Wine Tour and Tasting With a Local Winemaker at Pico Island

Nestled in the Azores, Pico Island offers a unique wine tasting experience led by local winemaker Fábio Rocha. This 8-hour tour immerses visitors in the island’s UNESCO-protected winemaking heritage, visiting renowned cellars and sampling premium local vintages. With personalized attention for just 8 participants, it’s an opportunity to uncover the distinct terroir and centuries-old viticultural traditions that have shaped Pico’s world-class wines. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or new to the world of island viticulture, this intimate tour promises to transport you on a delightful journey of discovery.

Good To Know

• An 8-hour small-group wine tour and tasting on Pico Island, priced at $238.82 per person, with a maximum of 8 participants.
• Visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Lajido da Criação Velha Vineyards and Lajido de Santa Luzia, and local wineries for tastings.
• Tour led by Fábio Rocha, a winemaker with 10 years of experience, who provides expertise on the island’s unique terroir.
• Includes wine tastings at Solar Terra Brum and Cerca dos Frades, as well as a guided visit to the Pico Wine Museum.
• Tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews, with guests praising the guide’s knowledge and the well-planned itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The wine tour and tasting at Pico Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich winemaking heritage.

Pico Island’s wine tour and tasting offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich winemaking heritage.

Priced from $238.82 per person, the 8-hour small-group tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate experience. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, wine tastings at local wineries, guidance at the Pico Wine Museum, and lunch upon request.

Led by an experienced winemaker, the tour provides in-depth insights into the island’s geology, climate, and winemaking practices.

Experience Highlights

Visitors on this wine tour will first explore the Lajido da Criação Velha Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

They’ll then enjoy a wine tasting at Solar Terra Brum, sampling three fine Adega do Vulcão wines.

Next, the group will visit the Pico Wine Museum, where they’ll gain guidance on the island’s winemaking history and traditions.

The tour continues at Lajido de Santa Luzia, another UNESCO World Heritage location.

The final tasting takes place at Cerca dos Frades, featuring two of their own wines and two Insula wines.

Lunch can be provided based on customer preferences.

Winemaker Expertise

Leading the wine tour and tasting is Fábio Rocha, a winemaker with 10 years of experience.

His expertise includes:

• Travel in Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and various Portuguese regions to expand his winemaking knowledge

• A degree in Food Engineering and a Master’s in Viticulture and Winemaking

• A focus on explaining the geology, meteorology, biology, microbiology, viticulture, and enology behind the wines

• Engaging with visitors, sharing his passion for the unique terroir of Pico Island

• Guiding guests through the intricate process of winemaking on this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Guests who’ve experienced the wine tour and tasting at Pico Island have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Based on 6 reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. Travelers consistently praise the winemaker, Fábio Rocha, for his extensive knowledge, passion, and engaging personality.

The well-planned itinerary and opportunity to learn about the island’s unique terroir through wine and local culture were also highlights. Reviewers appreciate the small group size, convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, and the chance to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and other culturally significant locations.

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Logistics and Inclusions

The wine tour and tasting at Pico Island includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off for guests staying in Madalena or nearby areas.

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, including:

• Entrance to the Pico Wine Museum, where guests can learn about the island’s rich winemaking history

• Visits to Relheiras, the ancient roads used for grape and wine transport, and Rola Pipas, the site where barrels were rolled

• An emphasis on exploring the unique terroir of Pico Island through the wines and local culture

• Expertise from the winemaker, Fábio Rocha, who’s a wealth of knowledge spanning geology, meteorology, and enology

• Opportunities for wine tastings at Solar Terra Brum and Cerca dos Frades, showcasing the exceptional Adega do Vulcão and Insula wines.

Visiting Lajido Da Criação Velha Vineyards

After departing the wine museum, the tour heads to the Lajido da Criação Velha Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Pico Island.

These ancient vineyards, carved into the volcanic landscape, demonstrate the ingenuity of Pico’s winemakers. Winemaker Fábio explains how the unique terroir, with its black basalt stones, protects the vines from harsh winds and reflects sunlight, creating optimal growing conditions.

Visitors wander the stunning vineyards, marveling at the centuries-old techniques used to cultivate grapes in this unforgiving environment.

The tour provides an immersive look at Pico’s rich wine heritage and the resilience of its viticulture.

Tasting Adega Do Vulcão Wines

From the historic vineyards, the tour moves on to Solar Terra Brum, where Fábio introduces guests to three exceptional wines from the Adega do Vulcão label.

Guests savor the unique flavors and aromas that capture the essence of Pico’s volcanic terroir:

• A crisp, mineral-driven white wine

• A bold, full-bodied red with notes of black fruit

• A luscious, aromatic fortified wine

Fábio shares his expertise, guiding the group through the winemaking process and highlighting the geological and climatic factors that contribute to the wines’ distinct character.

Fábio guides the group through the winemaking process, highlighting the unique geological and climatic factors that define the wines’ distinct character.

Tasting these Adega do Vulcão offerings provides a deeper appreciation for the winemaking heritage of Pico Island.

Exploring Lajido De Santa Luzia and Cerca Dos Frades Wines

Next, Fábio leads the group to Lajido de Santa Luzia, another UNESCO World Heritage site on Pico Island. This geological wonder features a unique, rugged landscape of solidified lava flows.

Fábio explains the island’s volcanic origins and how this terroir influences the local wines. The group then visits Cerca dos Frades, a winery producing Cerca dos Frades and Insula wines.

They sample two of each, learning about the distinct characteristics imparted by Pico’s climate and soil. Throughout, Fábio’s expertise shines as he seamlessly weaves together geology, viticulture, and enology, providing invaluable insights into the island’s winemaking traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Wine Tasting Selection?

Yes, you can customize the wine tasting selection. The tour offers flexibility, and the winemaker is happy to accommodate your preferences based on the wines available during your visit.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

There is an option for a private tour, but it’s not explicitly mentioned in the details provided. Customers can likely inquire about a private tour when booking, which may incur an additional fee or require a minimum group size.

Will There Be Opportunity to Purchase Wines?

Yes, there’ll be opportunities to purchase the wines you sample during the tour. The tour includes wine tastings at Solar Terra Brum and Cerca dos Frades, allowing you to buy your favorites directly from the wineries.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated for Lunch?

Yes, dietary requirements can be accommodated for the lunch. Customers simply need to specify any dietary needs or preferences when booking, so the tour provider can arrange a suitable lunch option.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking over uneven terrain and some hilly areas. Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness, but the pace is relaxed to allow time for exploring the vineyards and historical sites comfortably.

The Sum Up

This intimate wine tour on Pico Island offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s winemaking legacy. Led by a local expert, the experience showcases renowned vineyards, tastings of exquisite local wines, and the stunning volcanic landscapes. With personalized attention and a carefully curated itinerary, this tour provides an immersive exploration of Pico’s rich wine heritage and natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: