From Funchal: Full-Day Madeira Wine Tour with Lunch

If you’re looking to explore Madeira beyond its famous landscapes, this full-day Madeira wine tour promises a deep dive into the island’s vineyards, tasting sessions, and local cuisine. We’ve seen plenty of reviews praising the experience for its knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views, making it a popular choice among visitors eager to savor Madeira’s beverage heritage.

What really appeals to us about this tour is its balance of wine tasting and sightseeing, plus the chance to meet local winemakers and sample truly authentic food. The itinerary packs a lot into just one day, which means you’ll get a comprehensive look at Madeira’s wine region and its stunning scenery.

However, a potential consideration is the price point — $210 per person. While many reviews suggest it’s worth the cost, some travelers might find it on the higher side, especially if you’re budget-conscious.

This experience tends to suit those who appreciate good wine, scenic drives, and cultural insights. If you’re a wine lover, a curious traveler wanting to learn about Madeira’s unique wine traditions, or someone craving an authentic taste of the island’s food and landscapes, this tour fits the bill well.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with transportation, tastings, and a traditional lunch
• Knowledgeable guides who share local stories and insights
• Visit multiple wineries across different regions, including Blandys and Barbeitos
• Scenic viewpoints that showcase Madeira’s natural beauty
• Small group size (limited to 10 participants) for a more personalized experience
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later features

This full-day tour from Funchal is built around a combination of wine tastings, scenic drives, and authentic food experiences. It’s designed to give you a well-rounded taste of Madeira’s wine culture, with plenty of opportunities to learn and enjoy at a relaxed pace.

Starting the Day – The First Winery Visit at Blandys

Your journey begins in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Funchal. The first stop is at Blandys Wine Lodges, one of the oldest and most renowned Madeira wine producers. Here, you’ll get a guided tour of their historic cellars, where the process of making Madeira wine is explained in straightforward terms that even wine novices can appreciate.

Expect to taste two Madeira Fortified Wines, which are the flagship products of Blandys. This initial tasting sets a good tone, as the wines are highly praised for their quality and depth. Guests often mention how the guide makes the experience engaging, offering insights into the nuances of Madeira’s unique wine-making style.

Crossing the Island – The UNESCO Forest and Scenic Drive

After the first tasting, your guide will take you across Madeira, passing through the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere make this part of the trip memorable, especially for nature lovers. The drive itself is smooth and comfortable, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

The Lunch Stop in São Vicente

Around midday, you’ll reach São Vicente, a key grape-growing region on the island. Here, a local winery will serve you a traditional Madeiran meal— espetadas, which are juicy, skewered beef, paired with local wines. Several reviews highlight this as a highlight of the tour, with many emphasizing the generous portions and authentic flavors. One guest even noted that this cuisine is a rare experience you don’t typically find in restaurants.

The lunch isn’t just about food — it’s an immersive experience, giving you a real taste of Madeira’s culinary traditions. Plus, the wines served at lunch are carefully selected to complement the flavors, making each sip part of the meal.

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Breathtaking Viewpoints and the North Coast

Post-lunch, the tour continues to a spectacular viewpoint, where you’ll stop for panoramic photos. This is the perfect spot to absorb Madeira’s stunning landscapes, and many travelers mention how these moments provide a peaceful break from the busy tasting stops.

The journey then takes you along scenic roads on the north coast, with about 15 minutes dedicated to these breathtaking vistas. The views often leave a lasting impression — lush hills, rugged coastlines, and colorful villages.

Visiting Barbeitos in Câmara de Lobos

Your last winery visit is at Barbeitos, on the south coast, famous for its fortified Madeira wines. Here, you’ll have a guided tour and tasting session, often described as very insightful and friendly. The wines are praised for their exceptional quality, with many reviewers mentioning their distinctive flavors.

Wrap-up and Return to Funchal

The tour wraps up with a final stop at around 5:00 p.m. in Funchal. During the day, you’ll have tasted multiple wines, learned about Madeira’s viticulture, and enjoyed some of the island’s most scenic spots. The entire experience lasts about 8 hours and includes all entrance fees, transportation in air-conditioned vans, and a delicious traditional lunch.

Based on the reviews, most guests find the tour well-organized, fun, and highly educational. Guides like Sofia, Roberto, and Graça are often highlighted for their friendliness, humor, and wealth of knowledge. One review describes Sofia as a “born story-teller,” making the day both enjoyable and informative.

Many mention that the wines are of excellent quality and that the views during the drive are among the best on the island. The lunch at the vineyard is consistently praised as a highlight — hearty, authentic, and paired with great wines.

You’ll also find that the small group size (max 10 participants) makes for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. This is especially appreciated by travelers who prefer a more personalized experience over large bus tours.

What could be better?

A few reviews noted that $210 per person might be a bit steep, but most agree that the value matches the quality — especially considering the all-inclusive nature of the tour, tastings, guide expertise, and lunch. That said, if you’re on a tight budget, you might find other experiences cheaper, but maybe less comprehensive.

If you’re passionate about wine or eager to learn about Madeira’s unique wine-making traditions, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for adventurous foodies who want to taste authentic local dishes in a beautiful setting.

The scenic drives and viewpoints also make this perfect for those who enjoy landscape photography and relaxed sightseeing. While it’s not specifically geared toward families with young children, older kids or teens interested in wine or nature might find it engaging.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences, value knowledgeable guides, and want a well-rounded, educational day that combines wine with the island’s stunning scenery.

All in all, this full-day Madeira wine tour offers a comprehensive, enjoyable, and well-organized way to experience the island’s viticultural heritage. The combination of guided tastings, scenic drives, and authentic local food means you’ll leave with both a fuller belly and a richer understanding of Madeira’s wine culture.

Many reviews highlight the expert guides and breathtaking views as standout features, making this a worthwhile splurge for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. While the price might be a consideration, most agree that the experience offers good value for the high-quality tastings and memorable scenery.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, engaging, and insider look at Madeira’s vineyards with plenty of opportunities to take in the island’s beauty, this tour will tick those boxes. It’s a lovely way to spend a full day, especially if you enjoy learning about local traditions, sampling great wines, and exploring scenic spots off the beaten path.

Is the tour suitable for non-wine drinkers?
While primarily focused on wine tasting, the experience also includes sightseeing and a traditional lunch. If you’re not a wine enthusiast, you might still enjoy the scenic drives and local cuisine, but the core activity is tasting.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting with pick-up in the morning and returning around 5:30 p.m. The schedule includes visits to four wineries, a scenic viewpoint, and a hearty lunch.

Are the tastings guided or self-guided?
All tastings are guided, with expert guides helping you fully appreciate the flavors and differences among the wines.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in air-conditioned vans, all entrance fees, guided tours, tastings, and the traditional lunch.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, older children or teenagers interested in wine and scenery could enjoy the experience, but it’s mainly suited for adults.

Can I buy wines directly from the wineries?
Yes, you can purchase wines directly from the cellars and producers visited during the tour, which might be a good way to bring a piece of Madeira home.

In summary, if you’re after a rich, guided glimpse into Madeira’s wine scene paired with spectacular views and good food, this tour is a great pick. It’s not just about drinking wine—it’s about experiencing the island’s culture through its flavors and landscapes, all in a comfortable, friendly setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: