Madeira wine is famous for being heated and aged in a way that makes it almost indestructible. Add poncha, espetada, black scabbard fish and tropical fruit, and food becomes one of the best reasons to visit.
Madeira is a fortified wine aged through heat, either quickly in heated tanks or slowly in casks in warm lofts. The classic styles follow the grape variety and sweetness: Sercial (dry), Verdelho (medium dry), Boal (medium sweet) and Malvasia (sweet). Tinta Negra is the most planted grape and is used for most everyday Madeira.
You can taste them in the historic wine lodges of Funchal, on vineyard tours on the south coast or during the Madeira Wine Festival at the end of summer.
Poncha, made with sugar-cane spirit, honey and lemon, is the island's signature drink. Try espetada (beef grilled on laurel skewers), bolo do caco bread with garlic butter, black scabbard fish with banana and grilled limpets. The Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal is the best place to taste tropical fruit such as passion fruit varieties.
The four classic styles are Sercial (dry), Verdelho (medium dry), Boal (medium sweet) and Malvasia (sweet).
In the historic wine lodges of the city centre, which offer tastings and cellar visits, or on a guided food and wine tour.
Four hours that mix local food, wine and cultural stops in Funchal. A good fit for curious travellers who want gastronomy and context in a single outing.
from €93 per person
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Half-day walk along a section of Levada do Norte from Garachico to Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, with views of the town and the vineyards around it.
from €34 per person
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A walk through Funchal built around local food and wine, lasting about three and a half hours. Suits food lovers who want an introduction to the city's flavours on foot.
from €95 per person
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Tour a Funchal wine lodge, learn its history and taste Madeira wines. Options add a cheese stop or a five-stop food tour. Other tour languages run at different times, so say so when booking.
from €35 per person
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Pairs a jeep excursion around Cabo Girão with a wine tasting. A half-day option of about 4 hours for travellers who like a more active outing.
from €49 per person
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Visit five independent cafés, tascas and bakeries for coffee, wine, tapas and poncha, with food and drinks included. Start at a time that suits you, handy for cruise passengers.
from €35 per person
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A 4-hour off-road ride for anyone who wants remote trails: Câmara de Lobos, viewpoints, local wine and a poncha stop at a typical bar.
from €40 per person
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Guided tour of eastern Madeira stopping at Ponta de São Lourenço, Santana and Ribeiro Frio, with tastings of rum, coffee liqueur and broas. Pickup details come the day before.
from €40 per person
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Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
