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Luxury Madeira Food Tour & Wine Tastings
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A Culinary Tour of Funchal, Madeira
Madeira, a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean that is part of Portugal, is a sub-tropical paradise located about 600 miles off the mainland. Often called the “floating garden” or the “pearl of the Atlantic,” this lush island is known for its dramatic scenery, vibrant vegetation, and remarkably mild climate — with average temperatures of 77°F in summer and 62°F in winter. It is the perfect destination for a relaxing or active escape, and an ideal setting for an unforgettable Madeira food tour.
The island’s natural beauty is extraordinary. Madeira’s dense greenery conceals the ancient Laurel Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, while its coastline offers opportunities for swimming, seaside walks, and exploration.
From the moment you arrive in Funchal, the island’s capital, you will notice how seamlessly nature and culture intertwine — from the black-and-white mosaic streets to the jacaranda-lined avenues. Whether you are enjoying a quiet morning coffee, strolling through gardens, or browsing a local market like the famous Mercado dos Lavradores, every moment invites you to slow down and take in the atmosphere.
Madeira’s volcanic soil creates exceptional growing conditions, supporting an abundance of fresh local ingredients, from tropical fruits like passion fruit and banana to staples such as sweet potato. These ingredients shape the island’s cuisine, which blends Portuguese traditions with island flavors. You will enjoy delicious food ranging from freshly caught seafood and grilled meats to local specialties such as bolo do caco flatbread, often served warm with garlic butter, and beloved sweets like pastel de nata.
The island is also world-famous for Madeira wine, a unique fortified wine that has been celebrated for centuries. It was even chosen to toast the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, and was praised by William Shakespeare in his plays — a testament to its long-standing prestige. Produced from grapes grown on steep terraced vineyards known as “poios,” Madeira wine reflects both the island’s landscape and the ingenuity of its people. Today, visits to historic producers such as the Blandy family cellars offer insight into this tradition, along with the opportunity to taste wines that have been refined over generations.
From leisurely meals and food tours to wine tastings and cultural discoveries, your time in Madeira is a true feast for the senses — a journey filled with flavor, history, and the warm hospitality of this remarkable island.
Wine & Food Tour of Madeira
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Day One - Arrival in Funchal and Welcome Dinner at the Manor
- Arrive in Funchal and transfer to your 5-star accommodations.
- Take time to relax and settle in before your welcome dinner this evening.
- Located on the lower level of the property, just in front of the boutique hotel, the elegant Manor House has been beautifully converted into a restaurant. Known for its refined dining room and inviting al fresco terrace, it offers both à la carte and table d’hôte menus.
- Tonight’s welcome dinner will feature six curated culinary “moments,” designed to stimulate the senses and introduce you to Madeira’s food and wine culture. The menu highlights the finest regional gastronomy, blending traditional flavors with a contemporary touch. (Drinks are not included but may be purchased on site.)
- Overnight.
Day Two - Gastronomic Walking Tour and Wine Tasting
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Meet your guide for a walking tour of Funchal, where you will explore the city’s main monuments, museums, churches, theatre, public buildings, and gardens. Along the way, enjoy tastings of Madeira food, offering a perfect harmony of history, local life, and delicious food and wine.
- During your tour, visit the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores, where you will experience the lively atmosphere of this iconic market. Admire the Flower Sellers in traditional Madeiran dress and browse the colorful stalls filled with local ingredients, from fresh fruits and vegetables to the fish market.
- Continue through the city to sample local biscuits at a historic delicatessen, visit a chocolate shop, and end at the Old Madeira Wine Lodge.
- Here, enjoy a guided visit of the Madeira Wine Cellar, led by an expert. Learn about the production of Madeira wine, explore the old family cooperage, aging warehouse, and the Blandy Family Museum, and conclude with a tasting of five Madeira wines (aged 10 and 20 years), paired with dried fruits, cheese, chocolate, and traditional sugar cane syrup cake.
- Dinner tonight will be at a Michelin-starred restaurant (beverages paid locally).
- Overnight.
Day Three - Fajã dos Padres, Fruit Tasting, and Cable Car Ride
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Begin the day with a scenic cable car ride down to Fajã dos Padres, a unique coastal property set on a pebble beach. Thanks to its sheltered microclimate, this special location supports a wide variety of subtropical plants that thrive here but nowhere else on the island.
- Take time to explore the grounds, discovering its history, hidden corners, and lush vegetation, including banana plantations, exotic fruits, and vineyards producing Malvasia Candida — one of the earliest grape varieties planted in Madeira in the 15th century. Enjoy a tasting of seasonal fruits, followed by a traditional lunch featuring Espada, the local black scabbard fish, served in this peaceful seaside setting.
- Weather permitting, you may also enjoy a swim in the Atlantic Ocean (changing rooms and showers are available).
- In the evening, enjoy dinner with drinks included at Funchal Harbor, with beautiful views of the city lights.
- Transfer back to the hotel and overnight.
Day Four - Porto Moniz and Vineyard Lunch
- Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a meeting with your guide.
- Today you will explore the western side of the island, known for its dramatic and breathtaking scenery. Begin with a stop at the Cabo Girão Skywalk, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe at 580 meters, offering spectacular views over the coastline.
- Continue inland across the plateau of Paúl da Serra to Porto Moniz, famous for its natural volcanic rock pools. Your journey then leads to São Vicente, a charming mountain village, traveling along the scenic northwestern coastal road where waterfalls cascade down the cliffs into the ocean.
- In São Vicente, visit Quinta do Barbusano for a wine tasting of local white, red, and rosé wines. Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring Espetada, a regional dish of marinated beef grilled over an open fire and served on a long skewer, accompanied by potatoes, salad, and house wines. The experience is enhanced by sweeping views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
- After some leisure time, return to Funchal.
- This evening, enjoy a special five-course fish dinner in the center of Funchal (beverages not included, paid locally).
- Back to the hotel and overnight.
Day Five - Rum Tasting and Traditional Gastronomy Workshop
- Breakfast at the hotel, then meet your driver and depart for Calheta.
- On the way, travel along the southwest coast of Madeira, passing through picturesque villages before arriving at the charming Quinta das Vinhas estate. This family-run property was created to preserve and share Madeiran heritage, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional island life.
- Upon arrival, begin with a visit to the vineyards, where you will learn about the history of the estate, Madeira wine, and the island’s grape varieties. In partnership with the University of Madeira, the estate transitioned to organic, biodynamic production in 2018, following lunar cycles and traditional agricultural practices.
- After exploring the vineyards, continue to the wine bar for a wine tasting of three Madeira wines, paired with light snacks made from local ingredients.
- The experience continues with a rum tasting featuring three varieties produced at the family’s distillery, Engenho Novo da Madeira. The family’s history with sugar cane dates back to 1845, when William Hinton opened the first distillery in Funchal. Although the original distillery closed in 1986, production was revived in 2006 by his descendants. Madeira was once known as the island of rum, and its climate, geography, and history continue to shape this distinctive spirit.
- Afterward, continue to Calheta for your cooking class.
- This cooking workshop offers a unique introduction to Madeira food and traditions, combining elements of rural life, farming, and local cuisine. Under the guidance of your chef, you will prepare and reinterpret traditional Madeiran dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Following the class, dine together and enjoy your creations, paired with wine selected by the chef.
- Along the way, either en route to Calheta or on the return, you may choose to stop at the Banana Center and Museum, where you can visit a banana plantation and taste products such as banana beer, banana chips, banana rum, and banana cake.
- This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a two Michelin-starred restaurant (beverages paid locally).
- Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day Six - Departure
- Breakfast and transfer to the airport.
Premier Food Tours in Madeira Trip Details
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Included in the 5-Night Culinary Tour of Madeira
Accommodations5 Nights Accommodation at a 5* Hotel in Funchal.
Food & Beverages- Daily Breakfast
- 3 Lunches
- 5 Dinners
Classes & InstructorsYour Madeira cooking class will take place in the municipality of Calheta, known for its sandy beaches and fresh seafood. It takes place at a newly constructed Nature Hotel on a terraced farm land, where visitors can relax and reconnect with their environment. Between the flowers, the fruit trees, caves, and stunning sea views, this is one destination visitors won’t soon forget. Your culinary experience will include farming and tasting experiences supervised by a team of experienced chefs. Your class will focus on enhancing the classic flavours of Madeiran gastronomy and learning the secrets of the local cuisine. You will rediscover and reinvent the typical Madeiran dishes that you have been introduced to this week, cooked in the chef’s signature style using locally sourced seasonal products.
Excursions- Gastronomic Walking Tour of Funchal
- Visit to The Madeira Wine Cellar
- Cable Car Trip to Fajã dos Padres
- Excursion to Western Madeira, including Cabo Girão, Paúl da Serra, and Porto Moniz
- São Vicente Winery Visit
- Visit to Quinta das Vinhas; Includes winery visit and tasting and rum tasting and distillery tour
- Visit with tasting at the Banana Center and Museum
Transfer Details- Transfers are included to and from the Funchal Airport.
Accommodation Information
The Quinta Casa Branca 5* is a boutique hotel surrounded by a botanical garden, located on a historic property once home to a banana farm. The building was inspired by the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and is meant to integrate smoothly with the vegetation and carefully maintained gardens. This modern and elegant accommodation was founded in 1998 and has been a member of the prestigious “Small Luxury Hotels of the World" group since 2003. Each suite includes a balcony or terrace overlooking the bountiful gardens, equipped with lounge chairs, air-conditioning, and coffee machines.
Outside your 5* hotel in Madeira
Hotel gardens
Your room at the hotel
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Sample Pricing and Dates for Madeira Food and Wine Tours
Find pricing and dates for our culinary vacation in Madeira below, and contact us to book your trip.
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2026 Luxury Madeira Food and Wine Tour Pricing
See moreUS$6330 per person based on double occupancy
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!Single occupancy supplement: please inquire
Madeira Food and Wine Tour Dates
See more2026 Tour Dates in Madeira
The Madeira Food and Wine Tour is available year-round for groups of two or more. Please inquire for available dates!
Let Us Help You Plan Your Dreamy Madeira Food and Wine Escape
A journey to Madeira is as much about the experience as it is about the destination. From coordinating accommodations and transfers to ensuring every detail of your Madeira food tour runs smoothly, we are here to make your trip effortless and enjoyable.
Whether you would like to extend your stay in Portugal, add additional excursions, or tailor elements of your itinerary, our team can help create a seamless travel experience. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the food tours, wine tastings, and cultural discoveries that make Madeira so special.
Reach out to begin planning your Madeira food and wine journey, and let us help you experience the island’s flavors, landscapes, and traditions with ease.
