Vinho da Madeira is a signature dish of Portugal; we have verified places to eat it in Funchal. A fortified wine deliberately heated as it ages, made dry to sweet across Sercial, Verdelho, Boal and Malvasia. Start with where to eat Vinho da Madeira in Funchal.
Vinho da Madeira · Funchal
A fortified wine deliberately heated as it ages, made dry to sweet across Sercial, Verdelho, Boal and Malvasia. Almost indestructible once opened, and the reason Funchal has wine lodges on its main avenue.
The Malvasia vine was planted on Madeira in the 15th century on Prince Henry's orders, to break the Venetian and Genoese hold on the wine trade. Barrels loaded as ballast crossed the tropics twice, and shippers found the heat and motion improved rather than ruined the wine. Producers reproduced the effect on land through the canteiro method, ageing casks in warm lofts for years or decades. Blandy's and H.M. Borges still do it in central Funchal, and the wine goes from bone dry Sercial through to sweet Malvasia.
Where to eat in Funchal:
- Blandy's Wine Lodge
- H.M. Borges
- UVA Restaurant & Wine Bar
Where to eat Vinho da Madeira in Funchal: the editor picks