On the Portuguese island, specifically in the city of Funchal, every year the Madeira Wine Festival. A celebration dedicated especially to paying tribute to the island's grape varieties and its oldest traditions. It becomes one of the most important tourist attractions of the archipelago. It is celebrated during the end of August and the beginning of September, since it coincides with the period of the vintage. Learn more here!
Viticulture in the middle of the Atlantic
One of the most important socio-economic aspects of the island is the wine sector, a whole identity symbol for the island for more than five hundred years. Shortly after the discovery of the place, the PPrince D. Henry ordered the first varieties of strains to be introduced. They came from Greece and later the plantations of varieties such as Tinta Negra Mole, Sercial, Bual ...
The fact that Madeira is located in the middle of the Atlantic made the island's wine famous in Europe, but also in America. There were a large number of ships that frequented the archipelago before beginning their long voyages. What's more, the fame and prestige of Madeira Wine Festival they can be witnessed by numerous episodes. Among them the celebration of the independence of United States, in 1776, which was celebrated with a toast made with wine originally from this area.
El Madeira It is characterized mainly by its unmistakable flavor, by its presence in Portuguese gastronomy. Also for its versatility, since it can be taken at any time of the day and accompanied by all kinds of food. Their production it is not very laborious nor does it differ especially from that of wines from other regions. But it does maintain production methods tradicionales. All of them can be seen live in the Madeira Wine Festival. There are 4 varieties of wines whose names are the grape variety with which they have been made: Sercial, Verdelho, Bual and Malvasía.
This is the Madeira Wine Festival
El Madeira Wine Festival dress the island with colors, parties, gastronomy and many activities. The core of the festival lies in the central promenade of the Arriaga Avenue, in Funchal. There they are made live re-enactments of people dressed in traditional costumes they tread the grape in large baskets. The ancient art of winemaking and other activities that bring us closer to past times are represented.
In addition, along the walk there are countless decorated stalls following the traditional theme. You can taste the Madeira and other typical products of the region, always highlighting the crafts of these. And all this accompanied by a lot of music with bands and groups Folklore who enliven the city with their performances.
One of the most emblematic moments of these days of celebration is the live harvest on September 7. It takes place in the morning at the Estreito of Câmara de Lobos, specifically in a traditional farm typical of the region. It consists of stepping on the grapes that are in the press to extract the must it contains and thus be able to make the wine. A hallmark of traditional vintage.
