Friends toasting poncha drinks while relaxing by the sea during the Bar hopping and Poncha Workshop, an experience by Wine Tours Madeira.

Bar hopping and Poncha Workshop

About this experience

Discover Funchal’s nightlife on a guided bar-hopping tour through the city’s historic streets, where local drinks and culture come together in a relaxed and social setting.

The experience includes six carefully selected stops, each offering a different perspective on Madeira’s drink culture. Along the way, you will taste a local beer, explore the heritage of Madeiran wines, try the iconic Nikita cocktail, and discover the traditions behind local ginja.

One of the highlights of the tour is a hands-on poncha workshop, where you will learn how this traditional drink is prepared and enjoy it in an authentic setting.

As you move between venues, you will visit places where locals spend their time, offering a more genuine experience than typical tourist routes.

The tour combines short walks with guided tastings, creating a natural balance between exploration and social interaction. Throughout the experience, your guide shares insights into Madeira’s bar culture, traditional beverages, and everyday habits.

This is a well-paced mix of cultural discovery and social experience, ideal for those who want to explore Funchal in an informal and engaging way.

Join us for an afternoon of local flavours, conversation, and a different side of the city.

Highlights

  • Poncha workshop
  • Small groups
  • Local beer tasting
  • Wine tasting
  • Nikita cocktail tasting

Experience Schedule

Once a week at Wednesdays – From 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Meeting Point

Blandy’s Wine Lodges (at entrance) (Avenida Arriaga 28, 9000-064 Funchal) at 3:45 p.m.

The meeting point is centrally located in Funchal, making the tour easy to access for visitors staying in the city. Full details are provided after booking confirmation.

The tour starts at 4.00pm. Attendance 15 minutes earlier is required.

What you can expect

1st Stop: Still Madeiran Wine

Start your tour at one of Madeira’s well-known wineries, enjoying a tasting of one of their fine still wines.

2nd Stop:Local Beer

Start off at a local bar, where you’ll get the chance to taste three artisanal beers. Enjoy a selection of three unique brews, each crafted with local ingredients and offering distinct flavors that showcase the best of Madeira´s artisanal brewing.

3rd Stop: Ginjinha

Taste the iconic Ginja, also known as ginjinha in a edible chocolate cup. Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries (ginjas), alcohol, sugar, and other ingredients.

4th Stop: Madeira Wine

Get ready to taste some Madeira Wine! A Madeira wine tasting is always a delightful experience that allows you to explore the unique and diverse flavors of Madeira wine, a fortified wine produced in Madeira. Madeira wine is known for its longevity, complexity, and versatility, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

5th Stop: Nikita

Next, you’ll experience the famous Nikita cocktail. Nikita is a refreshing blend of beer, ice cream, and tropical fruits. It’s a must-try when in Madeira. Enjoy the creamy and sweet flavours of this unique cocktail in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

6th Stop: Poncha

Conclude your bar hopping tour in a perfect setting while enjoying the traditional Poncha. Participate in a Poncha demonstration to learn how to make this iconic Madeiran drink, and take the experience back home with you! Sip on your freshly made Poncha, choosing from flavours like passion fruit, lemon, or tangerine, while taking in the beautiful view of the ocean and Funchal harbour.

Target Audience

  • 18+ years old (children are not permitted on this tour)
  • Foodies
  • People who value to get to know the costumes and specialties in a destination
  • Cruisers – If Funchal is a destination of your cruise itinerary this tour makes a great shore excursion. The meeting point is within walking distance from the port and you get to walk though the city centre. Since you won’t feel the need to have lunch after the tour, you will have the remaning hours to enjoy as you wish before you get back to the cruise ship.

Important

  • All sessions are in English.
  • Other languages in private.
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved.

Gallery

Details

  • Duration:3 hours
  • Included

  • Poncha workshop
  • Local beer tasting
  • Wine tasting
  • Nikita cocktail tasting
  • Related Experiences

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    Bar hopping and Poncha Workshop

    From 90€

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    Free cancellation up to 24h in advance

    Cancellation Policy

    For all bookings of day tours, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours notice, no refund is given. For all bookings of multi-day and custom private tours, a minimum of 72 hours’ notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 72 hours’ notice, no refund is given* *Note that in the event the client requests a refund for any reason, Tour Desk reserves the right to charge a 3% administration fee to cover costs incurred. Cancellation and refund requests need to be sent in writing to info@tourdesk.io