Luxury Wine Tasting at the Czar Pico Winery

Tucked away in the heart of a UNESCO Heritage site, the Czar Pico Winery offers a luxurious wine tasting experience that’ll captivate the senses. Theres some good rare local wines, some costing over €1000 per bottle, as they explore the winery’s rich history and stunning vineyards. This four-hour journey promises an immersive glimpse into the unique winemaking process, complemented by delectable snacks and the chance to refresh with a swim. What awaits those who venture to this exclusive destination?

Good To Know

• Luxury wine tasting experience at the Czar Pico Winery on Pico Island, Portugal, priced at €152.66 per person and lasting 4 hours.
• Limited to 8 participants, with guided tours and tastings available in English, French, and Portuguese.
• Unique features of the Czar Pico wines, including centenarian Verdelho vines, high alcohol content, and limited-edition aged varieties.
• Includes a scenic drive, guided tour, local snacks, and an optional swim at a natural pool.
• Emphasis on valuing nature and local culture, with a focus on the UNESCO Heritage vineyards and volcanic landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

The luxury wine tasting at Czar Pico Winery is priced from $152.66 per person and lasts 4 hours.

The experience is limited to 8 participants and available in English, French, and Portuguese. Guests can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tasting takes place at the João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal in Criacao Velha, with a scenic drive to the traditional village and Czar Pico Winery.

Along With the wine tasting, the experience includes a guided tour, local snacks, and an optional swim at a natural pool.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting from the João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal in Criacao Velha, guests embark on a scenic 20-minute drive to the traditional village.

Here, they’ll enjoy a 45-minute guided tour and sightseeing experience.

Guests embark on a 45-minute guided tour and sightseeing experience through the traditional village.

Next, it’s another 20-minute drive to São Roque do Pico, where they’ll spend 1.5 hours wine tasting at the acclaimed Czar Pico Winery.

The experience concludes with:

1. Sampling local snacks

2. Swimming at a natural pool (weather permitting)

3. Return to the ferry terminal

4. Complimentary private transportation and gratuities throughout.

Unique Wine Features

Czar Pico wine, acclaimed by critics, can exceed 1000€ per bottle.

The winery’s owner, Fortunato, cultivates centenarian Verdelho vines. His wines achieve 18 degrees of alcohol solely through fermentation.

Czar Pico also offers limited editions aged 8 years in oak barrels, with only 1000 bottles produced. The grapes are harvested at peak maturity, but the process is vulnerable to weather conditions.

These unique features make Czar Pico wines highly sought-after and valuable, attracting wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Inclusions

The luxury wine tasting experience includes a guided walk through UNESCO Heritage vineyards, where participants can sample up to 5 local wines, liqueurs, and water.

The experience also features:

1. Up to 5 food tastings, including local street food, cheeses, fruits, and crackers.

2. A visit to a natural pool, weather permitting.

3. Private transportation and gratuities.

4. Hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Throughout the experience, the emphasis is on valuing nature and local culture.

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Important Information

The meeting point for the luxury wine tasting experience is near the Ferry Boat terminal in Madalena Village, Pico Island, at the statue of Gilberto Mariano da Silva, across from CW Azores water sports shop.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and water.

The initial walk involves uneven volcanic lava rocks, but most of the tour is on flat soil.

Throughout the experience, there’s an emphasis on valuing nature and local culture.

Scenic Drive to Criacao Velha

After arriving at the meeting point, participants board private transportation for the scenic 20-minute drive to the traditional village of Criacao Velha.

The route winds through:

1. Lush, rolling vineyards dotted with centuries-old stone walls.

2. Dramatic volcanic landscapes, with towering peaks and deep ravines.

3. Quaint villages, where time seems to have stood still, with whitewashed homes and cobblestone streets.

4. Panoramic ocean vistas, showcasing the rugged coastline and sparkling azure waters.

This journey sets the stage for the immersive cultural experience to come at the charming Criacao Velha.

Guided Tour in a Traditional Village

Upon arriving in Criacao Velha, participants embark on a 45-minute guided tour of this traditional village.

They’ll explore narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses, some dating back centuries. The guide shares the history and culture of the island, pointing out architectural details and local landmarks.

Visitors learn about the villagers’ way of life, from fishing and farming to handicrafts. They’ll also visit a small church and browse local shops selling handmade textiles, pottery, and other crafts.

The tour provides a glimpse into the timeless charm and resilience of Pico Island’s rural communities.

Wine Tasting at Czar Pico Winery

Following the guided tour of the traditional village, participants hop back in the van for a scenic 20-minute drive to the renowned Czar Pico Winery.

Once there, they embark on a 1.5-hour wine tasting experience:

1. Guests sample up to 5 local wines and liqueurs, including the acclaimed Czar Pico wine that can exceed 1000€ per bottle.

2. They learn about the winery’s unique features, such as the centenarian Verdelho vines and the high alcohol content achieved solely through fermentation.

3. The tasting includes limited-edition, 8-year-aged wines in oak barrels, with only 1000 bottles produced.

4. Participants savor local snacks and have the opportunity to swim in a natural pool, weather permitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase the Limited-Edition Czar Pico Wines On-Site?

Yes, you can purchase the limited-edition Czar Pico wines on-site during the tasting experience. The winery offers exclusive access to these highly sought-after wines, with only 1000 bottles produced annually.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?

Yes, reservations are required in advance for this winery tour. It’s limited to 8 participants, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund. You can also opt to reserve now and pay later.

Is the Natural Pool Swimming Experience Private or Public?

The natural pool experience is public and open to the general public. Access to the pool is included in the tour’s itinerary, and participants can enjoy swimming there if weather permits during the 45-minute stop.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Winery?

No, guests can’t bring their own food and drinks to the winery. The tour includes up to 5 tastings of local wines, liqueurs, and small bites. Bringing outside items is not permitted during the private wine tasting experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The experience doesn’t offer any group discounts. However, it has a limited group size of 8 participants, so booking as a group can help ensure availability. Prices are fixed at $152.66 per person.

The Sum Up

The Luxury Wine Tasting at the Czar Pico Winery offers an immersive four-hour experience to savor the rich flavors of local wines, including rare selections costing over €1000 per bottle. Guests can enjoy a scenic drive through vineyards, a guided tour of a traditional village, and tastings of up to five wines paired with delectable snacks, all while exploring the stunning UNESCO Heritage site.

You can check availability for your dates here: