Pico Wine Tour: Get to Know Picos Wines

Pico’s wine heritage is a well-kept secret, but the Pico Wine Tour aims to change that. This immersive journey takes visitors through the island’s UNESCO-protected vineyards, offering a chance to explore the unique flavors of the region’s wines and liquors. Visitors can expect guided tastings, insights into traditional winemaking techniques, and a delicious local lunch – all while enjoying the scenic Azorean landscape. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about this hidden gem, the Pico Wine Tour promises an experience that truly captures the essence of the island’s viticulture.

Good To Know

• Explore the UNESCO-protected vineyards of Pico Island during an 8-hour small-group tour with guided visits, wine tastings, and insight into Azorean winemaking techniques.
• Savor a 1.5-hour lunch featuring local products and pair Pico wines with regional cheeses to experience the distinct flavors of the region.
• Visit the Criacao Velha village for 20 minutes and learn about the cultural heritage and winemaking traditions of the Azores.
• Discover a variety of Pico wines, liquors, brandies, and moonshine during the tour’s tasting opportunities.
• Enjoy a scenic 110-minute drive with photo stops and a guided or self-guided tour of the Visitor Center as part of the tour’s inclusions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Pico Wine Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the renowned wines of Pico Island. Priced from $207.18 per person, the 8-hour small-group tour is limited to 8 participants and available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Highlights include a scenic drive, a guided tour of a visitor center, lunch at a local restaurant, and wine tastings at several wineries. The tour also includes entry tickets, transportation, and insurance.

Cancellation policies apply, and the tour may not be suitable for certain travelers. The meeting point is in front of the Madalena Ferry Station.

Itinerary Highlights

The Pico Wine Tour begins with a scenic 110-minute drive from the starting location at Tripix Azores in Lajido, making photo stops along the way.

Upon arrival, guests can explore the visitor center through a guided or self-guided tour for 30 minutes.

Next, they’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch at a local restaurant, followed by:

1. Wine tasting at the wineries for 40 minutes to 1 hour.

2. A visit to Criacao Velha for 20 minutes of sightseeing and walking.

3. Discovering Pico’s distinct wines and learning about their pairing with local cheese.

4. Exploring the UNESCO-protected 987-acre vineyards and Pico’s wine culture and history.

Cultural Experience and Learning

While on the Pico Wine Tour, visitors can discover the distinct flavors of Pico wines and how they pair with local cheese.

They’ll explore the 987 acres of UNESCO-protected vineyards and learn about Pico’s rich wine culture and history.

The tour takes guests to traditional villages, old wineries, distilleries, cooperatives, and the unique Currais de Vinha.

Visitors gain insight into the Azorean winemaking process and have the opportunity to taste a variety of Pico wines, liquors, brandies, and moonshine.

Insight into the Azorean winemaking process with opportunities to sample Pico wines, liquors, brandies, and moonshine.

This cultural experience provides a deeper appreciation for the region’s winemaking heritage.

Inclusions and Services

The Pico Wine Tour includes a certified Azores Natural Parks Guide to lead visitors through the experience.

The tour offers the following key inclusions and services:

1. Entry tickets and guided visits to the museum, interpretive center, wineries, and cooperatives.

2. Tastings of Pico wines, liquors, brandies, and moonshine.

3. Lunch featuring local products.

4. Transport and Allianz® Personal Accident Insurance.

Pick up and drop off aren’t available for under 18s. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and children under 18.

The meeting point is in front of the Madalena Ferry Station.

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Cancellation Policy and Important Information

Cancellations for the Pico Wine Tour are subject to certain conditions. If canceled one month in advance, 50% of the cost is retained. Cancellations less than one week prior result in 65% being retained, while those within 72 hours see 80% retained. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hours will incur a 100% charge.

| Cancellation Period | Percentage Retained |

|———————|——————-|

| 1 month in advance | 50% |

| Less than 1 week | 65% |

| Within 72 hours | 80% |

| Within 48 hours/No-show | 100% |

Plus, cancellations due to weather conditions will result in an €8 administrative fee. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or children under 18.

Discovering Pico’s Distinct Wine Flavors

What makes Pico’s wines so distinct? The archipelago’s unique terroir, with its volcanic soil, cool maritime climate, and traditional winemaking methods, lend Pico’s wines their one-of-a-kind character.

Discover:

1. Distinct Flavors: Pico’s wines boast bold, complex flavors that range from fruity and floral to earthy and mineral-driven, thanks to the island’s terroir.

2. Rare Grape Varietals: The tour explores indigenous Pico grapes like Verdelho, Arinto, and Terrantez, offering a glimpse into the region’s winemaking heritage.

3. UNESCO-Protected Vineyards: The tour takes you through 987 acres of Pico’s picturesque, UNESCO-recognized vineyards, showcasing the island’s dedication to sustainable viticulture.

4. Traditional Winemaking: From old cooperatives to family-run wineries, the tour immerses you in Pico’s time-honored winemaking traditions, passed down through generations.

Exploring the UNESCO-Protected Vineyards

As you journey through Pico’s UNESCO-protected vineyards, you’ll be captivated by the island’s centuries-old winemaking traditions.

Pico’s UNESCO-protected vineyards captivate with centuries-old winemaking traditions, inviting you to journey through this island’s rich heritage.

Spanning 987 acres, these historic vineyards were designated a World Heritage Site for their unique method of cultivating vines in small, stone-walled enclosures called "currais".

Learn about this ingenious technique, which protects the grapes from the harsh Atlantic winds.

Explore the traditional villages, where you’ll discover old wineries, distilleries, and cooperatives that have been the heart of Pico’s wine culture for generations.

Enjoy the island’s rich heritage and uncover the distinct flavors that make Pico wines so exceptional.

Learning About Pico’s Wine Culture and History

During the Pico Wine Tour, visitors explore the island’s rich wine culture and centuries-old history.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to:

1. Explore the 987 acres of UNESCO-protected vineyards, learning about the traditional methods used to cultivate grapes on the volcanic slopes.

2. Visit historic wineries, distilleries, and cooperatives, gaining insight into Pico’s winemaking legacy that dates back to the 15th century.

3. Discover the distinct flavors of Pico wines, which are shaped by the island’s unique terroir and microclimate.

4. Savor local cheeses and other artisanal products that complement the region’s renowned wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Transportation Is Provided for the Tour?

The tour includes transport for participants. Pickup and drop off are not available for those under 18 years of age, but transport to the tour sites is provided for all other participants.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies, but participants must notify the tour operator in advance. Special meal arrangements can be made to ensure everyone’s needs are met during the included lunch.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour has a fixed duration of 8 hours and doesn’t offer an option to extend it. However, travelers with dietary restrictions or allergies can inform the tour operator ahead of time to ensure their needs are accommodated.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel?

To get to the meeting point from your hotel, you can take a taxi or arrange for transportation through the tour provider. The meeting point is located in front of the Madalena Ferry Station.

Can I Purchase Additional Wine or Souvenirs During the Tour?

Participants can purchase additional wine or souvenirs during the tour. The tour itinerary includes visits to wineries, cooperatives, and traditional villages where visitors can buy products directly from the producers.

The Sum Up

The Pico Wine Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich wine heritage of the Azores. Visitors can explore UNESCO-protected vineyards, savor diverse local wines, and gain insights into Pico’s traditional winemaking techniques. With a scenic drive, delicious lunch, and expert guidance, the tour provides a perfect blend of culture, education, and unforgettable flavors, making it a must-experience for wine enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: