Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
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.
3 editor picks for Vinho da Madeira in Funchal, ranked by editorial score. All Funchal signature dishes · Vinho da Madeira across every city.
Blandy's Wine Lodge ages Madeira by the canteiro method on Avenida Arriaga, where over 650 barrels and vats rest above the street in the family lodge.
TipGuided tours run seven days a week in five languages. English has the most departures, so check the timetable before fixing a time for the others.
UVA is the rooftop restaurant and wine bar at The Vine in Funchal, where chef Thomas Faudry runs a farm-to-table Madeiran line above the harbour.
OrderA glass of Madeira with the daily plate, at the rooftop rail.
TipDinner Tuesday to Saturday, and the rooftop is worth arriving early for at sunset.
H.M. Borges has bottled Madeira since 1877 and worked from its Rua 31 de Janeiro building since 1924, running guided cellar tours and tastings from the adega.
TipThe house publishes no fixed tasting-room schedule. Visits are customised, so email or call ahead rather than turning up.
Vinho da Madeira makes more sense with someone from Funchal explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Private tour · 3.5 hours
Explore Madeira's east coast on a half-day tour from Funchal. Visit the Cristo Rei Viewpoint, Santa Cruz, Machico Viewpoint, and Ponta do Rosto for stunning views and ...
Day trip · 8 hours
Sample the fine wines of Madeira on a full-day tasting tour from Funchal and learn about the island's wine industry and delicious food. Stop at a selection of wineries...
Guided tour · 4 hours
Sample some local Madeira fortified wine. Visit Funchal market with all its colors. Head to Monte for the toboggan ride. Visit Câmara de Lobos, the fishing village.
