Wines and Moonshines Private Tour

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and truly experience the soul of Terceira Island, the Wines and Moonshines Private Tour offers an engaging, authentic adventure. This 8-hour journey takes you in a comfortable, suitably equipped jeep to explore remote viewpoints, scenic off-road spots, and local wineries. The tour is a carefully curated mix of landscapes, flavors, and sights, all tailored to your interests.

What we love about this experience is the personalized touch — your guide customizes the trip to your preferences, ensuring you see what truly excites you. Secondly, the combination of breathtaking vistas with tastings of Verdelho wine and homemade moonshines offers a delightful sensory experience. One thing to consider: the day involves a fair amount of driving and walking, so it’s best suited for active travelers with a sense of curiosity. It’s perfect for those who want a flexible, intimate way to discover Terceira’s natural beauty and rural traditions.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Tours are private and tailored to your interests.
• Spectacular Views: Includes lookout points, crater vistas, and ocean scenery.
• Authentic Tasting: Focus on local wines like Verdelho and homemade moonshines.
• Off-road Excursions: Venture into lesser-known, scenic areas inaccessible to larger vehicles.
• Full-day Value: Nine hours packed with sightseeing, tasting, and cultural insights.
• Good for Active Travelers: Includes some walking and off-road driving, suitable for those who enjoy outdoor exploration.

An Authentic Taste of Terceira in Just One Day

The Wines and Moonshines Private Tour offers a rare opportunity to explore Terceira beyond the usual tourist spots. Starting from your hotel or designated pickup point, the journey begins promptly at 9:00am, with a comfortable jeep ready to take you across rugged terrains and scenic viewpoints. It’s a flexible experience — since it’s private, your guide can adapt the itinerary slightly to suit your preferences, adding or skipping stops as you wish.

The tour’s strength lies in the blend of scenic beauty and cultural authenticity. You’ll visit some of the island’s most impressive lookout points, like the crater rim of Serra da Ribeirinha, where panoramic views unveil the island’s volcanic origins. The drive over off-road paths takes you into sections of the island rarely seen by visitors, revealing lush landscapes and dramatic coastlines. These moments of exploration make the experience feel more like a local adventure rather than a scripted tour.

The Itinerary: Highlights and Details

1. Serra da Ribeirinha and Lookout Spots

Your journey kicks off with a scenic drive over Serra da Ribeirinha, one of the island’s most iconic volcanic formations. From the rim, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the crater and surrounding landscape — a perfect photo op and a moment to appreciate how the island’s volcanic past shapes its present.

Next, at Praia da Vitoria, you stop at Serra do Facho, a jaw-dropping viewpoint overlooking the city. The views here are impressive, and the fresh ocean breeze makes it a refreshing pause.

2. Off-Road Adventures and Ocean Views

The off-road driving is a real treat — expect bumpy, scenic paths that lead to Lagoinha, an ocean-facing spot renowned for stunning rock formations and clear waters. The rugged terrain offers a different perspective, and the views of the Atlantic are simply unforgettable. These off-road sections might be a bit rough, but they’re part of what makes this tour special, offering an authentic behind-the-scenes look at the island’s wild side.

3. Traditional Lunch at a Local Spot

Around midday, the tour takes you to a lovely, relaxed spot for a homemade traditional meal. Think fresh, local ingredients prepared in classic Azorean style. While the food is being served, you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer — a perfect way to unwind and soak in the atmosphere. During lunch, you’re always welcome to sip on local wines or beers, adding to the convivial vibe.

4. Light House and Natural Pools

Post-lunch, the tour visits the western coast to see a lighthouse, offering another stunning vantage point of the Atlantic and rugged coastline. Then, it’s time to relax at natural pools — crystal-clear, volcanic-rock pools where you can dip your toes or even swim if you’re feeling brave.

5. The Hidden Villages and Interior Lakes

One of the most charming parts of the tour is a drive into the island’s interior, where you’ll visit a serene lake and see lush farmland. This area is rarely crowded, giving you a peaceful moment to appreciate the island’s quiet beauty and rural charm. It’s a highlight for anyone interested in local life and untouched landscapes.

6. Wine and Moonshine Tastings

The finale of the tour is a visit to a local winery, where you’ll explore the vineyards and learn about Verdelho — a white wine that’s as unique as the island itself. You’ll taste the wines grown the traditional way, and learn why they’re so special. Then, it’s time to sample some homemade moonshines, spirits crafted locally with centuries-old methods. The authentic flavors and stories behind them make these tastings genuinely memorable.

Why This Tour Excels

Based on the single review available, travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides who share insights about Azorean biodiversity and volcanic activity. The tour’s flexibility and the chance to enjoy a private lunch in a relaxed setting seem to add a personalized touch. The stunning vistas and delicious wine tastings are recurring highlights — many note that they learned a lot and enjoyed the local atmosphere.

The value of this tour isn’t just in seeing sights — it’s about immersing yourself in the local culture, landscapes, and flavors in a way that big group tours often can’t match. For the price, you get a full day of expertly curated experiences that combine scenic beauty, culinary delights, and cultural insights.

Practical Details

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00am with hotel pickup and ending back at your starting point. The price of $226.48 per person includes all tastings, lunch, beverages, and transportation — making it a good value for a full-day, private experience. You’ll have unlimited wine and beer during the day, plus bottled water, ensuring you stay refreshed throughout.

The tour is suitable for most travelers — children can participate if accompanied by an adult, and vegetarians can request a suitable lunch option. The vehicle is a private jeep, designed for comfort and off-road capability, which provides a smooth ride across varied terrain.

The only potential extra cost is entrance fees if you decide to visit caves or other specific sites not included in the itinerary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy a personalized, flexible approach to exploring new places. Natural beauty, scenic viewpoints, and authentic local flavors are at the heart of this tour. If you’re keen on off-the-beaten-path adventures and learning about local wine and spirits, this tour offers plenty of both. It’s also perfect for those interested in nature, geology, and rural life — all set in a comfortable, private setting.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For anyone eager to discover Terceira through a mix of scenic vistas, local flavors, and off-road adventure, this private tour offers excellent value. The combination of sightseeing, cultural tastings, and personalized service creates a memorable, well-rounded experience that goes beyond the usual. The knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and authentic food and drink make this a standout option for visitors who want to truly connect with the island.

While the price might seem steep at first glance, the private nature and inclusions — especially tastings and lunch — justify it for those seeking a more intimate, in-depth day. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate a flexible schedule, enjoy small-group adventures, and want to learn about Terceira’s volcanic and agricultural heritage firsthand.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free for you.

What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00am and returning to your starting point around 5:00pm.

Are drinks included? Yes, you have unlimited wine, beer, bottled water, and other beverages throughout the day — perfect for staying refreshed.

Can I choose vegetarian options for lunch? Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at the time of booking.

Is this tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The activity involves some walking and off-road driving, so it’s best suited for active families.

What if I want to visit caves or other attractions? Entrance fees to caves or additional sites are not included, but you can ask your guide about adding these if they fit into the day’s schedule.

How customizable is the experience? Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor the stops within the itinerary to match your interests, making it a highly personalized adventure.

What’s the best part of the tour? Many find the combination of stunning viewpoints, local wine and moonshine tastings, and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere to be the most memorable aspects.

This private Wines and Moonshines tour is a wonderful way to connect with Terceira’s landscapes, flavors, and traditions in a meaningful, enjoyable day. Whether you’re a lover of scenic views, culinary delights, or rural charm, this experience promises a genuine taste of the Azores.