We kicked off this 4-day tour organised by our guest wine expert, Nancy Gilchrist MW, with a visit to the Madeira Wine Institute. At Pereira D’Oliviera we tasted an extraordinary range of this small island’s treasures with vintages from 1989, 1977, 1968, 1932 – and the highlight…a 1907 Malvasia! A tasting at Henriques & Henriques finished with a 50 year old Tinta Negra Mole, and tours at Barbeito and Blandys, the oldest producer on the island, provided a unique insight to the wines of this stunning volcanic island.
With vines growing on tall pergolas on the mountains and steep cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and a climate characterised by hot, humid summers and mild winters, our wine tour to Madeira was a spectacular experience. And with accommodation at the 5-star elegant surroundings of the Quintinha de São João in Funchal where the staff made us feel thoroughly at home, Madeira is an island we’ll definitely visit again.
Christos arranged another fantastic tour with great wine, food and company. Our Master of Wine Nancy was an excellent choice of expert: highly knowledgeable and friendly, she fitted in brilliantly with the group. She also arranged some amazing tastings with many of the producers being extremely generous – to try wines that were over 100 years old was a real privilege!
Tim Andrews