Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Wine & Sweets of Madeira

Sample the Island’s Famous Wine and Taste Typical Treats Sample the delicacies of Madeira, from its eponymous wine to its sweets. Travel to Pereira D’Oliveira Wine Cellars, a local family-owned winery that traces its roots back to the early 19th century. Here, you will learn about the island’s long-standing wine-making tradition and sample three different types of its famous Madeira wine. A unique aging process, in which the wine is exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time, gives Madeira its distinctive taste; it was a favorite of colonial Americans and even used to toast the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. You will also visit the Fábrica de Santo António. Founded in 1893, this factory produces typical Madeiran sweets such as biscuits, cookies, fennel candies, jams and honey cane syrup cake. Tour the production facilities and sample some of their creations. At the end of your excursion, you will return to your awaiting ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.