Volcano Wine in the Azores
Soon after arriving in the Azores in the 1430s and digging into the rich volcanic soil, Portuguese settlers planted Verdelho wine grapes.
Six centuries on, travelers are increasingly exploring the vineyards of the Azores, especially Pico Island (the archipelago’s second largest) with a landscape so intricate and unusual UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site.
Five-foot-tall stone walls delineate grape plots (currais) roughly the size of tennis courts. “You drill a hole in the volcanic crust to plant the grapes,” explains Azores wine guru Joaquim Coutinho Costa. “We call it volcano wine.”
Along Pico’s Azores Adeliaçor, a burgeoning wine loop to and from the town of Madalena, tourists enjoy low-key encounters — Napa Valley circa 50 years ago — at spots like Adega da Buraca, with a tasting room and demos of traditional wicker and wool crafts.
During September’s Pico harvest festival (Festas da Vindim), visitors join grape pickers in the fields, and October 25-27, a food fest pairs Azores wines with local cheese, fish, and meats.
This piece, written by Joe Yogerst, appeared in the August/September 2013 issue of Traveler magazine.
Go Further
Animals
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
Environment
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
History & Culture
- Meet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'iMeet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'i
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
- When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?
Science
- Why ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevityWhy ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevity
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?
Travel
- On this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futuresOn this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futures
- Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?
- How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene
- Paid Content
How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene