Madeira: Wine Tasting Day Tour with Lunch & North Coast Views

Summary

Madeira’s wine, forest air & north coast flavors in one day

You’ll start your Madeira wine tasting tour in Funchal with a local guide, sampling fortified wines at historic lodges before crossing lush forests to São Vicente for vineyard walks and a traditional espetada lunch. Expect honest flavors, ocean views, and moments where you’ll just want to pause and breathe it all in.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first sip of Madeira wine at Blandy’s to taste like old wood and orange peel — it kind of lingered, you know? Our guide, João, had this way of telling stories that made the barrels seem almost alive. We started early from Funchal, and the city was just waking up. There was this faint smell of bread in the air as we got into the van (hotel pickup is a small blessing when you’re not a morning person).

The drive across the island felt like a slow reveal — suddenly we were in the Laurissilva Forest and everything went quiet except for birds and that soft hum of tires on damp road. João pointed out trees I’d never heard of, and I tried to remember their names but only managed “laurel.” When we reached São Vicente for our next wine tasting, the clouds hung low over the vineyards. The red was sharp, almost earthy. Lunch was espetada — skewered beef grilled over wood fire — with potatoes that tasted like they’d just come out of someone’s garden. I tried to say “espetada” properly; João laughed and said I sounded more Spanish than Portuguese.

After lunch we walked through rows of vines while a dog barked somewhere nearby. The view from the north coast lookout stopped all conversation for a second — cliffs dropping into wild sea, wind pulling at my jacket. On the way back south, Barbeito’s winery felt quieter somehow; maybe everyone else was full or sleepy by then. Last glass in hand, I realized how different each place had felt — not just the wines but the people pouring them. I still think about that view above São Vicente sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Madeira wine tasting tour

• Depart from Funchal
• Visit Blandy’s Wine Lodges
• Taste Madeira Fortified Wines
• Cross island to North Coast
• Pass through Laurissilva Forest
• Arrive in São Vicente
• Taste red, white, and rose wines
• Walk in vineyards
• Enjoy lunch with espetada dish
• Stop at North Coast viewpoint
• Visit Barbeito’s winery
• Final Madeira wine tasting
• Return to south coast

Top questions

How long does the Madeira wine tasting tour last?

This is a full-day tour departing from Funchal and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Madeira day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal are included.

What food is served during lunch on this tour?

The tour includes lunch featuring espetada (skewered beef) with local sides.

Are there multiple wine tastings on this Madeira tour?

Yes, tastings are held at Blandy’s Wine Lodges, a vineyard in São Vicente, and Barbeito’s winery.

Does this day trip visit the Laurissilva Forest?

Yes, you’ll cross through the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest en route to São Vicente.

Is this Madeira wine tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal, guided visits to historic wineries with tastings of Madeira wines (including fortified varieties), a walk through vineyards on the north coast, beverages throughout, plus a traditional espetada lunch before heading back south in comfort.