THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Pull up a seat at the open kitchen counter of Azores Wine Company on Pico Island for Menu ao Balcão “Fun Dinning” —a two-hour tapas journey featuring local volcanic-inspired ingredients paired with rare Azorean wines.
Pull up a seat at the open kitchen counter of Azores Wine Company on Pico Island for Menu ao Balcão “Fun Dinning” —a two-hour tapas journey featuring local volcanic-inspired ingredients paired with rare Azorean wines.
Book with Azores Wine Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Azores Wine Company · Bandeiras, Açores
On the rugged volcanic slopes of Pico Island, part of the Azores archipelago, the Azores Wine Company offers an intimate culinary escape that stands apart in this wild, ocean-swept landscape. Located in Bandeiras, a quiet settlement near Madalena, this experience invites visitors to pull up a stool at an open kitchen counter for Menu ao Balcão "Fun Dinning," a two-hour journey through contemporary tapas crafted exclusively from the island’s freshest ingredients.
Pico Island is renowned for its black lava fields and UNESCO World Heritage vineyards that cling to the steep terrain. Here, local chefs transform produce, cheeses, and seafood into artful plates that showcase the island’s volcanic soil richness and Atlantic bounty. The intimate setup seats guests directly in front of the chefs, creating an energized atmosphere that is both casual and precise—a true celebration of craftsmanship without the stiffness of formal dining.
What makes this experience outstanding is its thoughtful pairing with meticulously curated wines from the Azores Wine Company’s cellar, highlighting rare varietals grown right in these azorean volcanic vineyards. Diners can choose by the glass or bottle, engaging with wines that reflect the island’s unique terroir and microclimates. The setting fosters conversation between guests and culinary artisans, making it ideal for adventurous food lovers eager to understand the source and story behind each bite and sip.
The Menu ao Balcão experience is tailored for quality seekers who appreciate creative gastronomy in an authentic environment. While it does not cater to vegan menus, adaptations for vegetarians are available. Set against Pico’s dramatic natural backdrop, this dining experience suites perfectly as a cultural complement for travelers who come for hiking, whale watching, and volcanic exploration but want to dive deeper into Azorean flavors. Azores Wine Company is a standout destination on Pico for anyone looking to savor the island’s spirit through its food and wine.
easy.
2 hours.
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels
Menu ao Balcão is designed for adults due to wine pairings and tapas style.
Yes, vegetarian adaptations are offered, but a fully vegan menu is not available.
Guests can choose from a curated selection by glass or bottle, with sommeliers available for recommendations.
Booking at least one week in advance is recommended, especially in peak tourist season.
Please contact Azores Wine Company directly for their specific cancellation terms.
Accessibility details should be confirmed with the operator when booking.
Pico Island’s UNESCO-listed vineyards date back to the 15th century, carved from lava stone walls that protect the vines from Atlantic winds.
Sustainable winegrowing practices here preserve soil health and promote biodiversity critical to Pico’s fragile island ecosystem.
Azores Wine Company is a boutique wine experience based in Bandeiras, Açores. The company curates guided tastings and dining events that showcase wines from the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and select continental regions of Portugal, Spain and Italy. Experiences range from two-hour tasting journeys—highlighting grape varieties such as Arinto dos Açores, Verdelho, Terrantez do Pico, Listrão and Listan Blanco—to menu-led meals at the open kitchen counter. Tastings include region-focused trips like "Islands – Portugal, Espanha e Itália", island comparisons, single-producer showcases such as António Maçanita selections, and themed menus including "Sal & Especiarias" and "Loucos por Brancos Fantásticos!" Several experiences pair wines with curated dishes; the Menu ao Balcão offers vegetarian customization while noting the tasting menu is not available for guests avoiding meat and fish. Many standard tastings run approximately two hours and draw directly on Pico Island ingredients and Azorean wine traditions. Azores Wine Company connects guests with producers, sources rare local varieties from volcanic terroirs, and maintains a wine library used for special selections. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the business emphasizes authentic regional storytelling, small-group formats and carefully paired flavors. Visitors seeking island wine education, unique tasting menus, or a focused exploration of Azorean grape varieties will find specialized, on-location experiences in Bandeiras.
Book with Azores Wine Company