Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting and Cultural Experience

The "Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting and Cultural Experience" offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the island’s rich wine heritage and vibrant cultural identity. Led by the passionate founders, Silvia and José, this captivating experience delves into the art of winemaking while embracing Pico’s diverse traditions. From savoring exceptional liqueurs to indulging in a delectable cheese and fruit pairing, this unique event promises to ignite a deeper appreciation for the island’s remarkable offerings.

Key Points

• The "Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting" at ETNOM winery offers an immersive experience highlighting Pico’s wine heritage and the resilience of its female winemakers.
• Guests learn about the island’s unique grape varieties, such as Verdelho, and the distinct terroir that shapes the award-winning wines.
• The tasting experience showcases the diverse flavors of Pico’s traditional liqueurs, including Medronho, Ginjinha, and Licor de Café.
• The pairing of artisanal cheeses and fresh seasonal fruits elevates the tasting experience and celebrates the island’s culinary treasures.
• The experience also provides insights into Pico’s vibrant LGBTQ2S+ community and opportunities to connect with local members and learn about the island’s queer history.

Uncovering Pico’s Rich Wine Heritage

Although Pico may be better known for its striking volcanic landscapes, the island’s wine heritage runs deep.

Pico’s vineyards, nestled amidst rugged cliffs, have produced exceptional wines for centuries. The unique terroir, shaped by ancient lava flows, imparts a distinct minerality and complexity to the local varietals.

From the prized Verdelho grape to the robust red blends, Pico’s wines showcase the island’s rich agricultural traditions and resilience.

Venture beyond the dramatic vistas, and you’ll discover a vibrant wine culture that has long been central to Pico’s identity and self-expression.

Exploring the ETNOM Winery and Its Captivating Story

Nestled amidst Pico’s rugged terrain, the ETNOM winery tells a captivating story of resilience and innovation. Founded by a dynamic duo, Silvia and José, the winery showcases the island’s unique terroir and the passion of its people.

During the Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting experience, travelers discover ETNOM’s artisanal wines, each with a distinct personality. Silvia and José share their vibrant tales, from the challenges of grape cultivation to the joys of crafting exceptional libations.

Guests savor the flavors, learn about the winemaking process, and gain insights into Pico’s rich cultural heritage. The experience embodies the island’s indomitable spirit.

Savoring the Flavors of Pico’s Unique Liqueurs

Beyond the captivating wines, the Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting experience invites travelers to explore Pico’s unique liqueurs.

The tasting includes:

• Rich and velvety Medronho, a traditional Portuguese fruit liqueur made from the arbutus berry
• Smooth and aromatic Licor de Amora, a blackberry liqueur with hints of cinnamon and vanilla
• Zesty and refreshing Ginjinha, a cherry-based liqueur with a slight bitterness
• Silky and complex Licor de Café, a coffee liqueur that perfectly complements the local cheeses and fruits

These unique liqueurs showcase the island’s diverse flavors and cultural heritage, immersing visitors in the essence of Pico.

Indulging in a Delectable Cheese and Fruit Pairing

To complement the diverse array of local wines and liqueurs, the Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting experience delights participants with a carefully curated selection of artisanal cheeses and fresh seasonal fruits.

Silvia, the knowledgeable guide, introduces each cheese variety, its unique flavors, and how it pairs with the accompanying wines. Guests savor the creamy textures and robust aromas, marveling at the harmonious blend of the artisanal fare.

The fresh, juicy fruits provide a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between sips. This delectable pairing elevates the tasting, inviting guests to fully enjoy Pico’s culinary treasures.

Taking in Pico’s Vibrant LGBTQ2S+ Community

The Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting experience not only celebrates the region’s renowned wines but also invites guests to enjoy Pico’s vibrant LGBTQ2S+ community.

The tour includes:

• Recommendations for LGBTQ2S+-friendly venues, including lively bars, cozy cafes, and inclusive event spaces.

• Insights into the island’s rich queer history and the thriving modern LGBTQ2S+ scene.

• Opportunities to connect with local LGBTQ2S+ community members and learn about their experiences.

• Inclusive and affirming guidance from the hosts, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable experience for all participants.

Discovering the Artistry of Bread Making

While the wine tasting offers a glimpse into Pico’s renowned viniculture, the Pico Girl Power experience also invites guests to discover the artistry of traditional bread making. Led by local expert Silvia, the experience takes travelers to an artisanal bakery where they learn the techniques behind creating the island’s signature bread varieties. As they knead the dough and watch it rise, guests gain an appreciation for the skill and patience required. The activity culminates in sampling the freshly baked breads, complemented by locally-sourced accompaniments, for a true taste of Pico’s culinary heritage.

Bread Varieties Featured
Massa Sovada	A sweet, brioche-like bread
Cornbread	Made with locally-grown corn
Bolo Lêvedo	A fluffy, ring-shaped pastry
Bolo de Caco	A grilled flatbread

Expanding Horizons With Additional Pico Experiences

Beyond the captivating wine tasting, the Pico Girl Power experience invites travelers to expand their horizons with additional immersive activities that delve deeper into the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore:

• The annual wine harvest, where they can participate in the traditional grape-picking and winemaking process.
• Hands-on bread-making workshops, learning the secrets of crafting the island’s renowned artisanal breads.
• Guided day trips to the neighboring islands of São Jorge and Faial, uncovering their unique landscapes and vibrant communities.
• Recommendations for LGBTQ2S+ venues, allowing travelers to connect with the local queer scene.

Accessibility and Booking Details

How accessible is the Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting experience? The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available.

Travelers meet at the João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal, near the whale-watching shop WC Azores, and the experience ends at the same location.

The activity starts at 10:00 am and has a maximum of 8 participants.

Booking details include a price from $171.09 per person, free cancellation up to 24 hours before, confirmation received at booking, and a "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option.

With a 5.0 overall rating from 16 reviews, this guided wine tasting and cultural experience seems well worth considering for travelers to Pico.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for This Experience?

While travel insurance isn’t required, it’s recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances. The experience provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility, but insurance can provide added peace of mind for the traveler.

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

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks to the winery. The experience includes local wine tasting, liqueurs, and snacks provided by the tour operator, so bringing outside items is not permitted. The focus is on enjoying the provided culinary offerings.

How Experienced Should I Be With Wine Tasting to Enjoy This Tour?

You don’t need to be an experienced wine taster to enjoy this tour. The local expert guide, Silvia, will provide an accessible and engaging introduction to the local wines, making it suitable for both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Group discounts are available for the Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting and Cultural Experience. Travelers can save on the per-person price by booking with a group of 4 or more people. The host, Oh!MyCod, offers flexible group rates to make the experience more affordable.

Can I Customize the Experience to Fit My Dietary Preferences?

Yes, the experience can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences. Travelers can notify the host, Silvia, of any dietary needs or restrictions when making their booking, and she’ll work to personalize the food and beverage selections accordingly.

The Sum Up

The "Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting and Cultural Experience" at ETNOM winery offers a captivating journey into the heart of Pico’s vibrant heritage. Guests enjoy the island’s winemaking traditions, explore its diverse cultural identities, and forge a deeper connection with the local community. This enriching experience leaves a lasting impression, inspiring a renewed appreciation for Pico’s exceptional liqueurs, artisanal breads, and the island’s enduring spirit of empowerment.