Bar hopping Tour & Poncha Workshop – Funchal

A bar hopping tour in Funchal is already a fun concept, but this one is extra appealing because it mixes iconic Madeiran sips with a structured, 6-stop walk through the historic lanes. You kick things off at Blandy’s Wine Lodges, then work your way through drinks that explain Madeira’s flavor culture without turning the night into a lecture.

I especially like the way the tour stacks familiar and unusual tastes in one go, like Nikita (beer plus ice cream and tropical fruit) and a proper Madeira wine tasting. I also like that you’re not just sampling beer or wine, you get a full Madeiran line-up including ginjinha in an edible chocolate cup and a Poncha workshop experience at the end.

One drawback to keep in mind: the title says a workshop where you make your own poncha, but based on how the session is sometimes handled, it may feel more like a guided lesson plus tasting than hands-on mixing. If you want heavy-duty, do-it-yourself making, it’s worth confirming what you’ll actually do during the poncha stop.

Quick hits before you go

• 6 drink stops on foot in historic Funchal, so you’ll get variety without booking extra activities
• Blandy’s Wine Lodges as the starting point, with an early tasting of still Madeiran wine
• Three artisanal beers at one of the local bars, made with local ingredients and served as a mini flight
• Ginjinha in a chocolate cup, the kind of detail you remember long after the tour
• Nikita cocktail tasting, a signature Madeira blend of beer, ice cream, and tropical fruit
• Poncha finish, typically the traditional drink moment that ties the whole evening together

Meet at Blandy’s Wine Lodges, then warm up with still wine

Your tour starts at Blandy’s Wine Lodges, entrance side, on Avenida Arriaga 28 in Funchal. You’ll meet at 4:15 p.m., and the tour starts moving at 4:30 p.m., so build in time to actually find the entrance and get settled with your group before the first tasting.

I like this start because it sets the tone right away. Instead of jumping straight into cocktails, you begin with a tasting at a Madeira wine setting, including white still Madeiran wine. That matters because Madeira’s drinking culture is different from, say, mainland Portugal. Fortified wines are the big story on the island, and tasting early helps you understand what you’re about to sample later.

Practical note: transportation isn’t included. If you’re not staying within walking distance, plan your ride to the meeting point so you’re not rushing at 4:15.

The “bar hopping” part works because it’s a paced tasting route

This is a true walking route, with about 3 hours total and 6 stops through Funchal’s historic streets. The payoff is variety. You get multiple drink styles in a short window, and each stop has a clear purpose: beer tasting, a liqueur moment, wine, Nikita, then Poncha to close.

The upside is obvious if you only have limited time on Madeira. In one evening you can try a local beer flight, sample a cherry liqueur that comes in an edible chocolate cup, taste Madeira wine, and still end with a recognizable island classic.

The trade-off is that you’re tasting, not eating your way through the night. Food and drinks outside the inclusions aren’t listed, so you’ll feel better if you eat a proper meal earlier and don’t treat the tour like dinner.

Three artisanal beers in a local bar

One stop is built around local artisanal beer tasting, where you’ll get three different brews. Each is described as being crafted with local ingredients and meant to show distinct flavors, which is exactly what I look for in a tasting. Instead of repeating the same beer three times, you’re meant to compare styles.

This is a smart use of time, because Madeira’s beer scene can be easy to miss if you only focus on wine. A guided tasting also helps you avoid the common tourist problem of ordering the first thing you recognize. Here, you’re trying three, so the guide can point out what makes each one feel different.

If you’re sensitive to alcohol or just want to stay comfortable, remember that tastings stack up quickly on a bar tour. Pace yourself at each stop and don’t be afraid to sip slower than the group.

Ginjinha in an edible chocolate cup, a Madeira must-try

At another stop, you’ll taste Ginjinha, also called ginjinha in an edible chocolate cup. Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries (ginjas), alcohol, sugar, and other ingredients. Served in a chocolate cup, it turns a simple sip into a small event.

This is one of those details that makes a tasting tour feel real. You’re not only drinking something, you’re encountering the local serving style. And since the chocolate cup is part of the experience, you’ll get a sweet, dessert-like note alongside the cherry liqueur.

Best way to enjoy it: take a moment before you drink. Let the aroma and sweetness land first, then sip. If you rush, the flavors can blur together with the rest of your evening’s tastings.

Madeira wine tasting: why fortified tastes like Madeira

You also get a Madeira wine tasting, plus an earlier tasting of still white wine. That matters because Madeira wine is known for being fortified and for its longevity, complexity, and versatility. You don’t need wine jargon to appreciate that. You just need to taste, compare, and notice how different it feels from more familiar wines.

I like having this here in the middle of the tour. After you’ve tried beer and a cherry liqueur, the wine stop acts like a palate reset. You start thinking in terms of structure and depth, not just sweetness or fruit.

One practical tip: if you’re planning to keep drinking after the tour, take a moment at the Madeira wine tasting to notice what you liked most in the flight. That way, you can order intelligently later instead of guessing.

Nikita cocktail stop: creamy, fruity, and totally Madeira-coded

Next up is the Nikita cocktail, a signature Madeira mix made from beer, ice cream, and tropical fruits. The idea is simple, but the result is not. It’s refreshing in a way that still feels dessert-adjacent, and it’s one of those drinks that can be hard to recreate at home, which is why doing it once with a guide is a good move.

This stop is described as happening in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, which helps a lot on a walking tour. After moving through streets and switching between tastings, you want at least one moment where you can sit and actually settle.

How to make it enjoyable: don’t order additional dessert that evening right before Nikita. Let Nikita be your sweet note, so you’re not doubling up on sugar.

Poncha workshop and the traditional finish

The tour concludes with Poncha and includes a Poncha workshop and tasting. The description frames it as an exclusive session where you learn how to make this iconic Madeiran drink, and that naturally sets expectations for something hands-on.

Here’s the consideration I’d give you before you book: while the name suggests you’ll actively make your own poncha, some versions of this kind of experience focus more on explanation and tasting than on full DIY mixing. If you’re mainly coming for the maker part, confirm how much you will actually do during the workshop, not just what you’ll taste.

Even with that caution, a Poncha finish is a strong way to end. It gives the tour a sense of closure, tying together the themes of local ingredients and island classics. And since Poncha is traditional, it feels like a real “Madeira moment,” not just another drink stop.

Price, value, and whether $91 feels fair

At $91 per person for a 3-hour experience with 6 stops, the value depends on what you want from the night. If you’re excited to taste a range of Madeira drinks, it’s a solid deal. Your inclusions already cover multiple items: local artisanal beers, white still wine, ginjinha in a chocolate cup, Madeira wine tasting, Nikita cocktail, and Poncha workshop and tasting, all guided in English.

The math becomes more convincing when you compare it to paying for each drink on your own plus paying for a guide who keeps you moving and provides context. For many visitors, the real “value” isn’t just the drinks, it’s the order. You don’t have to figure out where to go, what to try, or how to compare flavors across the night.

The potential weak spot is the workshop expectation. If you come in expecting guaranteed hands-on making, and the session ends up being more of a tasting lesson, you might feel the price is heavier than you want. That’s not a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s the one place where expectations should be aligned.

Who this tour suits best in Funchal

This experience is a good fit if you want an organized evening that mixes local specialties with enough variety to keep things interesting. It’s also a nice option if you don’t want to plan bar stops yourself.

It’s also clearly built for adults. It’s not suitable for children under 18 and not suitable for pregnant women. It also lists a limit for people over 95 years. If any of those apply, skip this one and look for a more flexible, lower-alcohol, or seated format.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, bar hopping on a route helps with confidence. You get a set plan and someone guiding you to the next tasting, which makes the evening feel less chaotic.

What to pack and how to pace yourself

Nothing fancy is required, but you’ll enjoy it more with a few smart choices.

Wear comfortable shoes. You’re walking between six stops, and you’ll likely spend more time on your feet than you expect from a 3-hour tour.

Eat beforehand. Food and other drinks are not mentioned as included, so you should arrive ready to taste, not ready to build an entire dinner plan out of flights and cocktails.

And keep pace with the group. It’s tempting to rush when the drinks look good, but your enjoyment improves when you sip thoughtfully. This tour is about flavor variety, and speed can blur the differences between beer flight, cherry liqueur, fortified wine, and Nikita.

Should you book this Funchal bar hopping and poncha workshop?

Book it if you want a guided tasting evening that hits Madeira’s big names: Blandy’s Wine Lodges tastings, three artisanal beers, ginjinha in a chocolate cup, a Madeira wine tasting, the Nikita cocktail, and a Poncha finish.

Skip it or ask for clarification before booking if poncha-making is your top priority and you specifically want a true hands-on make-your-own session. In that case, you’ll want to know exactly what the workshop includes during the Poncha stop.

If you’re aiming for a fun, cultural, drink-focused night with an English-speaking guide and an easy route through Funchal, this tour is a good match. Just show up fed, comfortable shoes on, and ready to taste your way across Madeira.

FAQ

Where is the tour starting point?

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

What time does the tour start?

You meet at 4:15 p.m., and the tour starts at 4:30 p.m.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 3 hours.

How many stops are included?

The tour includes 6 stops through the streets of Funchal.

What drinks are included in the tasting?

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

Is transportation to and from the meeting point included?

No, transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.

Is the Poncha workshop hands-on and is it suitable for everyone?

The tour description includes a Poncha workshop and tasting, but the provided information also says it is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, and people over 95 years. If hands-on making is critical for you, ask what you will do during the workshop.