Funchal isn’t just about stunning coastlines and historic sights; it’s a hidden gem for wine lovers eager to explore Madeira’s renowned vineyards and unique wine traditions. The island’s rugged terrain and steep terraces make for exceptional wine-tasting adventures, especially when combined with scenic drives and cultural stops. One experience that stands out is the Skywalk with Wines Tasting and Vineyards Half day 4×4 Adventure, which pairs breathtaking cliffside views with expertly guided wine tastings—perfect for those wanting a mix of adventure and education.
For travelers seeking more intimate tours, the Madeira Island Private Wine Full-day Tour offers a personalized experience through secluded vineyards, plus opportunities to enjoy panoramic views at Girao Cape and Seixal’s natural pools. If a shorter, lively experience is more your style, the Skywalk and 4×4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting delivers a compact but engaging tour with off-road fun and scenic stops.
These tours cover a range of styles—whether you want off-road vineyard visits, private guided explorations, or group wine tastings with spectacular views—ensuring there’s something suited to every kind of traveler.
1. Skywalk with Wines Tasting and Vineyards Half day 4×4 Adventure
At number 1, this half-day 4×4 adventure offers a perfect introduction to Madeira’s spectacular landscapes and wine culture. After a convenient hotel pickup, you’ll traverse the island’s stunning cliffs of Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest sea cliff, with its glass-floored balcony providing a dramatic backdrop. The tour then takes you to a local vineyard in São Vicente, where an expert winemaker shares insights into Madeira’s white, red, and rosé wines, with tastings included. The off-road route allows for fantastic photo ops and a more authentic experience than traditional wine tours.
Guests consistently praise the fun driving, the knowledgeable guide Diogo, and the spectacular views. Many reviewers mention how this tour makes the most of limited time while offering a genuine taste of Madeira’s wine traditions and wild scenery. With a price around $87 per person, it’s excellent value for a combination of scenic driving and cultural insight.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a combination of off-road adventure and wine tasting in a short half-day.
2. Skywalk and 4×4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting
This tour provides a smaller group experience with just around 192 reviews and a reputation for personal attention. For about $52, you’ll join a Jeep tour exploring Madeira’s cliffs, including the Boca dos Namorados viewpoint, and the famous Cabo Girao, with its glass balcony—a highlight for many visitors. The guide takes you soft off-road through areas like Boca Da Corrida at 1200 meters, revealing hidden viewpoints and lush scenery.
The itinerary also includes stopping at Nun’s Valley and sampling Madeira wines at a local vineyard, making it a well-rounded half-day adventure. Reviewers mention the energetic guide Gil, the fun off-road driving, and the stunning landscapes. With a budget-friendly price of just over $52, it appeals to those wanting to maximize sights and wine in a manageable time.
Bottom line: Great for small groups and adventure seekers who want quick access to Madeira’s top viewpoints and wine tastings.
3. Skywalk, Madeira Wines Tasting and Vineyards 4×4 Experience
Offering around 7 hours, this tour combines spectacular panoramic views with deep dives into Madeira’s wine culture. Starting with visits to the highest cliff in Europe at Cabo Girao, the tour continues to São Vicente, renowned for its vintners and vineyard landscapes. You’ll then head into Serra de Água’s lush valley, finishing in Câmera de Lobos, famous for its fishermen’s village charm and wine tastings.
What makes this experience stand out is the longer duration and the opportunity to actually learn about wine production from long-time owners and sample local wines paired with local snacks. Visitors rave about the views, the knowledgeable guides, and the authentic vineyard visits. Priced at around $103, this is great for those wanting a full-day immersive experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for wine enthusiasts and those wanting a relaxed, educational day exploring Madeira’s diverse landscapes.
4. Madeira Island Private Wine Full-day Tour in all terrain vehicle
For around $287 per group, this private tour promises a customized, intimate experience. Led by a dedicated guide, you’ll explore vineyards on cultivated terraces, visiting famous producers of Madeira’s fortified and table wines. The tour includes stops at Girao Cape and Seixal’s natural pools, offering scenic views along with wine tastings (own expense).
Traveling in a convertible 4×4, you get to see parts of the island larger tours might miss, all while learning about Madeira’s wine-making traditions. Many reviews highlight the personalized attention and the stunning vistas, making this ideal for couples or groups wanting a luxury, tailored experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who value privacy and customization over group tours, with a focus on luxury and in-depth knowledge.
5. Wines Tasting Experience and Skywalk with Dolphin Watching
This full-day tour blends wine tasting, spectacular views at Cabo Girao, and dolphin watching, making it a versatile choice. Starting with a vineyard tour and wine tasting in the north, you’ll then walk the Cabo Girao Skywalk, taking in panoramic views. The highlight for many is the boat trip to spot dolphins, adding a dash of marine magic to your day.
Rated with 34 reviews, travelers love the diverse experiences packed into this 8-hour adventure, mentioning friendly guides and fun boat excursions. Costing about $125, it offers great value for combining cultural, scenic, and wildlife experiences.
Bottom line: Excellent for curious travelers who want more than just wine, including dolphin encounters and scenic walks.
6. Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included
For about $208, this full-day private tour takes you to local vineyards, where you’ll learn about Madeira’s wine-making and enjoy tastings of white, rosé, and red wines. The visit to Fajã dos Padres offers insights into exotic fruits and local cultivation, followed by a traditional Madeira lunch (espetada) paired with wines. The tour emphasizes authenticity over commercialized visits, making it a hit with those wanting an immersive culinary experience.
Reviewers mention the beautiful scenery, the knowledgeable guide, and the generous portions of lunch. Priced at $207, it offers excellent value given the comprehensive experience and personalized attention.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies and wine enthusiasts looking for a full-day cultural and gastronomic tour.
7. Madeira: Wine & Tapas, Cabo Girão Skywalk 4×4 Jeep Adventure
This 4-hour tour combines wine and tapas tasting with a skywalk visit at Cabo Girão. Starting from Funchal, you’ll ride in a small group in a 4×4, stopping at scenic spots like São Vicente, Ribeira Brava, and Serra de Água. Along the way, enjoy tasting six exceptional table wines with local cheese and chorizo. The highlight is walking the Cabo Girao Skywalk—one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints.
Guests appreciate the personalized experience and the charming village visits. The tour costs about $51, making it a great value for a short, scenic, wine-focused experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a quick yet immersive off-road tour with wine and spectacular vistas.
8. Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure
At only $62, this half-day adventure combines off-road driving, a visit to Cabo Girao, and a vineyard visit with wine tasting. The open-top 4×4 jeep is perfect for photo stops and scenic views, with highlights like Quinta Grande and Quinta do Barbusano vineyards. The tour also includes a sea cliff walk and a taste of Madeira’s natural beauty and wine culture.
Reviews praise the fun, personalized driving, and the beautiful vistas. It’s suited for travelers short on time but wanting a taste of Madeira’s rugged terrain and wine for a reasonable $61.
Bottom line: Best for adventure lovers wanting a quick, scenic, and wine-rich experience.
9. Funchal: Madeira Wine Tasting with Sommelier
This 1.5-hour session offers a focused tasting of five 10-year Madeira wines guided by a certified sommelier. It also includes cheeses, dried fruits, and chocolates to enhance the tasting experience. For those keen to understand Madeira’s wine style and history, this is a concise yet deep dive into the world of Madeira wine.
Reviewers value the knowledgeable guide, and the curated selection of wines and accompaniments. The price is modest—around $20—and the experience suits anyone wanting a short, educational tasting session.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine novices or those wanting a relaxed, intimate experience.
10. Madeira: Heavenly Sunset Pico do Arieiro with Snacks & Wine
This 4-hour sunset tour costs about $78 and involves picnic snacks, local drinks, and spectacular views from Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. You’ll watch the sunset over the mountains, with photos and peaceful moments. Rated 4.9, travelers love the personal touches, like the small buffet and local drinks.
Highlights include the sunset scenery, the mountain-top picnic, and the chance to relax and enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty. It’s ideal for romantic couples or nature lovers who want to unwind.
Bottom line: Great for romantic evenings and mountain vistas.
11. Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4×4 Adventure
This popular tour combines madeira’s best views with wine tasting and a 4×4 off-road experience. Starting with a visit to Quinta do Barbusano, you’ll enjoy six wines with cheese, then explore Cabo Girao and other viewpoints. The non-crowded setting and touch of adventure appeal to those seeking something a little different.
Guests describe it as “great fun” with “beautiful scenery” and “fabulous wine”. At just over $62, it offers excellent value for a half-day outing that covers both scenery and culture.
Bottom line: Excellent for adventure and wine lovers who want a balanced, popular experience.
12. Guided 4×4 Adventure and Skywalk with Wine and Tapas in Madeira
This 3.5-hour tour is perfect for foodies and explorers alike, combining wine and tapas tasting with visits to Cabo Girao and Serra de Água. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the stops include local markets and scenic views. The tour’s highlight is the tapas paired with Madeira wines, making it more of a culinary experience.
Guests mention friendly guides and beautiful scenic drives. At about $60, it’s a well-rounded option for those wanting a taste of Madeira’s gastronomy and spectacular landscapes.
Bottom line: Best suited for food and wine lovers who want a short, memorable experience with cultural flavors.
13. Half-Day Wine Tour- Shared
Offering a 4-hour shared experience for about $86, this tour takes you from Funchal to Cabo Girao and into Sao Vicente to explore local vineyards. The tour includes off-road scenic drives through terraced vineyards and a visit to the honey museum, adding a sweet touch.
Reviewers find it well-organized with beautiful scenery and authentic wine tasting. It’s good for budget-conscious travelers wanting a rundown of Madeira’s wine and landscape.
Bottom line: Suitable for those on a budget who want a fuller experience in a group setting.
14. Rota do Vinho – Wine Route (Half Day Walk)
This easy-going hike in Estreito de Camara do Lobos is perfect for walkers interested in vineyards. At around $38, it’s a low-cost, scenic walk through vineyards and grapevines, guided by an engaging local expert. You’ll learn about the production of Madeira wine while enjoying stunning views.
Reviewers highlight that Sergio’s engaging guidance adds extra charm. It suits active travelers who prefer outdoor exploration over motorized tours.
Bottom line: Best for hikers and landscape lovers wanting a relaxed walk with wine insights.
15. Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour
Rounding out with this 4.5-hour experience, you’ll visit Funchal market and then ride the iconic Monte toboggan—a must-do for collectors of thrilling rides. The tour includes wine tasting at a modern wine lodge, where you’ll sample several Madeira wines paired with local snacks.
Guests mention the exhilaration of the toboggan ride and the informative wine tasting. Priced at about $105, it’s perfect for adventure and foodies.
Bottom line: Excellent for adventure seekers who want a fun, cultural experience.
How to Choose Your Madeira Wine Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, available time, and whether you prefer guided group tours or private experiences. For a short, scenic overview, the Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting offers great value. For a deep dive into Madeira’s wine culture with personalized service, the Private full-day tour is ideal. Active travelers might enjoy the easy hike along the Wine Route, while those seeking spectacular views and adventure will love the Skywalk and 4×4 combo.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular dates and private tours. Think about what mix of scenery, cultural insight, and activity level suits you best and pick the experience that matches your style.
Funchal offers a rich selection of wine-focused adventures—from thrilling off-road rides and stunning viewpoints to intimate vineyard visits and tasting sessions. Whether you’re a wine novice, a culinary enthusiast, or an adventure lover, there’s an experience here to satisfy your curiosity. For those considering multiple tours, combining an off-road adventure with a private vineyard visit can give you both scenic vistas and authentic tastings. Remember to book early, and get ready for a memorable wine journey through Madeira’s spectacular landscape.
