The volcanic soils of Sao Miguel Island create perfect conditions for distinctive Azorean wines. Several well-organized tours stand out: The practical 4-hour “Shore Tour, Sete Cidades” combines scenic views with local wine and cheese – it’s a perfect introduction for cruise passengers. Wine enthusiasts will love the “Volcanic Wine and Tapas Tasting Party,” which packs an impressive sampling of 33 grape varieties into an intimate 4-hour experience. The comprehensive “Pico Island Wine Culture Tour” connects visitors with both winemaking traditions and UNESCO heritage sites. Over on Terceira Island, the focused “Volcanic Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas” showcases the region’s star grapes: Verdelho and Arinto dos Açores. Let’s explore the top wine tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- The Sete Cidades shore tour on São Miguel Island offers a 4-hour excursion showcasing the island’s natural beauty and includes a 30-minute wine and cheese tasting.
- The Volcanic Wine and Tapas Tasting Party on São Miguel Island provides a 4-hour intimate experience to learn about Azorean culture, traditions, and gastronomy through a selection of 33 grape varieties.
- The Pico Island Full Day Wine Culture Tour offers an 8-hour tour with visits to regional wine cooperatives, a traditional winery, and a wine museum, along with a local cuisine lunch.
- The Terceira Island Volcanic Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas in the village of Biscoitos features a 4-hour tasting of local wines, including Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores, and Terrantez do Pico, paired with traditional appetizers.
- Many wine tours in the Azores offer flexible cancellation policies, reserve now and pay later options, and knowledgeable guides to provide cultural insights and scenic views.
Azores: Shore Tour, Sete Cidades With Small Wine & Cheese
Although the Azores are a stunning volcanic archipelago, the Azores: Shore Tour, Sete Cidades With Small Wine & Cheese offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of São Miguel Island’s iconic Sete Cidades twin lakes.
Priced from Kč 1,136 per person, this 4-hour shore excursion departs from the Multiusos Portas do Mar terminal and showcases the island’s top sights, including the Vista do Rei Lookout, Cerrado das Freiras, and Lagoa Azul.
The highlight is a 30-minute wine and cheese tasting in Sete Cidades, where guests can sample local vintages and artisanal products.
Other stops include the Ponta do Escalvado Lookout and A Arruda Pineapple Plantation.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides excellent value and flexibility.
Past participants praise the knowledgeable guides and scenic driving routes, making it an ideal way to discover the Azores’ natural wonders.
Read our full review: Azores: Shore Tour, Sete Cidades With Small Wine & Cheese Review
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Azores: Volcanic Wine and Tapas Tasting Party
Visitors to São Miguel Island can enjoy the unique volcanic terroir of the Azores through the Azores: Volcanic Wine and Tapas Tasting Party. This 4-hour experience, limited to just 10 participants, offers a chance to sample rare volcanic wines produced locally.
Guests will learn about Azorean culture, traditions, gastronomy, and history while enjoying the relaxed party atmosphere hosted by an authentic Azorean family in their garden and cozy dining room.
The tasting features 33 grape varieties, including three local specialties: verdelho, arinto dos Açores, and terrantez do pico. Participants will savor the wines paired with delectable local food snacks.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 4 reviews, this tour provides an exceptional cultural and culinary experience. Priced at $67.88 per person, the tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Azores: Volcanic Wine and Tapas Tasting Party Review
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Pico Island: Full Day Wine Culture Tour
What better way to take in the rich wine culture of Pico Island than through this full-day wine tour? Priced at $97.70 per person, this 8-hour excursion takes visitors on a journey through the island’s renowned vineyards and wine production sites.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour includes a visit to a regional wine cooperative, allowing guests to learn about the winemaking process firsthand. Lunch at a local restaurant and tastings at a traditional adega (wine cellar) round out the experience, offering a chance to sample the island’s renowned wines.
Highlights include exploring the UNESCO Heritage Site lava fields and visiting a wine museum. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a flexible and immersive way to discover Pico’s winemaking heritage.
Suitable for adults only, the tour’s small group size of 8 participants ensures a personalized experience.
Read our full review: Pico Island: Full Day Wine Culture Tour Review
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Third: Volcanic Wine Tasting Tour With Tapas
Priced at £92.91 per person, the 4-hour Volcanic Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas on Terceira Island offers visitors an immersive experience in the island’s renowned winemaking heritage.
The tour, limited to just 8 participants, takes guests to the village of Biscoitos, known for its volcanic terroir perfect for grape cultivation.
Explorers will visit a local winery and Azorean home, tasting wines paired with traditional appetizers as they learn about the island’s unique Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores, and Terrantez do Pico grape varieties.
Along the way, they’ll witness the natural beauty of the island, including lava rock ocean pools and the landscape of curraletas.
With a knowledgeable guide providing insights in Portuguese or English, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Azorean wine culture.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, and a convenient hotel pickup is included.
Read our full review: Third: Volcanic Wine Tasting Tour With Tapas Review
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The Sum Up
The Azores offer a variety of wine tours that allow visitors to explore the island’s volcanic vineyards and sample the region’s unique wines. From guided tours of Sete Cidades to tastings on Pico Island, there’s something for every wine enthusiast. Whether you’re interested in traditional winemaking or the island’s volcanic terroir, these tours provide an immersive experience into the Azores’ rich wine culture.