Recalling the social and economic importance of Madeira wine, the Madeira Wine Festival is held in September during the grape harvest, going back to the population’s old customs since the island was first settled.

In Câmara de Lobos the festival begins with the live grape harvest. The picking of the grapes, the pickers’ parade, treading the grapes and the whole ritual of a typical Madeira folk celebration are enjoyed by all. In the centre of Funchal there are light, sound and folk shows connected to traditional wine-making.

Programme in Funchal

From 02nd to 04th September in Avenida Arriaga, Largo da Restauração and Auditorium of  Jardim Municipal:

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

- Music bands performances at Avenida Arriaga

From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

- Regional live scenes and exhibitions allusive to the wine-growing labour;

- Exhibition and wine tasting served by the Madeira Wine Institute at Largo da Restauração;

- Regional Gastronomy, wine tasting, folklore, musical animation on the central boards of Avenida Arriaga and Largo da Restauração

9.30 p.m.

- European Folclore week at the Auditorium of the Municipal Garden