From late August to mid-September, the island of Madeira is decked with vine leaves to celebrate a precious harvest.
For about three weeks, Funchal’s main streets and squares are full of wine paraphernalia, folk shows and guided tastings. Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Câmara de Lobos, there’s traditional grape treading going on.
Don’t miss
- The inaugural parade in Funchal, which features floats decorated with enormous bunches of grapes and groups of people wearing regional costumes.
- The wine market in Praça do Povo, where local producers organise tastings of the island’s famous Madeira fortified wine, from the dry Sercial to the sweet Malvasia.
- Traditional grape treading during the first weekend of September in Câmara de Lobos, where there’s a wine press available so that everyone can be involved and feel part of the harvest.
- The different open-air concerts by the sea, not to mention cooking sessions where the special ingredient is, of course, Madeira wine.
Where to stay: the collection of Pestana hotels in Madeira
If you want to be part of the festivities and enjoy the best of local hospitality, choose one of the many resorts and 4 and 5-star hotels in Madeira. Discover them one by one.
Pestana Carlton Madeira
Combines tropical gardens, direct access to the sea and a saltwater ocean pool. The spa and four restaurants make it difficult to leave the hotel, but remarkably easy to return.
Pestana Casino Park
Designed by the famous Brazilian architect Óscar Niemeyer, the hotel is a work of art that has maintained the glamour of the era. Overlooking the marina, city and abundant gardens, this place is perfect for culture vultures who enjoy design and fun. All within a stone’s throw of the historic centre.
Pestana Village Garden Hotel
Offering a Madeiran farmhouse atmosphere, with pastel-coloured façades covered in bougainvillea, the common areas are surrounded by aromatic gardens, fishponds and various nooks that are perfect for reading a good book. An ideal place for guests who value space and tranquillity.
Pestana Miramar Garden & Ocean Resort
Echoes of elegant art deco style in a century-old park. The hotel’s suites are decorated in warm colours with views of the sea or exotic forest. A small oasis just ten minutes from the heart of Funchal.
Pestana CR7 Funchal
Co-created with Cristiano Ronaldo himself, this is a hotel with a unique energy, a great location and a relaxed mood. On the rooftop with swimming pool, guests sip cocktails to the sound of DJ sets, while they enjoy the perfect atmosphere to end each day.
Pestana Grand Premium Ocean Resort
Overlooking Cape Girão and Ponta da Cruz, this resort is set on a cliff, surrounded by the Lido promenade. Highlights include the outdoor seawater pool, the award-winning spa and four restaurants, which take guests on a culinary voyage from Italy to Morocco.
If you visit the island of Madeira during the wine festival, make sure to raise a glass to local culture, while surrounded by epic views, authentic flavours and the comfort you’ve come to expect. Cheers – or, as they say on the island, ‘à nossa!’
