Wine Tour and Tasting with a local Winemaker at Pico Island

If you’re visiting the Azores and want to experience the island’s true flavor—both literally and figuratively—this Wine Tour and Tasting with a local winemaker on Pico Island offers a compelling blend of scenic beauty, historic vineyards, and personalized insight. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a vivid picture of an authentic, enriching experience.

What I love about this tour are two central things: first, the chance to walk among UNESCO-listed vineyards set in volcanic landscapes, a rare sight truly unlike anywhere else in the world. Second, the guidance of Fábio Rocha, a wine expert with a global background who clearly loves sharing his passion for Pico’s wines and landscapes.

A potential consideration? The tour is priced at $250 per person, which might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget. However, when you weigh the inclusion of multiple tastings, expert guidance, and visits to UNESCO sites, the value becomes clearer.

This experience suits wine enthusiasts, nature lovers, and curious travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to taste and understand the unique terroir of Pico Island. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a good glass of wine while exploring, you’ll find something special here.

Key Points

• Authentic Pico vineyards: Walk through UNESCO World Heritage vineyards planted in volcanic soil, offering unparalleled scenery and insight.
• Expert guidance: Learn from Fábio Rocha, a passionate winemaker with a rich international background, who explains the science behind Pico wines.
• Diverse tastings: Enjoy multiple opportunities to taste 3 Solar Terra Brum wines and 5 more wines at different locations.
• Cultural and geological context: Visits to ancient roads (Relheiras) and volcanic landscapes add layers of understanding to the wine story.
• Small-group intimacy: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and engaging conversations.
• Unbeatable scenery: The combination of volcanic landscapes, sea views, and historic vineyards creates a memorable backdrop for wine tasting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Pico Wine Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

This guided day-long outing lasts around 8 hours—perfect if you’re eager to explore without feeling rushed. The tour begins with hotel pickup (if you’re staying in Madalena or nearby), which simplifies logistics and allows you to relax from the start. The small group size (limited to 8 people) means you’ll get plenty of personal attention and chances to ask questions.

Availability and timings vary—be sure to check ahead—so you can plan your day accordingly. The tour includes entrance to the Pico Wine Museum, offering context on the island’s wine history, and takes you on a journey through landscapes that are both stunning and scientifically intriguing.

Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Vineyards

One of the tour highlights is the visit to the Lajido da Criação Velha vineyards. These terraces, carved into volcanic rocks and planted in ancient lava flows, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. We loved the way these vineyards seem to cling to the hillside, with the Atlantic in the background, making for unforgettable photos.

The terroir here is unlike any other—volcanic soil, cool ocean breezes, and plenty of sun combine to produce wines with a distinctive minerality and freshness. Walking among these vineyards, you can almost feel the history and resilience of the Azorean people who have cultivated grapes on this rugged terrain for centuries.

Wine Tasting at Solar Terra Brum

Next, the group visits Solar Terra Brum, a historic estate described as a “small palace.” Here, you’ll taste three fine Adega do Vulcão wines, each showcasing different expressions of Pico’s volcanic terroir. The setting is charming, with a knowledgeable guide explaining the wine-making process and what influences each wine’s character.

Guests consistently praise Fabio’s enthusiasm and expertise—one reviewer noted how he “had the entire day planned so well” and shared insights about geology, meteorology, microbiology, and enology. This isn’t just a tasting; it’s an educational experience that helps you understand why Pico wines taste the way they do.

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Exploring Ancient Roads and Volcanic Landscapes

The tour also takes you to the “Relheiras”, ancient roads used historically for grape and wine transfer. These paths, carved into volcanic terrain, highlight the island’s ingenuity in working with its environment. Walking these routes adds a tangible sense of history and tradition to the day.

Further, a visit to “Rola Pipas”—a site known for traditional barrel rolling—provides insight into local winemaking practices and adds a fun, visual element to the tour.

Visiting Lajido de Santa Luzia

Another UNESCO site, Lajido de Santa Luzia, offers additional scenic views and a chance to taste another set of three wines at the local winery. Reviewers mention the “passion Fabio has for his job” and how contagious his enthusiasm is, making the tasting feel personal and engaging.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

Throughout the day, the emphasis is on feeling the land and experiencing the unique atmosphere of Pico. Whether it’s the volcanic soil, the bracing Atlantic breeze, or the historical terracing, each element contributes to an understanding of why Pico wines are celebrated for their uniqueness.

The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel, leaving you with a deep appreciation of the island’s natural and cultural treasures—and, of course, a few bottles of local wine to take home.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want more than just a superficial taste of Pico — it’s for travelers eager to learn about the land, geology, and culture through wine. If you enjoy small-group, personalized tours and appreciate expert guides who are passionate about their craft, you’ll find this a rewarding day.

Wine lovers will love the diverse tastings and the chance to explore UNESCO vineyards. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the stunning volcanic scenery. And anyone interested in local traditions and history will find the visits to ancient roads and historic sites illuminating.

Practical Considerations and Value

At $250 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package—covering transportation, expert guidance, museum entries, and multiple tastings. When you consider the personalized attention, the opportunity to visit UNESCO sites, and the educational content, the value becomes clearer. Of course, it’s not a cheap outing, but it’s well-suited for travelers who prioritize quality experiences and authentic insights.

Lunch is not included, giving you the flexibility to explore local eateries on your own or request a meal as an add-on.

The tour’s small-group format ensures a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for conversation and learning. And the availability of multiple languages (English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian) makes it accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in Madalena or nearby, simplifying logistics and allowing you to focus on enjoying the day.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a full-day experience but not overly long—perfect if you want to maximize your time on the island without feeling exhausted.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample three wines at Solar Terra Brum and another three wines at Lajido de Santa Luzia, all representing local varieties influenced by volcanic soil.

Is there a limit to group size?
Yes, the group is limited to 8 participants, ensuring you receive personalized attention and have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included but can be arranged depending on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Pico Island wine tour offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and expert guidance—all wrapped into a manageable, engaging day. You’ll learn why Pico wines are prized worldwide and gain a deeper understanding of how geology, climate, and history shape the flavors in your glass.

For aspiring oenophiles, curious travelers, or anyone wanting to connect with the land and its traditions, this experience promises memorable moments—and a few bottles of wine to cherish back home.

If you’re after an honest, well-rounded look at Pico’s vineyards with a guide who’s genuinely passionate, this is a highly recommended choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: