Pico Island: Full Day Wine Culture Tour

Pico Island, a small yet captivating destination in the Azores, boasts a rich winemaking heritage that has captivated connoisseurs worldwide. On this full-day wine culture tour, visitors will have the unique opportunity to enjoy the island’s vinous traditions, exploring renowned vineyards, visiting a regional wine cooperative, and savoring award-winning local wines. From scenic drives to delectable Azorean cuisine, this immersive experience promises to unveil the intricate tapestry of Pico’s wine culture, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the island’s exceptional terroir and the passionate individuals who have dedicated their lives to cultivating its renowned vintages.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Wine Tours In Sao Miguel Island.

Key Points

1. An 8-hour immersive experience focused on exploring Pico Island’s rich wine heritage, including guided walks through vineyards and visits to a wine cooperative and museum.

2. Offers pickup from Madalena Ferry terminal, transportation in a comfortable vehicle, and informative commentary about the local wine industry and production sites.

3. Features two distinct wine tastings, including a final tasting at a traditional adega (wine cellar) surrounded by captivating scenery.

4. Includes a delightful lunch at a local restaurant showcasing Pico Island’s renowned cuisine, such as Lapas, Cozido das Furnas, and Queijo da Ilha.

5. Suitable for participants aged 14-99, with a minimum of 24-hour advance booking required and a maximum of 8 people per tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Pico Island: Full Day Wine Culture Tour offers an immersive 8-hour experience, providing visitors a deep dive into the island’s rich wine heritage.

Priced from $106.33 per person, the tour accommodates a small group of up to 8 participants and is available in Portuguese and English.

Pickup begins at the Madalena Ferry terminal, followed by a guided walk through the Criação Velha vineyards. Guests will visit a regional wine cooperative and museum, enjoy a local lunch, and travel to scenic spots along the north coast.

The tour culminates with a tasting at a traditional adega, or wine cellar.

With rave reviews for its knowledgeable guides and immersive activities, this tour is a wonderful way to discover Pico Island’s UNESCO-recognized wine culture.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from the Madalena Ferry terminal, where participants embark on their wine country adventure.

They’ll stroll through the renowned Criação Velha vineyards, soaking in the history and tradition of Pico Island’s winemaking.

Next, the group visits a regional wine cooperative and museum, offering an in-depth look at the island’s wine culture.

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, the journey continues to the northern coast, passing by former wine production sites like Cachorro and Lajido.

The tour culminates with a tasting at a charming local adega, where guests can savor the island’s finest vintages.

Experience and Activities

Throughout the Pico Island Wine Tour, guests embark on an immersive exploration of the island’s rich winemaking heritage.

Travelers learn the history of wine and vineyards in the Azores as they sample local vintages during two distinct tastings.

The tour showcases the UNESCO Heritage Site‘s stunning natural landscapes, offering opportunities to walk through the Criação Velha vineyards and visit a regional wine cooperative and museum.

Lunch at a local restaurant and a final tasting at a traditional adega (wine cellar) complete the experience, highlighting the unique flavors and traditions that define Pico Island’s winemaking culture.

Pickup and Transportation

Guests begin the Pico Island Wine Tour with a pickup from the Madalena Ferry terminal. This convenient location ensures a seamless start to the day’s activities.

The tour then proceeds as follows:

1. Travelers are transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
2. The drive takes them through the picturesque vineyards of Criação Velha.
3. Along the way, the guide provides informative commentary about the local wine industry and history.
4. The tour then continues to the north coast, passing by former wine production sites like Cachorro and Lajido.

This efficient, well-organized pickup and transportation service sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Pico Island’s rich wine culture.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Winery Visits and Tastings

During the wine tour, guests visit a regional wine cooperative and wine museum to enjoy the history and production processes of Pico Island’s renowned wines. They’ll explore the facilities and learn about the traditional methods used to cultivate and vinify the grapes. The tour also includes a stop at a local adega (wine cellar) where guests can sample a variety of Pico’s award-winning wines. This is a unique opportunity to explore the rich wine culture of the Azores and discover the exceptional quality of the region’s vintages.

Winery Visits	Highlights
Regional Wine Cooperative	Explore wine production facilities
Wine Museum	Learn about traditional winemaking methods
Local Adega (Wine Cellar)	Sample award-winning Pico wines

Lunch and Local Cuisine

After exploring the wine production facilities and learning about the region’s winemaking heritage, the tour takes guests to a local restaurant for a delightful lunch featuring Pico Island’s renowned cuisine.

The menu offers a tantalizing selection of dishes, including:

1. Lapas – the island’s signature dish of grilled limpets served with lemon and garlic.
2. Cozido das Furnas – a slow-cooked stew made with locally-sourced meats and vegetables.
3. Queijo da Ilha – the island’s artisanal cheese, often paired with local honey or jams.
4. Bolo Lêvedo – a fluffy, circular bread reminiscent of an English muffin, a perfect accompaniment to the meal.

Guests can savor these authentic flavors while admiring the stunning coastal vistas surrounding the restaurant.

Scenic Locations and Stops

Along the northern coastline of Pico Island, the tour takes visitors on a scenic journey, passing by former wine production sites like Cachorro and Lajido.

These picturesque locations showcase the island’s rich wine heritage and the dramatic landscapes that have shaped Pico’s viticulture over the centuries.

Travelers will marvel at the stunning natural beauty, from the rugged cliffs to the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The tour culminates with a visit to a local adega, or wine cellar, where participants can indulge in a final tasting and appreciate the full depth of Pico’s world-renowned wines, all while surrounded by the island’s captivating scenery.

Important Information for Guests

Guests should come prepared for a full day of exploring Pico Island’s wine culture. The tour requires comfortable shoes, water, and layers of clothing to accommodate the changing weather.

Booking the tour at least 24 hours in advance is recommended. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 18 years, and participants must be between the ages of 14-99.

The tour includes:

1. Pickup from the Madalena Ferry terminal.
2. Guided visits to vineyards, a wine cooperative, and a local wine cellar.
3. A delicious lunch at a regional restaurant.
4. Two wine tastings to sample the local flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

It’s unclear if the Pico Island wine tour can be customized. The details provided indicate the itinerary is fixed, but travelers should check with the tour operator to inquire about any customization options that may be available.

Does the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?

The tour generally accommodates dietary restrictions and food allergies. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance so they can work to ensure appropriate meal options are available during the included restaurant lunch.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for Group Bookings?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants can cancel their group booking without penalty if they need to change their plans at the last minute.

Is It Possible to Take the Tour on a Different Day or Time?

Travelers can check if the tour is available on different days or times, but this may require booking the tour further in advance. The tour operator typically offers some flexibility to accommodate guests’ schedules when possible.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather During the Tour?

In case of inclement weather during the tour, it’s typically rescheduled for another day. The tour provider will work with customers to find an alternative date that works for everyone.

Recap

Enjoy Pico Island’s rich wine heritage on this full-day tour. Explore renowned Criação Velha vineyards, visit a local wine cooperative and museum, and savor award-winning wines paired with traditional Azorean cuisine. With scenic drives, informative guidance, and breathtaking landscapes, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the unique flavors and history of Pico’s renowned wines.

You can check if your dates are available here: