Blandy’s Wine Lodge: Guided Tour and Tasting of Madeira Wines with History
In the heart of Funchal, along basalt cobbled streets and under the soft hum of curious visitors.
We stepped through the gates of Blandy’s Wine Lodge — a place where time is measured in casks, in handwritten letters from Churchill, and in wines that have been resting for over a century. The air is tinged with the scent of old wood and aged wine, and the stone floors speak of stories that outlast generations. For over seven generations, this has been the beating heart of Madeira wine. .
We chose the Vintage Premium Tour, the most immersive and comprehensive experience available. It lasts about 90 minutes and costs €54 — a fair price for such an enriching dive into history, craftsmanship, and flavour.
We stepped through the gates of Blandy’s Wine Lodge — a place where time is measured in casks, in handwritten letters from Churchill, and in wines that have been resting for over a century. The air is tinged with the scent of old wood and aged wine, and the stone floors speak of stories that outlast generations. For over seven generations, this has been the beating heart of Madeira wine. .
We chose the Vintage Premium Tour, the most immersive and comprehensive experience available. It lasts about 90 minutes and costs €54 — a fair price for such an enriching dive into history, craftsmanship, and flavour.
From Cooperage to Liquid Memory
The journey begins in the cooperage, where the art of barrel-making is revealed — from oak selection to the traditional techniques passed down through time. These barrels are not just containers; they shape the character of the wine within.
Next come the Canteiro aging rooms, where hundreds of barrels line the walls in near-sacred order. Each space has its own climate and rhythm. Southern light streams through the slats, gently warming older wines. To the north, the air is cooler, preserving freshness and tension.
The “Vine to Wine” exhibition offers a visual and tactile immersion into the winemaking process — from vineyard to bottle. Then come the Brazilian satinwood vats, immense and still, where larger blends are aged in silent meditation.
In the Blandy’s Museum, history reveals itself through rare objects: a 17th-century wine press, coins from the family’s former bank, and the original correspondence of Sir Winston Churchill, who frequently toasted with Blandy’s Madeira — often a 1920 Bual, no less.
The family’s private collection lies behind thick stone walls below ground level. Here, the atmosphere feels more solemn, heavy with reverence. Centuries-old wines rest quietly, their corks holding more knowledge than most books.
From Cooperage to Liquid Memory
The journey begins in the cooperage, where the art of barrel-making is revealed — from oak selection to the traditional techniques passed down through time. These barrels are not just containers; they shape the character of the wine within.
Next come the Canteiro aging rooms, where hundreds of barrels line the walls in near-sacred order. Each space has its own climate and rhythm. Southern light streams through the slats, gently warming older wines. To the north, the air is cooler, preserving freshness and tension.
The “Vine to Wine” exhibition offers a visual and tactile immersion into the winemaking process — from vineyard to bottle. Then come the Brazilian satinwood vats, immense and still, where larger blends are aged in silent meditation.
In the Blandy’s Museum, history reveals itself through rare objects: a 17th-century wine press, coins from the family’s former bank, and the original correspondence of Sir Winston Churchill, who frequently toasted with Blandy’s Madeira — often a 1920 Bual, no less.
The family’s private collection lies behind thick stone walls below ground level. Here, the atmosphere feels more solemn, heavy with reverence. Centuries-old wines rest quietly, their corks holding more knowledge than most books.
The Vintage Room: Where Time is Poured
The tasting takes place in the stately Vintage Room — part library, part sanctuary. Surrounded by rows of old vintages, we sat without haste. Tasting here is an act of mindfulness. You watch, you smell, you listen to the wine. The four selections poured for us each told a different story — of land, of time, of restraint.
Madeira Wine Tasting in the Vintage Room
We took our seats in the Vintage Room — soft light filtering through the shutters, dust resting gently on old glass, the silence broken only by the sound of bottles being uncorked. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood, dried fruit and distant decades. This is how one should taste Madeira: from dry to sweet, each wine a chapter in the island’s oenological memoir.
The Vintage Room: Where Time is Poured
The tasting takes place in the stately Vintage Room — part library, part sanctuary. Surrounded by rows of old vintages, we sat without haste. Tasting here is an act of mindfulness. You watch, you smell, you listen to the wine. The four selections poured for us each told a different story — of land, of time, of restraint.
Madeira Wine Tasting in the Vintage Room
We took our seats in the Vintage Room — soft light filtering through the shutters, dust resting gently on old glass, the silence broken only by the sound of bottles being uncorked. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood, dried fruit and distant decades. This is how one should taste Madeira: from dry to sweet, each wine a chapter in the island’s oenological memoir.
1. Sercial 1965
Dry.
Laser-focused and austere. Notes of lemon peel, green walnut and polished wood. The acidity is electric, yet controlled — a structure that carries the wine effortlessly across the palate. The finish is dry, precise and saline. A classic Madeira that demands attention.
1. Sercial 1965
Dry.
Laser-focused and austere. Notes of lemon peel, green walnut and polished wood. The acidity is electric, yet controlled — a structure that carries the wine effortlessly across the palate. The finish is dry, precise and saline. A classic Madeira that demands attention.
2. Verdelho 1982
Medium dry
More expressive and rounded, with aromas of stewed apple, apricot and crystallised ginger. A touch of sea breeze on the finish. This Verdelho bridges the sharpness of Sercial and the richness of Boal. Beautifully balanced, with textural depth and mineral lift.
2. Verdelho 1982
Medium dry
More expressive and rounded, with aromas of stewed apple, apricot and crystallised ginger. A touch of sea breeze on the finish. This Verdelho bridges the sharpness of Sercial and the richness of Boal. Beautifully balanced, with textural depth and mineral lift.
3. Boal 1958
Medium sweet
Deep, complex and meditative. Orange peel, black tea, toasted pecan and caramelised spice on the nose. Richly textured but held in check by a spine of acidity. The finish is endless, with a gentle fade of smoke and citrus. A contemplative wine, unforgettable.
3. Boal 1958
Medium sweet
Deep, complex and meditative. Orange peel, black tea, toasted pecan and caramelised spice on the nose. Richly textured but held in check by a spine of acidity. The finish is endless, with a gentle fade of smoke and citrus. A contemplative wine, unforgettable.
4. Malmsey 1996 (Colheita)
Sweet
Lush and enveloping, yet perfectly balanced. Aromas of fig, dark chocolate, dates and roasted coffee. On the palate it is smooth, dense and warming, lifted by acidity that keeps it fresh. A velvety, lingering finish makes this the perfect final act — or dessert on its own.
4. Malmsey 1996 (Colheita)
Sweet
Lush and enveloping, yet perfectly balanced. Aromas of fig, dark chocolate, dates and roasted coffee. On the palate it is smooth, dense and warming, lifted by acidity that keeps it fresh. A velvety, lingering finish makes this the perfect final act — or dessert on its own.
Before You Leave: The Wine Shop
At ground level, the visit concludes at the Blandy’s wine shop — lined with dark wood shelves and home to over 500 labels. Here you’ll find everything from younger Madeiras, perfect for exploring the island’s diverse styles, to rare collector’s editions, including century-old Boal wines that embody the timeless nature of Madeira. The staff knows every bottle like family and is ready to guide you — whether you’re buying a gift, starting a collection, or simply wishing to extend the tasting experience at home. For true enthusiasts, it’s worth asking about the Wine Club, which offers exclusive monthly selections and privileged access to special events at the Wine Lodge.
Before You Leave: The Wine Shop
At ground level, the visit concludes at the Blandy’s wine shop — lined with dark wood shelves and home to over 500 labels. Here you’ll find everything from younger Madeiras, perfect for exploring the island’s diverse styles, to rare collector’s editions, including century-old Boal wines that embody the timeless nature of Madeira. The staff knows every bottle like family and is ready to guide you — whether you’re buying a gift, starting a collection, or simply wishing to extend the tasting experience at home. For true enthusiasts, it’s worth asking about the Wine Club, which offers exclusive monthly selections and privileged access to special events at the Wine Lodge.
Location
📍 Blandy’s Wine Lodge — Avenida Arriaga 28, 9000-064 Funchal
📞 +351 291 740 110
📺 Watch the experience on YouTube
Visit Options
- Lodge Tour — €15
Introductory guided tour with 2 wine tastings.
- Premium Tour — €20
Extended tour with more rooms and 3 wine tastings.
- Vintage Premium Tour — €54
Full access to all areas including the Vintage Room. Includes 4 premium Madeira tastings, with one Frasqueira (Vintage).
- Private Tour — €140 per person (max 4 guests)
Exclusive access and tailored tasting with a private guide.
Localização
📍 Blandy’s Wine Lodge — Avenida Arriaga 28, 9000-064 Funchal
📞 +351 291 740 110
📺 Vídeo da experiência: Ver aqui
Tipos de Visita
- Visita Lodge — 15€
Visita introdutória às caves e prova de 2 vinhos.
- Visita Premium — 20€
Visita mais completa, com mais salas e prova de 3 vinhos.
- Visita Vintage Premium — 54€
Visita combinada Premium + Vintage com acesso total à Wine Lodge e prova de 4 vinhos antigos, incluindo um Vintage (Frasqueira). - Visita Privada — 140€ por pessoa (máx. 4 pessoas)
Uma experiência exclusiva, com guia privado e acesso a provas raras.
