If you’re heading to Pico Island in the Azores and love wines—or even if you’re just curious about this rare beverage—you might find this Luxury Wine Tasting at the Czar Pico Winery a memorable highlight of your trip. From what we’ve gathered, this experience offers a blend of exclusive tastings, stunning scenery, and local stories that you won’t find elsewhere, all wrapped into a four-hour journey.
What really stands out for us are two key aspects: the chance to sample limited-edition Czar Pico Wines—some aged for eight years and only available through this experience—and the picturesque walk through volcanic vineyards that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this tour doesn’t include hotel pickups, so you’ll need to plan your transport to the starting point.
If you’re someone who appreciates fine wines, loves discovering local culture, and enjoys scenic walks along dramatic landscapes, this tour seems tailored for you. It’s also ideal if you want an experience that combines culture, nature, and gastronomy in a curated, intimate setting.
Key Points
- Exclusive Tastings: You get to try limited edition Czar Pico wines that aren’t available in stores, including some aged for eight years in oak barrels.
- Scenic Walks: The tour includes a walk through volcanic vineyards right by the sea, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.
- Local Encounter: Meet the producer, Fortunato, and learn about the risks and history behind these unique wines.
- Natural Pools: Between stops, you can relax in natural pools, adding a refreshing break to your day.
- Cultural Insight: The experience is guided by a local food expert, blending food, wine, and local stories.
- Value for Money: For $159, you’ll receive a detailed, curated experience including food, wine, guide, transportation, and access to secret spots—making it quite a compelling package.
The Itinerary in Detail
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Starting Point: João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal
The tour kicks off in the heart of Madalena, where you’ll meet at a small statue of Gilberto Mariano da Silva, right across from a bright blue water sports shop called CW Azores. This spot is pretty central, so finding it shouldn’t be a problem, and it sets a friendly tone for what’s ahead.
Scenic Drive to Criacao Velha
After a quick meet and greet, the van takes you on a 20-minute scenic drive to Criacao Velha. This part of the journey gives you a glimpse of the volcanic landscape that defines Pico island. The views here are quite striking—craggy lava fields, rolling vineyards, and the Atlantic in the background.
Guided Walk Through UNESCO Vineyards
Once in Criacao Velha, you’ll enjoy about 45 minutes of a guided tour. Here, the emphasis is on the volcanic vineyards—a UNESCO site since 2004. We loved the way the guide explains how these vineyards are built with stone walls to protect the vines from wind and weather. Walking through these ancient terraces, you get a real sense of how the land and climate shape the wine.
More Great Tours NearbyVisiting a Traditional Village & Scenic Drive
Next, there’s a 20-minute scenic drive to another small, traditional village. This region is filled with authentic local homes and offers a quiet but charming glimpse into Pico’s rural life. It’s a nice buffer before the main event—the wine tasting.
The Main Event: São Roque do Pico
The highlight is the 1.5-hour wine tasting in São Roque do Pico, where you’ll meet Fortunato, the producer behind Czar Pico Wines. This isn’t just a casual sip session; it’s a curated experience with up to 5 tastings of award-winning, limited-edition wines. Critics often mention how Czar Pico wines are truly one-of-a-kind, with some bottles fetching over $1,000 due to their history and rarity.
During this part, we loved the chance to hear from Fortunato about the risks of harvesting certain grapes—since the mature gold grapes are vulnerable to strong wind or rain. The fact that this year’s bottling was from the 2015 harvest, aged for eight years, makes it even more special. You’ll taste wines that few get to try, crafted from vines that are decades old.
Relaxation in Natural Pools & Local Snacks
After the tasting, the tour continues with a visit to natural pools, perfect for cooling off or just lying back with a view of the ocean. You can get on the water or simply relax on the rocks. Alongside this, you’ll indulge in local snacks—cheeses, fruits, and crackers—to pair with your wines. These moments of downtime really add to the overall experience, making it more memorable.
Return to Starting Point
The day wraps up with a scenic drive back to Madalena, ending where you started, with plenty of stories and new tastes to savor.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
This experience excels in providing authenticity and exclusivity. Meeting a local producer like Fortunato, who takes risks to produce these rare wines, adds a layer of depth that many wine tours lack. The guided walk through UNESCO vineyards not only offers stunning views but also educates you on the land’s influence on flavor—a must for wine lovers.
The inclusion of secret natural pools offers a relaxing, local flavor to the tour that breaks up the wine focus with a splash of nature. When reviewers mention that they “saved some for you,” it’s clear that attention to limited editions and special vintages is a major draw.
The Practical Side: Price, Duration, and Group Size
At $159 per person, this tour is a solid value considering what’s included: guided walks, multiple tastings, food pairings, private transportation, and access to exclusive wines. It’s a small-group experience (limited to 8 participants), which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
The whole experience lasts about 4 hours, starting at a flexible time—just check availability. Keep in mind, there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the starting point, but the central location makes this fairly straightforward.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is perfect for anyone interested in wine, local culture, and scenic landscapes. It’s especially suited for those who want a curated experience, with expert guides and limited-edition tastings. You’ll enjoy walking through vineyards and chatting with a passionate producer—an authentic taste of Pico’s wine heritage. It’s a good fit whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveler wanting to learn more about the Azores’ unique offerings. Not necessarily ideal if you’re looking for a large, boisterous group experience, but excellent for those who appreciate depth and quality.
FAQs
Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
No, hotel pickup isn’t included. You’ll meet the group at the Ferry Boat terminal in Madalena Village, so plan your transportation accordingly.
How many tastings are included?
You get up to 5 drink tastings, including local wines, liqueurs, and water. The wines are award-winning and limited editions, making this a special tasting.
What kind of food is served?
The tour includes local street food or lunch, plus cheeses, fruits, and crackers to pair with the wine. It’s a good balance of flavors to complement the tasting.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and water are recommended to stay comfortable during the walk and outdoor stops.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The description focuses on adults and wine tasting, so it’s probably best suited for grown-ups, especially since alcohol is involved.
How long does the tour last?
The experience runs about 4 hours in total, with a starting time that varies by availability.
Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 8 participants, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Pico’s wine culture while enjoying breathtaking landscapes, this Luxury Wine Tasting experience is worth considering. The combination of exclusive tastings, engaging local guides, and scenic walks makes it stand out as a well-rounded, memorable activity on Pico Island. It’s especially suited for travelers who value quality and authenticity over mass-market tours.
While it’s not a tour for those on a tight schedule or seeking large group fun, it offers a genuine slice of Pico life—crafted with care, passion, and a dash of adventure. For around $159, you’re getting a thoughtfully curated experience that promises not just wine, but a deeper connection to the land and people behind these rare bottles.
Luxury Wine Tasting at the Czar Pico Winery
Additional Resources
Hopefully, this gives you a thorough picture of what to expect and helps you decide if this distinctive tour fits your Pico adventure. Cheers to good wines and even better experiences!
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