Funchal’s drinks hit fast, in the best way. This 3-hour evening bar-hopping experience strings together iconic Madeira flavors and local drinking culture through the historic streets, starting right at Blandy’s Wine Lodges. I love that it mixes classic sips (Madeira wine, white wine, ginja) with fun curveballs like the Nikita cocktail—so you get variety without feeling like you’re rushing across the island.

Two things I really like here: the flight of three artisanal beers, and the fact you don’t just get one wine moment. You’ll taste a still Madeiran white wine first, then also sample Madeira wine for that signature fortified style that’s famous for complexity and aging.

One drawback to plan around: the “poncha workshop” part may not always mean hands-on making your own drink. If you’re booking mainly for the chance to actively build your own poncha, confirm what the session includes before you go.

Key things that make this bar hop worth your time

• Six stops over about three hours, designed for an easy, paced tasting route in Funchal
• Three artisanal beer tastings at a local bar, built around Madeiran ingredients
• Ginja (ginjinha) in an edible chocolate cup, a memorable sweet-and-sour liqueur stop
• Nikita cocktail tasting, the Madeira classic made with beer, ice cream, and tropical fruit
• Madeira wine focus, with both a white still wine tasting and a separate Madeira wine tasting
• Poncha workshop expectations, which may be more tasting than true hands-on making

Starting at Blandy’s Wine Lodges: your 4:30 p.m. jump-off point

Your tour starts at Blandy’s Wine Lodges (at the entrance), on Avenida Arriaga 28 in Funchal. Plan to be there at 4:15 p.m. so you’re ready when the group departs at 4:30 p.m. The operator asks for 15 minutes early attendance, and for this kind of tasting tour, that matters.

Why I like this meeting point: it’s a proper wine setting from minute one. Blandy’s is one of those places that instantly gives you Madeira context—fortified wine, local vineyards, and the whole island drinking culture—before you even hit the bars.

Because there’s no transportation included, arriving on your own (by walk/taxi/bus, whatever fits your stay) is part of the game. The good news is that the tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not left hunting around late in the evening.

A still white wine tasting that sets the Madeira tone

One of the first stops is at a well-known Madeira winery, and you’ll start with a tasting of a fine still wine (included). This matters because it gives you a baseline. When you later taste Madeira wine, and then move into liqueurs and cocktails, you’ll be able to compare styles instead of just chasing sweetness.

Even without getting super technical, a still wine tasting works like an on-ramp. You get used to the pacing of the group, the guide’s explanations, and how the tasting notes are described. It also helps if you’re not a wine nerd—because you’re not starting with a heavy fortified wine right away.

The beer stop: three artisanal brews with local ingredients

Next up is a local bar where you’ll taste three artisanal beers. Not one beer. Not just a sip. You’re getting a small flight of three unique brews, each crafted with local ingredients and designed to highlight different flavor directions.

This is the kind of stop that’s easy to appreciate even if your beer knowledge is limited. Beer tastings are built for difference: lighter vs. fuller body, different hoppy profiles, and small variations that make you pay attention. In a place like Madeira—where you might expect mostly wine—this beer break is a welcome pivot.

Practical tip: pace yourself. You’ll be drinking more across the evening (white wine, Madeira wine, ginja/liqueur, and a Nikita cocktail), so treat the beer flight as a chance to taste deliberately, not to chug.

Ginja in a chocolate cup: the sweet-lure stop

Then comes Ginja, also called ginjinha, served in an edible chocolate cup. If you’ve only ever heard of Portuguese cherry liqueur in name, this is the version that sticks in your memory.

What you’re tasting: ginja is made from sour cherries (ginjas), alcohol, sugar, and other ingredients. The chocolate cup adds a built-in dessert effect—so you get a sweet frame around the tart cherry bite.

This stop is also a smart break in the overall flow. After beer and wine, ginja gives you a different texture and style. It’s also a fun photo-and-taste combo, but don’t let the chocolate cup distract you: try the flavor pairing first, then eat the cup.

Madeira wine tasting: why fortified wine is its own category

You’ll have a Madeira wine tasting too, and it’s worth taking seriously because this isn’t just wine in a glass—it’s a whole style. Madeira wine is a fortified wine produced in Madeira, and it’s known for longevity, complexity, and versatility.

What that means for you on this tour: you’ll likely taste layers. Even if the guide doesn’t hand you a textbook, you’ll notice how Madeira can feel both rich and structured. It’s also a wine that doesn’t always taste the same way from one bottle to another, which keeps the tasting interesting.

A practical approach: focus on how it finishes. Some wines feel clean and quick; Madeira often lingers, with nutty, caramel, or dried-fruit directions depending on style. Since you’re tasting it as part of a structured route, you’ll have the context to remember what you noticed.

The Nikita cocktail: a dessert-drink hybrid you’ll either love or obsess over

Next is the famous Nikita cocktail, and this is one you can’t skip. Nikita is described as a refreshing blend of beer, ice cream, and tropical fruits.

That combination sounds odd until you taste it. The beer component adds a subtle bite and depth, the ice cream brings creaminess, and tropical fruit keeps it bright. It’s one of those Madeira signatures that’s weird in a good way—like a local inside joke served in a glass.

Where this stop pays off: it adds a modern, playful angle to a route that also includes classic wine and traditional liqueurs. It also gives you a “Madeira nightlife” feeling without needing to find your own bar.

If you’re sensitive to sweet drinks, still try it—just take a slower sip. You’ll be tasting multiple alcohol-based items in an evening, so a measured pace keeps the experience enjoyable.

Poncha workshop and tasting: make sure it matches what you want

The tour ends with poncha—including both a poncha workshop and tasting. Poncha is an iconic Madeiran drink, and this closing stop is meant to wrap everything together with a local specialty.

Here’s the key consideration: the workshop expectation. Some people go in hoping they’ll actively make poncha themselves, and they may be surprised if the experience is more about tasting and guidance than hands-on production. Since the title emphasizes workshop energy, I’d treat that as an “ask before you book” moment.

If hands-on making is important to you, message or call the provider after booking and ask exactly what the workshop includes. You want clarity on whether you’ll be mixing ingredients yourself or simply learning about the drink as you taste.

When it works well, this final stop is perfect. After beer, wine, ginja, and Nikita, poncha feels like the grand finale—warm, local, and tied directly to Madeira’s identity.

Price and value: does $91 per person make sense?

At $91 per person, this tour isn’t a bargain snack. It is, however, a serious tasting program. You’re paying for:

• An English-speaking guide
• Six stops across the evening
• Three artisanal beers
• White still Madeiran wine
• Ginja in a chocolate cup
• Madeira wine tasting
• Nikita cocktail
• Poncha workshop and tasting

What you don’t get is also clear: food and drinks not mentioned, and transportation to/from the meeting point.

So is it good value? For most people, yes—because the included items are many and varied, and you’re not left to hunt down where to taste each thing. If you were trying to replicate this on your own, you’d spend time searching, paying separate bar and tasting fees, and dealing with inconsistent drink standards.

Where it may feel pricey: if you’re specifically shopping for hands-on poncha-making and the workshop ends up being more tasting than active prep. In that case, the best move is to confirm the format ahead of time.

Who should book this, and who should sit it out?

This is a cultural and fun drinking tour, and it’s built for adults. It’s not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, and people over 95. That’s not picky—it’s practical. You’ll be tasting multiple alcohol-based drinks across a single evening.

Who it suits best:

• You want an organized, guided route through Funchal’s bar scene
• You enjoy drinking culture where the guide provides context, not just receipts of what’s served
• You like variety—beer, wine, a cherry liqueur, and a playful cocktail

Who might struggle:

• You want a strict hands-on poncha class and don’t want any chance of it being more tasting-focused
• You prefer low-alcohol or non-alcohol activities (this tour is built around tastings)

One more note: the tour runs about 3 hours, so it’s a solid pre-dinner-to-early-evening plan. If your schedule is tight, start by protecting that three-hour window. It’s not a quick hit.

Should you book the Funchal bar hopping + poncha workshop tour?

I think it’s a strong booking if you want a guided way to try Madeira’s signature drinks without doing homework or bar-hopping on your own. The route includes the big hitters—Madeira wine, ginja in chocolate, and the Nikita cocktail—plus a three-beer tasting that keeps it from becoming wine-only.

Book with confidence if:

• You’re excited to taste a mix of beer, wine, liqueur, and cocktails
• You like guided stops where the guide handles explanations and pacing
• You’re planning to go with a good mindset: tasting first, judging second

Consider a different option (or message first) if:

• Your main goal is hands-on poncha making and you need to actively mix your own drink
• You don’t want multiple alcohol tastings in one evening

If you do book, show up early at Blandy’s (aim for that 4:15 arrival) and go slow enough to enjoy every stop. This is the kind of tour where the best memories come from noticing small flavor differences, not racing through cups.

FAQ

What is the duration of the bar hopping tour and poncha workshop?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start in Funchal?

It starts at Blandy’s Wine Lodges (at the entrance), Avenida Arriaga 28, 9000-064 Funchal.

What time should I arrive for the start?

Meeting is at 4:15 p.m., and the tour starts at 4:30 p.m. You are required to arrive 15 minutes early.

What drinks are included?

Included tastings are local artisanal beer, white still Madeiran wine, ginja in a chocolate cup, Madeira wine, the Nikita cocktail, and poncha workshop and tasting.

Is food included?

Food and any drinks not specifically listed as included are not included.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the meeting point?

Yes. Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, the tour includes an English-speaking guide.

Is the poncha workshop hands-on?

The experience includes a poncha workshop and tasting, but the workshop format may not always be a make-your-own session. If hands-on making is important to you, confirm what the workshop involves before booking.

Is the tour refundable?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it suitable for children or pregnant people?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, or people over 95.