Housed in the Adegas de São Francisco, the former Franciscan monastery, Blandy's brings together the British-Madeiran wine companies that were given special trading rights with Britain in the 17th century. The best known of Madeira's wine experiences, the 45-minute tours here are led by clued-up guides and there are two free samples at the end.
Guides explain just how Madeira came about and what goes into the world's best fortified wine. Once you know your Tinta Negra from your Listão, you can peruse some of the 650 American oak barrels stored at the lodge and wander the Blandy family museum before heading to the tasting room, decorated with Madeira wine-themed images by German painter Max Römer.
