Adventure Collective
Wine & Culture Tour at Madeira Wine Lodge | Madeira Island - Funchal

Wine & Culture Tour at Madeira Wine Lodge | Madeira Island

Funchaleasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most visitors; no special fitness required

Overview

Step inside Madeira’s historic wine lodge for a deep dive into the island's rich winemaking past. Discover rare vintages, captivating stories, and authentic flavors that make Madeira wine legendary.

Farm
Winery
Wine
Funchal, Madeira

Madeira Wine Premium Tour

Starting at €20 | 45 min | Parties of 1 to 20 | Funchal

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Adventure Photos

Madeira Wine Premium Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Discover the rich history of Madeira wine at Blandy's Wine Lodge, a mid-19th century treasure. Explore unique rooms, taste rare vintages like the 1920 Bual, and admire historical artifacts. This immersive tour offers a glimpse into 200 years of winemaking, culminating in a delightful tasting experience.

Rates

Adult: €15 Ages 15 & Older

Child: €5.80 Ages 06 to 14

Young Child: Free Ages 5 & Younger


Duration

45 Min


Location

Funchal (City Centre)


About

Purchased in the mid-19th century by Charles Ridpath Blandy in the mid-19th century, the Canteiro lodge proved not only to be extremely valuable property, but also directly connected to the family's townhouse.

Each one of the rooms in the lodge has its own character and due to the differing temperatures and humidity, the wines all have differing ageing profiles based on their location. The eastern warehouse holds wine dating back to 1920 and the family's private vintage collection is held within thick stone walls, below the ground floor. The museum holds intriguing artefacts including letters from Sir. Winston Churchill, coins from Blandy's bank and the island's oldest wooden lagar, dating back to the 17th century.

Murals from the renowned German artist, Max Römer, illustrate the traditional Madeiran harvest in the main tasting room where a wide range of the company's wines are kept. The Vintage room is the cathedral of Blandy's rarest and oldest Madeira wines, where wines dating from the beginning of the 20th century can be tasted, such as Blandy's Bual 1920.

Today the Blandy's Wine Lodge is the heart of the family's wine business where over 650 barrels and vats are stored, ageing the finest of the family's wines in the traditional canteiro method. This experience will give you the opportunity to explore 200 years of Madeira wine. Available from Monday to Saturday, the tours visit the various areas of the lodge, finishing with a tasting.


Includes

Our most comprehensive tour covers the making of barrels at the Cooperage, the transformation of grapes into Madeira wine, Brazilian satinwood storage vats and a tour of the museum with unique items from the history of Madeira wine, followed by a tasting.

Experience includes visits to:

  • Cooperage
  • "Canteiro" Lodge
  • Vine to Wine tour
  • Satinwood Vats
  • Museum
  • Plus tasting 2 wines

NOTE

After booking we will send all the details of the reservation, as well as the location of the production.

If you wish to propose another day or time for the experience, send us a message and we will do our best to reschedule, or we can include one more experience for all day.

Adventure Tips

Book in advance

Reserve your spot early, as tours can fill up quickly, especially in peak season.

Taste generously

Take advantage of tastings to learn how different vintages develop unique profiles.

Dress comfortably

Wear casual, climate-appropriate clothing suitable for walking and tasting.

Arrive early

Getting there 15 minutes before your scheduled tour ensures smooth entry and time to settle in.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Madeira lizard
  • Birds such as the Madeiran storm-petrel

History

Madeira wine has been produced since at least the 15th century, playing a vital role in trade and local culture.

Conservation

The estate employs sustainable practices by minimizing chemical use and preserving local flora within the estate boundaries.

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Adventure Hotspots in Funchal

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Good footwear is recommended for walking through the historic lodge and tasting rooms.

Wine tasting glasses

Small personal glasses enhance the tasting experience and prevent spills.

Notebook or tasting journal

Perfect for taking notes on different vintages and flavor profiles.

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Useful if visiting during sunny or warm days outside the lodge.