Funchal: H.M. Borges Winery Guided Tour With Wine Tasting

Funchal’s H.M. Borges Winery has been a cherished institution for over a century, embodying the rich winemaking heritage of Madeira. This guided tour invites visitors to enjoy the meticulous processes that yield the winery’s acclaimed wines. From the careful grape harvesting to the intricate aging techniques, every step is meticulously showcased to a small group of just 10 participants. The tour culminates in a delightful tasting session, where guests can savor the winery’s offerings and discover the nuances that make Madeiran wines truly unique. But the experience extends beyond the flavors, as the elegant ambiance and artwork…

Key Points

• A guided tour of the family-owned H.M. Borges Winery in Funchal, exploring its 100-year-old legacy and traditional winemaking processes.
• Tasting options ranging from 2 to 6 wine samples, with optional pairings of dried fruit, cookies, and honey cake.
• An intimate group experience limited to 10 participants, conducted in English and focused on the winery’s history and techniques.
• Elegant tasting room ambiance featuring artwork by renowned artist Max Römer and a multisensory exploration of Madeiran wine culture.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues due to narrow pathways, steep staircases, and lack of accessibility features.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

With a rich history spanning over a century, the H.M. Borges Winery offers a guided tour experience in Funchal, Madeira.

The 30-minute to 1-hour tour is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized encounter. Conducted in English, the tour delves into the winery’s legacy and the meticulous winemaking processes that have been perfected over generations.

Although not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tour provides an educational and immersive experience for wine enthusiasts seeking a different activity in Funchal.

Priced from €15 per person, the tour can be freely canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Winery’s Legacy

The H.M. Borges Winery has a rich, century-old history. Founded in the early 20th century, this family-owned hotel has played a pivotal role in preserving Madeiran winemaking traditions. Guests can explore the winery’s legacy and uncover the meticulous aging processes that define its acclaimed vintages.

Established	Family Owned	Madeira Traditions
Early 1900s	100+ Years	Preserved
Pioneering	Generational	Time-Honored

Visitors can expect an immersive experience, learning about the intricate techniques that have earned H.M. Borges its reputation for exceptional quality. By understanding the winery’s storied past, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the passion and dedication behind each bottle.

Winemaking Process

After the grapes are carefully harvested, the winemaking process at H.M. Borges Winery begins with a meticulous aging process.

The team employs time-honored techniques to ensure the wine reaches its full potential. Depending on the variety, the wine may spend 5, 10, or even 15 years maturing in oak barrels. This extended aging imparts complex flavors and a velvety texture.

Visitors can learn about these intricate steps during the guided tour, gaining insights into the family’s century-old winemaking legacy.

The tasting room, adorned with masterpieces by Max Römer, provides the perfect setting to savor the winery’s renowned vintages.

Tasting Room Ambiance

Stepping into the tasting room at H.M. Borges Winery, visitors are enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and tradition.

The space features masterpieces by renowned artist Max Römer, whose vibrant paintings adorn the walls, adding a touch of cultural flair.

The tasting experience unfolds against a backdrop of rich, oak-paneled walls and polished floors, creating an ambiance that seamlessly blends the winery’s century-old heritage with modern sophistication.

As guests sip on the delicate vintages, they’re transported to a world where time-honored winemaking techniques and artistic expression converge, offering a multisensory exploration of Madeiran wine culture.

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Tasting Choices and Pairings

Visitors to H.M. Borges Winery have three tasting options to choose from.

The Silver tasting includes two tastings, featuring wines aged 3 and 10 years.

The Gold option provides three tastings – 5 years, 15 years, and a limited edition.

Those seeking a more comprehensive experience can select the Diamond package, offering six tastings encompassing 5, 10, and 15-year-old wines, a single harvest, a limited edition, and a frasqueira.

To complement the wine tasting, guests can opt for an additional pairing with dried fruit, cookies, mini honey cake, and sugar cane cookies for a small fee.

These pairings enhance the tasting experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the nuances of the Madeiran wines.

Customer Experiences

Travelers who’ve experienced the guided tour at H.M. Borges Winery in Funchal consistently praise the informative guides and the unique insights they gain into Madeiran winemaking.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 44 reviews, the tour is a popular choice for those seeking a different and educational activity in the city.

Visitors highlight the central location and warm welcome, as well as the opportunity to appreciate the ambiance of the tasting room featuring masterpieces by Max Römer.

Many recommend the winery tour for its ability to provide an engaging and memorable experience that goes beyond a typical tasting.

Booking Details

To reserve a spot on the guided tour at H.M. Borges Winery, visitors can book online or by contacting the winery directly. No upfront payment is required to secure a reservation. Participants should bring comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the experience.

Reservation Details
Payment	Pay later
Age Policy	Free for under 17s (no wine tasting)
What to Bring	Comfortable shoes, camera

Guests can check availability for starting times that suit their schedule. With a maximum group size of 10, the intimate tour provides a personalized and informative experience exploring Madeiran winemaking traditions.

Accessibility Considerations

Unfortunately, the guided tour at H.M. Borges Winery isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The winery’s facilities aren’t designed to accommodate those with accessibility needs.

Some of the key limitations include:

• Narrow pathways and uneven surfaces within the winery
• Steep staircases leading to the tasting room and other areas
• Lack of ramps or elevators to navigate different levels
• Limited space and tight corners that can be challenging to maneuver
• No designated parking or drop-off areas close to the entrance

Visitors with accessibility concerns are advised to consider alternative experiences in Funchal that can better meet their needs.

The winery’s team is happy to provide information on more accessible options in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks to the guided tour. The winery provides optional wine pairing options for an additional fee, but outside food and beverages are not permitted during the experience.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Yes, children under 17 years old are allowed on the tour, but they cannot participate in the wine tasting. The tour is free for participants under 17 years old.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no explicit dress code for the tour, though guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes. Casual attire is suitable, as the focus is on the winemaking experience rather than formal dress.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though they should be mindful not to disrupt the experience. The winery encourages visitors to capture the unique atmosphere and scenery of the tour.

Is the Tour Offered in Other Languages?

The tour is offered in English. However, the website doesn’t mention if other languages are available. Visitors should inquire about language options when making the booking to ensure the tour is conducted in their preferred language.

Recap

Enjoy Funchal’s winemaking heritage at the H.M. Borges Winery. Discover the meticulous processes behind acclaimed Madeiran wines through a guided tour and tasting. Savor the flavors of the region’s vintages, expertly paired with delectable treats, in the elegant tasting room. This intimate experience promises a memorable exploration of Madeira’s rich wine culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: