Experience the 2024 Madeira Wine Festival: A Guide to Harvest Celebrations

Immerse yourself in the authentic flavours and traditions of Madeira this September. The island’s renowned Wine Festival returns, offering a captivating programme of grape harvesting, folkloric processions, and exclusive tastings. For travellers seeking the ultimate freedom to explore these dispersed events at their own pace, securing a car rental in Madeira is the most practical choice. This guide details the unmissable highlights and logistical tips for your visit.

Festival Highlights: From Vineyard to Wine Press

The heart of the festivities takes place in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos from the 12th to the 14th of September. Here, you can participate in the live grape harvest and witness the ancient practice of grape treading in a traditional wine press—a truly unique cultural experience. Don’t miss the spectacular ethnographic procession through the village streets, where participants adorned in traditional costumes showcase historical winemaking utensils.

The celebration extends across the island with four “From the Vineyard to the Wine Press” concerts in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz, Santana, and Arco de São Jorge. Meanwhile, in Funchal centre, the Madeira Wine Lounge at Praça do Povo will be the epicentre for tasting the island’s diverse wine styles, complemented by live musical entertainment.

Navigating the Madeira Wine Festival with Ease

With events scattered from the south coast to the north, a key question for any attendee is: what’s the most efficient way to travel between these locations? Relying on public transport can be limiting with a tight schedule.

The advantages of a private hire car are clear:

• Unmatched flexibility for island exploration on your own timetable.

• Direct travel from Madeira Airport to your accommodation and onto events.

• The ability to discover hidden gems and scenic drives along the way.

For those prioritising convenience and a big car selection, Girassol.Rent offers a seamless solution. Their convenient airport pickup service means you can collect your vehicle and begin your adventure immediately upon arrival, turning your journey between festival events into a pleasure.