Funchal turns playful after sunset. This bar-hopping tour is a fun way to sample Madeira favorites in a tight loop, and I like how you begin at Blandy’s Wine Lodges and then get a dedicated Nikita cocktail stop. One catch: the Poncha section is labeled a workshop, but it can lean more toward guided tasting than hands-on making, so go in with flexible expectations.

You’ll cover the historic streets of Funchal with an English-speaking guide and hit about six stops over roughly three hours. Along the way, you’ll taste a mix of local beer, wine (including Madeira wine), ginjinha in an edible chocolate cup, and ending with traditional Poncha back at the start point.

Just know this is a drinks-focused evening, not a sit-down meal tour. If you’re hungry, plan to eat before you meet, or you’ll feel it by the last stop.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Blandy’s Wine Lodges start: begin with a still-wine tasting that sets the tone for what comes next
• Three artisanal beers: a structured tasting so you can compare flavors instead of random sips
• Ginjinha in a chocolate cup: a classic sour-cherry liqueur moment that’s easy to love (and easy to overdo)
• Madeira wine tasting: a fortified-style sampling built for understanding complexity and longevity
• The Nikita cocktail: beer, ice cream, and tropical fruit in one unforgettable mix
• Poncha finale: you’ll get instruction plus tasting, then roll back to the meeting point

Where the tour starts in Funchal (and how to plan your evening)

You meet at Blandy’s Wine Lodges, at the entrance on Avenida Arriaga 28 in Funchal. The listed start is at 4:30 p.m., with arrival required about 15 minutes early (so plan to be there around 4:15 p.m.). The activity runs about 3 hours, and it ends back at the meeting point.

This matters because you’re not doing a full night out. You’re doing a focused drinking circuit, on foot, timed to the late-afternoon-to-evening window when Funchal feels most relaxed. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll likely be walking between bars and tasting rooms without long breaks.

Also note transportation isn’t included. So make sure you can reliably get to Blandy’s by your meeting time—then you can just enjoy the stops.

Blandy’s Wine Lodges: a still-wine tasting that frames Madeira

The tour begins with a tasting at one of Madeira’s well-known wineries: Blandy’s Wine Lodges. You’ll enjoy a tasting of one of their fine still wines, which is a smart opening choice.

Why start with still wine? It gives you a baseline before the tour shifts into Madeira wine (a fortified wine style) and sweet, liqueur-style flavors. If you’re the type who gets confused by too many drink types at once, this first tasting helps you reset your palate.

It also sets the vibe of the tour. Instead of jumping straight into cocktails, you start in a real wine setting—then you move out into the bars through the historic streets of Funchal.

The beer stop: three artisanal pours and local ingredients

One stop is at a local bar where you taste three artisanal beers. Each brew is crafted with local ingredients and comes as a guided tasting, so you’re not just buying random drinks and guessing what you’re supposed to taste.

This is one of the most practical parts of the evening. Beer tastings are easy to compare, especially when you’re served in a guided order. It also gives you a Madeira-flavored perspective that isn’t only wine and liqueurs.

If you’re thinking about pacing, this stop is where you can slow down without breaking the flow. Three pours still feel like progress, not punishment. Sip, listen to the guide, and take your time with the different styles.

Ginjinha in an edible chocolate cup: sweet, sour, and memorable

Next up is ginjinha, also known as ginjinha in an edible chocolate cup. This is Portuguese cherry liqueur, made from sour cherries (ginjas), alcohol, sugar, and other ingredients.

The chocolate cup is more than a gimmick. It softens the sharpness of the liqueur and makes the flavors feel more layered. You’ll get sour-cherry character, then sweetness, then a dessert-like finish.

This is also a good moment to remember the tour includes lots of different drinks. If you’re new to liqueurs, one chocolate-cup serving is usually enough to get the point without going too far.

Madeira wine tasting: why this fortified style gets attention

You’ll then experience a Madeira wine tasting. Madeira wine is fortified (so it’s built to last and evolve), and it’s known for longevity, complexity, and versatility—things that matter if you want to understand why this region has a global reputation.

A tasting like this gives you a simple “why it works” education. You get to taste the style in a guided way, instead of just reading about it. And once you’ve had Madeira wine, the rest of the tour makes more sense, because you’ll start to recognize how sweetness, aging, and structure show up across different drinks.

This isn’t the kind of stop that requires you to be a wine expert. The point is to help you notice differences and learn what makes Madeira wine taste distinct compared with everyday styles.

Nikita cocktail: the beer–ice cream–fruit combo you didn’t expect

One of the best-known stops is the Nikita cocktail. It’s described as a refreshing blend of beer, ice cream, and tropical fruits. It’s a must-try when you’re in Madeira, and you’ll have it in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere as part of the tour.

The Nikita is fun because it’s not trying to be subtle. It’s sweet, creamy, and cold, and it brings together flavors that you usually don’t mix. If you like playful drinks, this is a highlight.

For practicality: this stop can be a palate reset. If you’ve had wine, liqueur, and beer already, the Nikita’s cold and creamy texture makes the next tasting easier on your mouth.

Poncha workshop and tasting: what you should expect at the end

The tour concludes in a traditional setting with Poncha, and the included portion is called a Poncha workshop and tasting. Poncha is Madeira’s iconic drink, and the experience is meant to teach you how it’s made, then let you enjoy it.

Here’s the key consideration: the name says workshop, but some people found they didn’t get the full hands-on make-your-own experience they expected. So I’d treat this as an instructional tasting experience first, not a cooking-class situation.

Even so, the value is real. By the end, you’re not just drinking another cocktail. You’re tying the story together: wine, beer, cherry liqueur, then Poncha—each drink representing a different side of Madeira’s culture.

Price and value: is $91 per person fair for what you taste?

At $91 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for a guided loop through about six tasting moments. The included drinks are not small in variety: local artisanal beers (three), white still Madeiran wine, ginjinha in a chocolate cup, Madeira wine tasting, Nikita cocktail, and Poncha workshop and tasting.

Is it great value? It can be, because the tour bundles a lot of “pay once, taste multiple styles” moments that add up quickly if you do them alone. You’re also getting an English-speaking guide, which helps you understand what you’re tasting and why it’s a regional classic.

The trade-off is that food isn’t included beyond what’s mentioned in the tastings. That means the cost is effectively concentrated on drinks. If you arrive hungry, you may feel the schedule more than you’d like.

My advice: go in with the mindset of planned tastings, not a full dinner night. If you eat first, the price feels more justified.

What you’ll get (and what you won’t)

Included:

• English-speaking guide
• Local artisanal beer tasting (three beers)
• White still Madeiran wine
• Ginja/ginjinha tasting in a chocolate cup
• Madeira wine tasting
• Nikita cocktail
• Poncha workshop and tasting

Not included:

• Food and drinks not mentioned above
• Transportation to and from the meeting point

That’s refreshing in a way. You know what you’re buying. The tour is designed around the drink list, and you won’t be surprised mid-way by extra charges for drinks you thought were part of the plan.

Who this tour suits (and who should skip)

This is a good fit for adults who want a cultural, fun introduction to Madeira’s drink culture—especially if you enjoy mixing wine, beer, cocktails, and liqueurs in one evening.

It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a strictly educational wine class or a hands-on, chef-style workshop. The Poncha element is instructional, but the experience may be more tasting-focused than interactive-making.

Also, the tour is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• Children under 18 years
• People over 95 years

If you fall into one of those groups, look for a different type of activity in Funchal.

Practical tips to make the most of the tasting loop

You’ll cover several drink types, so your biggest “secret weapon” is pace. Take small sips, let each flavor settle, and don’t feel you have to finish every pour immediately—your guide will keep the schedule moving.

Since it’s a walking bar route, plan for comfort more than style. You’re outside between stops on Madeira, and the evening can cool down after sunset. Bring something light for warmth.

And if you’re curious about the drinks, ask questions. The guide is part of the value. Knowing what you’re tasting turns random alcohol into a story you can repeat later.

Should you book this bar hopping Tour & Poncha Workshop in Funchal?

Book it if you want an easy, guided way to taste Madeira’s most famous drinks—beer tastings, ginjinha in chocolate, Madeira wine, the Nikita cocktail, then Poncha to finish—without spending hours hunting down places on your own.

Skip it (or rethink it) if your main goal is a fully hands-on Poncha class where you personally make your own drink from start to finish. The tour is set up around tastings, and the workshop may be lighter on the practical making than you’d expect from the name.

If you’re celebrating a trip, it’s a solid pick. If you’re doing Madeira on a tight schedule and want the highlights in one compact evening, it’s also a strong choice.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Funchal Bar Hopping Tour & Poncha Workshop?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You start at Blandy’s Wine Lodges, entrance area, Avenida Arriaga 28, 9000-064 Funchal.

When does the tour start?

The meeting time is 4:15 p.m., and the tour starts at 4:30 p.m.

What drinks are included?

Included tastings and drinks are: local artisanal beers, white still Madeiran wine, ginjinha in an edible chocolate cup, Madeira wine tasting, Nikita cocktail, and Poncha workshop and tasting.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.

Is the guide available in English?

Yes. The tour includes an English-speaking guide.

Is the tour suitable for children or teens?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18 years old.

Is cancellation free if plans change?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is a Poncha workshop actually included?

Yes. The tour includes a Poncha workshop and tasting as part of the experience.

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