Traditional Grape Treading at Quinta do Furão

Every Sunday in September 2026 — the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th — Quinta do Furão in Santana opens its vineyards to celebrate Madeira's traditional grape harvest season. Set against one of the most spectacular backdrops on the island, with vineyards perched over dramatic cliffs and direct views of the Atlantic Ocean, the estate becomes a stage for celebrating the island's winemaking culture.

The centrepiece of the event is the traditional grape treading, an age-old practice in which grape clusters are crushed by foot to the rhythm of traditional Madeiran music, exactly as it was done for generations before mechanical winemaking methods were introduced. Visitors are invited to actively take part, removing their shoes and joining the estate's workers in the treading vats, in an immersive and fun experience that appeals to families, groups of friends and couples alike.

Beyond the grape treading, the programme includes tastings of wines produced on the estate itself, highlighting local grape varieties such as Verdelho and Tinta Negra, guided by specialists who explain the Madeira wine production process. Many of the Sundays also feature paired lunches at the estate's restaurant, which serves contemporary Madeiran cuisine using produce grown on site, including the famous custard apple (anona) from Faial.

Quinta do Furão is also a popular starting point for walks along nearby levadas and visits to Santana's traditional thatched-roof houses, making this experience ideal for those looking to combine wine tourism with exploring the rural landscape of the island's north coast. Watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, glass of wine in hand, is one of the most memorable moments for anyone visiting Santana in September.

Advance booking is recommended, especially for the paired lunches, given the growing interest from both national and international visitors in this authentic Madeiran harvest experience.