Places to eat
Blandy's Wine Lodge
Centuries-old cellars in central Funchal where Madeira wine ages slowly in oak
See it on the 3D islandOpens in your browser, on a phone or a computer.
The place
Behind a harbourfront facade, the Blandy family has aged fortified wine in these cellars since the 19th century, some barrels for decades. Guided tastings run through the island's four defining styles, from bone-dry Sercial to syrupy Malmsey, and explain why Madeira the wine is as famous as Madeira the island. It's the single best stop for understanding what's in every other restaurant's dessert-wine list on the island.
When to come
Morning, before tour groups arrive; Sunday hours are shorter and split by a midday break
Worth knowing
- Mon-Fri 10:00-18:30, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-18:00
- Guided cellar tours end with a tasting
- Closed Dec 25-26; shortened hours Dec 24, 31 and Jan 1
- Avenida Arriaga 28, central Funchal