobile tickets.