THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the VIP Gin Masterclass at Solar Branco Eco Estate on São Miguel, featuring one of the world’s largest gin collections paired with stunning ocean views. Savor expertly matched gins and tonics while uncovering the estate’s rich history.
Discover the VIP Gin Masterclass at Solar Branco Eco Estate on São Miguel, featuring one of the world’s largest gin collections paired with stunning ocean views. Savor expertly matched gins and tonics while uncovering the estate’s rich history.
Book with Solar Branco Eco Estate
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Solar Branco Eco Estate · Ponta Delgada, Açores
Perched on the lush hillsides of São Miguel in the Azores, Solar Branco Eco Estate offers a unique blend of history, landscape, and a refined taste experience with its VIP Gin Masterclass. This exclusive tasting is held within the Gin Library, home to one of the largest private gin collections worldwide, curated meticulously by owner and gin expert Ali Bullock. The setting alone captivates: panoramic views stretch from the green hills of São Miguel out to the Atlantic Ocean, providing a serene backdrop whether the library doors are open on a sunny day or guests are cozied indoors during rain.
The masterclass is an intimate affair limited to six guests, creating a personalized environment to sample a selection of top-tier gins. Each gin is paired expertly with its ideal tonic and garnish, allowing participants to understand the subtle interactions that elevate a gin and tonic from simple drink to crafted experience. Alongside the tasting, light snacks complement the flavors and enhance the sensory journey.
Beyond the liquid offerings, the experience delves into gin’s rich history and its modern revival, weaving in tales from the estate itself. Constructed in the 1800s, Solar Branco played a part in the citrus trade with the United Kingdom, a historic thread that guests can explore during their private tour of the eco-estate grounds. This seamless merging of beverage expertise, history, and spectacular natural surroundings makes the masterclass a stand-out attraction on São Miguel, extending the island’s outdoor adventure narrative beyond trails and volcanoes to include cultural and culinary discovery.
Guests should note this is strictly an adult-only experience, lasting about 1.5 hours, and alcohol consumption requires arranged transport for safety. Solar Branco Eco Estate’s VIP Gin Masterclass is an ideal way to unwind and engage deeply with local heritage and world-class spirits, making it a must-try for visitors looking to taste the Azores in an unexpected way.
easy.
1.5 hours.
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels.
Yes, the session is designed for all experience levels, with expert guidance on tasting and gin history.
No, this experience is strictly for adults aged 18 and over.
Guests typically sample several handpicked gins, each paired with carefully selected tonics and garnishes.
Yes, private tastings for larger groups can be arranged by contacting Solar Branco Eco Estate directly.
No transport is included; guests are encouraged to arrange taxis or designated drivers due to alcohol consumption.
Please contact Solar Branco Eco Estate for specific cancellation details as policies may vary.
Solar Branco Eco Estate dates to the 1800s and was historically linked to the Azorean citrus trade with the UK during that period.
The estate embraces eco-conscious practices, promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the island’s unique landscape and biodiversity.
Solar Branco Eco Estate is a historic estate located in Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel in the Açores. The estate is home to The Gin Library, which houses over 600 gin bottles and hosts a range of adults-only experiences focused on gin education, tasting, and craft. Solar Branco offers six curated experiences: Gin Flight; Chef Joana’s Sustainable Sushi Dinner at Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den; Azorean Gin Masterclass; Visit The Gin Library; Learn How to Make the Perfect Gin & Tonic; and a VIP Gin Masterclass with estate tour. Several experiences are led by named experts, including owner Ali Bullock and guide Lemon, and emphasize local ingredients such as Baleia Gin and sustainable Azorean fish. The Azorean Gin Masterclass and other tastings highlight regional gins and pairings, while some masterclasses limit attendance to ten guests for an intimate setting. The Gin Flight allows guests to sample three or six gin and tonics paired with complimentary snacks and guided flavor notes. Chef Joana’s Sustainable Sushi Dinner is omakase-style and showcases local fish and Azorean flavors in a hidden São Miguel venue. The Learn How to Make the Perfect Gin & Tonic session teaches technique and botanical selection, and it supports marine conservation initiatives associated with Baleia Gin. Solar Branco Eco Estate markets distinctive, reservation-only experiences, picturesque island views, and a specialist focus on gin craftsmanship and sustainable dining. Reservations are recommended; several experiences require advance booking to secure limited seating and guided attention on São Miguel island locations.
Book with Solar Branco Eco Estate