EAZ Madeira Festival
Saturday 30th October - Saturday 6th November 2021
Join us to explore this beautiful historic island; ‘the pearl of the Atlantic’ and learn about its world famous Madeira wine. We will stay in the capital Funchal, a short distance from the harbour. During our visit we will be hosted by several of the major wine producers – Barbeito, Blandys, Henriques & Henriques, and D’Oliveiras – who will introduce us to their wines and the noble grapes which make them. We will also have the opportunity to discover something of the local cuisine. This is a unique opportunity to experience Madeira wine in its home setting. The event will be limited to a maximum of 40 participants. All IWFS Members are welcome.
Programme
Sun 31st October – Registration will be at 4.30pm in the lobby of the Royal Savoy. 6.00pm Reception at Reids, and dinner in the Villa Cipriani restaurant.
Mon 1st Nov – 8.45am. We set out on a stunning scenic drive to the north of the island. The route will include Pico da Torre, Ribeira Brava, Madalena do Mar and Paul da Serra. Lunch will be by the sea at Porto Moniz, before returning to Funchal via Sao Vicente and Encumeada. 7.00pm Dinner at Armazem do Sal.
Tues 2nd Nov – 8.45am. Depart for Introduction to Madeira at the Madeira Wine Institute. Lunch by the sea at the Faja dos Padres, which hosts some of the oldest vines on Madeira, along with a tour of their ancient vineyards. After lunch we will drive back to the hotel, where we will have a few minutes to return to our rooms before being ready at 4.40pm to drive to Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal town centre, where the bus will leave us. After a tour of the lodge, and an opportunity to learn more about the Madeira ageing process, there will be a tasting of some of Blandy’s wines. You will then be free to do as you please. There is a wide choice of cafes and restaurants in the vicinity.
Weds 3rd Nov – 8.45am. Drive up into the hills for a visit to one of Henriques and Henriques vineyards at Quinta Grande. This will be followed by a tasting at their headquarters in Camara de Lobos, and lunch at a local restaurant, O Lagar. There will be an opportunity to visit the harbour at Camara de Lobos, where Churchill liked to paint, after which we will return to the hotel to give you some time to relax, before dinner at Do Forte at 7.00pm.
Thurs 4th Nov – 8.45am. Our destination this morning is the Quinta da Serra where we will be hosted by Ricardo Freitas, Managing Director of Barbeito. After a seminar on the Effects of Ageing in Madeira Wine we will enjoy lunch at the hotel. Barbeito Madeira Wines have been specially chosen to match the menu. The drive back to our hotel will take us through some of the stunning scenery above Funchal. Dinner will be at 7.00pm in the spectacular Galaxia restaurant on the top floor of the Savoy Palace. The restaurant has its own entrance on the Ave do Infante.
Friday 5th Nov – Meet at 8.15am for a visit to the food market in Funchal followed by an extensive tasting at D’Oliveiras, which is renowned for its cellar of older Madeira wines. Lunch will be at Casa Velha, part of the Palheiro estate. The estate has been in the Blandys family since 1885. After lunch you will have an opportunity to explore the renowned gardens with their stunning views down to Funchal harbour. Our farewell dinner at the Design Centre at 7.00pm this evening offers some of the best food in Funchal and the opportunity to view the city from the seaward side of the harbour.
Sat 6th Nov – Event ends. You are free to explore the Island or make your way home.
Cost The cost of the event, as outlined above, excluding hotels, flights and airport transfers is 1365 euros per person for members and 1500 euros for non-member partners and guests.
Hotels. The Festival hotel will be the five star Royal Savoy , which is on the waterfront close to Funchal harbour. There is also the possibility of staying at the less expensive four star Savoy Next next door, which has recently undergone a total refurbishment. You will need to book your accommodation directly with the hotel, quoting IWFS.
The first event will be at 5 pm on Sunday 31st October. However you are strongly advised to plan to arrive the day beforehand, as Madeira’s Funchal airport is prone to high winds and flights can sometimes be delayed or cancelled. There is also the possibility of having to accommodate health screening requirements.