Wine Festival

Harvest season in Madeira is a celebration that goes back centuries. The Wine Festival (Festa do Vinho) centres on the village of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, where islanders stomp grapes barefoot in traditional lagares — stone troughs — just as their ancestors did. Folk groups perform, local food stalls serve espetada and poncha, and the new vintage is blessed before tasting. The festival is deeply authentic, not a tourist production. Pair it with a visit to a Madeira wine lodge in Funchal to understand the unique estufagem ageing process. A food and wine experience tour during festival week is the best way to do both in a single day.