Funchal’s charm isn’t just in its colorful streets and historic sites—it’s also a haven for wine lovers. The island’s unique climate and volcanic soil create some truly memorable wines, and luckily, there are a variety of tours that let you taste and explore Madeira’s rich vinicultural heritage. One of our favorites is the Skywalk and 4×4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting—it combines breathtaking scenery, off-road fun, and a chance to sample Madeira wines while exploring places like Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest sea cliff. For a more immersive experience, the Skywalk, Madeira Wines Tasting and Vineyards 4×4 Experience takes you deeper into the island’s wine production, with vineyard visits and panoramic views. If you’re interested in combining local music with wine, the Madeira: Fado Show with Madeira Wine offers a soulful night out, while the Portuguese Wine Tasting with Sommelier provides a relaxed, educational tasting session. Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or simply a good glass of wine, Funchal’s got you covered.
Quick Overview
For an active, scenic adventure, check out the Skywalk and 4×4 Adventure, which combines off-road exploration with stops at spectacular viewpoints and wine tasting. If you prefer a longer, more detailed day, the Skywalk, Madeira Wines Tasting and Vineyards 4×4 Experience offers in-depth vineyard visits, panoramic vistas, and multiple tastings. For those seeking cultural flavor, the Fado Show with Madeira Wine provides an intimate musical experience paired with local wines. Lastly, the Portuguese Wine Tasting with Sommelier is perfect for wine novices and aficionados alike, with guided tastings in a relaxed setting.
1. Skywalk and 4×4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting
At number 1, this 4-hour small-group Jeep tour offers a fantastic way to see Madeira’s rugged landscape without the hassle of driving yourself. The tour covers key sights like Boca dos Namorados, Jardim da Serra, and Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe, which features a glass viewing balcony at 589 meters. The off-road drive in a 4×4 vehicle is a highlight, giving you access to areas that are nearly impossible to reach otherwise. The tour also includes stops at Boca da Corrida viewpoint and a tasting of Madeira wines, making it an excellent combination of adventure and flavor.
What makes this tour stand out is its small-group format, ensuring more personal attention from the guide. Guests praise Gil’s local knowledge and skillful driving, which makes the narrow mountain roads feel safe and exciting. The tour perfectly suits active travelers who want a quick but comprehensive taste of Madeira’s natural beauty and wine. With reviews consistently scoring 5 stars, it’s clear that many visitors find this adventure both memorable and worthwhile. The value is excellent for the price of around $52 per person for four hours of sightseeing plus wine tasting.
Bottom Line: If you want a fun, scenic, and educational half-day with personalized service, this tour hits the spot.
2. Skywalk, Madeira Wines Tasting and Vineyards 4×4 Experience
At number 2, this tour expands on the previous by offering a longer, more immersive 7.5-hour experience. It combines panoramic views from Cabo Girao, visits to vineyards and wine producers in São Vicente, and a stop at the serene Serra de Agua valley. The highlight is the visit to a local vineyard, where you’ll learn about Madeira wine production firsthand from the long-time owners, followed by tastings paired with local snacks. The tour also stops at Câmera de Lobos, a traditional fishing village, for more wine tasting and picturesque scenery.
This tour is ideal for those eager to deepen their understanding of Madeira wines while enjoying spectacular vistas. The expert 4×4 driving over narrow, rugged roads keeps the adventure exciting, and the guide’s knowledge of both geology and viniculture adds richness to the experience. Guests routinely mention the vineyard visits as a favorite part, and many appreciate the combination of sightseeing, off-road fun, and wine education. Price at about $103 for a full day, it offers good value for travelers wanting an in-depth exploration.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine enthusiasts who love off-road exploration and are interested in learning about Madeira’s wine heritage in detail.
3. Madeira: Fado Show with Madeira Wine
At number 3, this 50-minute Fado performance provides a cultural experience that beautifully complements Madeira’s wines. Held in an intimate setting, the show features soulful Portuguese music that evokes longing and love, accompanied by a glass of Madeira wine. It’s a perfect option for those wanting to experience Portugal’s musical tradition in a cozy ambiance.
While this tour doesn’t include a wine tasting or sightseeing, the Fado and wine pairing offers an authentic taste of Portugal’s cultural soul. It’s a budget-friendly choice, costing only around $30 per person, making it accessible for travelers seeking a quick but meaningful culture. The show’s emotional depth and the quality of the music leave a lasting impression, especially for music lovers or those curious about Portuguese traditions. It’s a relaxed, no-fuss way to enjoy Madeira’s artistic side.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors wanting a brief, authentic cultural experience paired with Madeira wine in an intimate setting.
4. Funchal: Portuguese Wine Tasting with Sommelier
At number 4, this 1.5-hour guided wine tasting offers a relaxed, educational experience. Held at Gallerias by Savoy Signature, it features five different Portuguese wines, with explanations from a certified sommelier about each wine’s background, style, and pairing options. Alongside the wines, you can enjoy a selection of cured meats and cheeses, or vegan alternatives, making it flexible for different tastes.
This tasting is perfect for those who want to understand Portugal’s wine diversity without committing to a full-day tour. The guide’s expertise helps you appreciate the subtle differences between crisp whites and robust reds, giving you confidence to select wines on your own later. While it’s not a sightseeing tour, it’s a wonderful way to deepen your understanding of Portuguese wine culture in a friendly, comfortable setting. Priced at $40 per person, it offers good value for a curated experience.
Bottom Line: Best for wine beginners or those short on time who want a guided, in-depth look at Portuguese wines with tasty pairings.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Funchal
Choosing the right wine tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you’re after a quick adventure with stunning views and a taste of Madeira wines, the Skywalk and 4×4 Adventure is hard to beat. For a more comprehensive, full-day experience that dives into local vineyards, the Skywalk, Madeira Wines Tasting and Vineyards offers a perfect balance of scenery, off-road fun, and wine education.
If your priority is culture, the Fado Show with Madeira Wine provides an intimate taste of Portugal’s musical soul. For a relaxed, educational session, the Portuguese Wine Tasting with Sommelier is ideal, especially if you want to learn about Portuguese wines in a comfortable setting.
Consider your time availability, budget, and interest in either active adventure, cultural experiences, or wine appreciation. Booking early is always wise, especially during peak travel months when tours fill quickly.
Funchal offers a diverse range of wine experiences that cater to all interests—whether you’re seeking scenic adventures, in-depth wine education, or cultural evenings. For active travelers, the off-road tours provide outstanding scenery and memorable tastings. Culture lovers will enjoy the soulful Fado show, while wine novices and aficionados alike will find value in guided tastings and vineyard visits. Whatever your style, booking in advance will help ensure you don’t miss out on these must-try experiences.