School · Madeira
Blandy's
Only Madeira wine family still owned by descendants of the 1811 founders. Seven generations managing the historic Funchal wine lodge with 650+ barrels aging canteiro-style.
What to do there
- TastingBlandy's Wine Lodge7 generations since 1811 in a 17th-century former monastery (and later a prison). Madeira's oldest wine cellars. The Frasqueira collection holds vintages back to 1920. Museum has original Churchill correspondence.
- EducationFunchal's Wine Families: Blandy's and D'OliveirasThe house tells how John Blandy reached Madeira in 1808 with a letter saying he came for his health; by 1811 he was exporting wine from Funchal. Chris Blandy, the seventh generation, runs the company today. Walk into the family's lodge on Avenida Arriaga, where the tasting rooms need no booking, and tour its casks. Then walk 450 m uphill to D'Oliveiras, a family house since 1850, behind the Jesuit College's 1619 students' doorway, for a free pour. End at the fishermen's 15th-century chapel in the old town.
Wineries and wine bars nearby
- Winery Vinhos Barbeito Vinhos Barbeito — Madeira wine producer since family founding, specializing in aged Malvasia and Bual fortified wines.
- Winery · Estreito de Câmara de Lobos Estreito de Câmara de Lobos Vineyards Madeira's dramatic amphitheatre valley — Estreito de Câmara de Lobos clings to cliffs where Tinta Negra grapes ripen under Atlantic spray, producing fortified wine from 400-year-old vines.
- Wine bar · Câmara de Lobos Henriques & Henriques Madeira's only vineyard-owning producer (1850) in Câmara de Lobos ferments 4 classic styles (Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malvasia) with free tastings.