During our 7 months on Madeira Island, there were two drinks we absolutely loved. Poncha and Madeira Wine. They were the perfect treats after a day of exploring, a big hike, or paired with a dessert. So, when we learned that Blandy’s Wine Lodge was offering tours, we had to book ourselves a spot to learn more about the Madeira wine-making process.
It was a sunny and warm afternoon when we arrived at the beautiful and historical Blandy's Wine Lodge. We were amazed by the characteristic old building, and it really felt as if we were stepping back in time. The squeaking wooden floors and cosy cobblestone courtyard surrounded by old wine barrels transported us back to the 18th century.
We were warmly welcomed by the staff at Blandy's which made us feel at home and reminded us of why we love Madeira so much. They showed genuine interest in us and our experience as expats living in Madeira, which led to a lovely conversation about all that Madeira has to offer and our roles as travel bloggers. And although we aren’t much of wine experts, we always love to learn more about a certain subject. Previously, we went to the Engenhos do Norte in Porto da Cruz to see the rum-making process from sugarcane juice. This was so interesting to watch and made us even more aware of how special and typical Poncha is to Madeirans. But now it was time to learn more about the making of Madeira Wine during one of the Blandy’s Wine Lodge tours!
While our guide from Blandy’s Wine Lodge led us through the different parts of the building, she explained all facets of Madeira Wine history, wine growing in Madeira, the process of wine aging and of course the different Madeira wines. It was so fascinating to learn about the wine-making process because this happens in various stages of maturation in big oak barrels. We had never seen the size of these barrels; they were much higher than we were!
The different types of Madeira Wine and flavors have evolved over the years. But even today, Madeira is known for its unique way of producing wine. By learning about its production process during the Blandy's Wine Lodge Tours, we learned more about wine and the traditions, craftsmanship, and heritage that have shaped Madeira's identity over the centuries. This expanded our general knowledge of Madeira, resulting in even more respect for this special wine.
During the tour, we were also amazed to learn about all the different grape varieties and how each contributes to the unique characteristics of the wines. We had no idea that each grape variety results in a diverse range of styles and flavors. From dry and medium-dry styles to sweet wines that complement desserts or cheese platters. We learned that Madeira Wine is typically made from four main grape varieties: Sercial (dry), Verdelho (medium-dry), Bual (medium-sweet), and Malvasia (sweet). We personally love the sweet wine, especially as a dessert wine.
We had already seen the vineyard terraces which are nestled on Madeira’s hills. Our guide told us that the grapes in Madeira thrive thanks to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil and unique, year-round warm climate of the island. Because of this warm climate and cool ocean breeze, the grapes get infused with these natural elements, resulting in flavors that embody the island's unique environment. It’s no surprise that you can really taste the soul of Madeira through this wine. Grown under the sun and by the wind and soil of Madeira Island this distinct wine is the essence of the island itself.
After the fantastic tour, it was time for the wine tasting! We could now put everything we learned into practice to see if we could taste the differences between the Madeira wines. In the cozy tasting rooms, we had the opportunity to sample a selection of Madeira wines including a cheese and chocolate platter to pair with the wine. It was so nice that our guide helped us understand the typical flavors and nuances of each Madeira wine. We realized that we discovered and could taste the balance and difference between sweetness and acidity. Even the different aromas and the unique characteristics brought to life by the ageing process in the oak casks suddenly came to life.
After the wine-tasting session, we almost felt like real wine experts! We learned so much and finally got a good idea of what kind of wines we prefer. It was also really interesting to finally be able to describe a wine with terms as ‘rounded’, ‘rich’, ‘fruity’ and of course ‘sweet’. Previously we only used the words sweet, dry, good or “not my taste”. Our wine vocabulary was extended, and we returned to our apartment in Madeira with a heart full of amazing new memories and experiences. But of course, we couldn’t leave Blandy’s Wine Lodge without a bottle of wine to enjoy the taste of Madeira at home!
