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10-Jan-2025 13:00:00
Imagine sipping a glass of wine as you overlook endless rows of grapevines framed by stone walls, with the Atlantic Ocean glistening in the background and Mount Pico—Portugal’s highest peak—towering in the distance. This is the essence of wine in Pico, one of the Azores' most breathtaking islands. Here, the Azores Wine Company has revived an ancient winemaking tradition, creating wines that are as bold and unique as the volcanic landscape that nurtures them.
The Azores Wine Company: Reviving Tradition with Innovation
Azores Wine Company
Founded in 2014, the Azores Wine Company is the brainchild of winemaker António Maçanita and his partners. This boutique winery was established to rescue nearly extinct grape varieties and showcase the unique potential of Pico Island’s volcanic terroir. By blending innovation with deep respect for tradition, the company has become a leading force in the revival of Azorean winemaking.
A Focus on Volcanic Terroir
The Azores Wine Company’s vineyards are unlike any other in the world. Situated on the black volcanic soils of Pico Island, the vines are planted in small, stone-walled enclosures called "currais." These UNESCO-protected structures shield the vines from salty ocean winds while maintaining soil moisture, creating a unique microclimate.
Azores Wine Company
The winery specializes in indigenous grape varieties such as Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores, and Terrantez do Pico. These once nearly forgotten grapes thrive in the island’s challenging conditions, producing wines with remarkable freshness, minerality, and salinity—a true reflection of their volcanic origin.
Azores Wine Company
Despite its remote location, the Azores Wine Company has gained international acclaim. Their wines have earned top awards and are now exported to major markets, captivating sommeliers and wine enthusiasts worldwide. Each bottle tells the story of Pico’s unique terroir and the painstaking efforts required to cultivate grapes in such an extraordinary environment.
Pico Wine: A Taste of Volcanic Heritage
Photo from Azores Getaways
Pico wine is much more than a beverage; it’s a testament to centuries of resilience and ingenuity. Winemaking on Pico Island dates back to the 15th century, when early settlers began cultivating grapes in the island’s rocky soils. Over time, they developed the ingenious "currais" system, which remains an iconic feature of Pico’s vineyards today.
Mount Pico
Wines from Pico are renowned for their distinct flavor profile. Thanks to the volcanic soils, these wines exhibit vibrant acidity, crisp minerality, and a subtle saline note imparted by the nearby ocean. Whether it’s a refreshing white wine or a robust dessert wine, every sip is a journey into Pico’s dramatic landscape.
Pico Island
In 2004, Pico’s vineyard culture was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation highlights the cultural and historical significance of the island’s winemaking practices. The stone walls, volcanic soils, and centuries-old techniques are preserved as a living heritage, offering visitors a chance to experience winemaking as it has been practiced for generations.
Pico Island: A Paradise for Wine Lovers
Beyond its wine, Pico Island is a destination of unparalleled beauty and adventure. Known as the “Mountain Island” for its towering Mount Pico, the island offers a wealth of activities for nature lovers and explorers.
Stone Terraces in Pico
Wine enthusiasts visiting Pico can immerse themselves in the island’s winemaking culture. The Azores Wine Company offers guided tours of their vineyards and winery, along with tastings that pair their wines with local delicacies. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed vineyards, learn about the island’s unique winemaking techniques, and savor the flavors that make Pico wine so special.
In addition to its wine, Pico Island boasts stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From hiking Mount Pico to whale watching and exploring the island’s lava tubes, there is no shortage of activities to complement a wine-filled getaway. The island’s charming villages, local cuisine, and warm hospitality make it an unforgettable destination.
Azores Wine Company
The Azores Wine Company has brought new life to Pico’s ancient winemaking tradition, creating wines that capture the essence of this volcanic paradise. With its UNESCO-protected vineyards, unique grape varieties, and stunning landscapes, Pico Island is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you’re savoring a glass of mineral-rich Verdelho or exploring the stone-walled vineyards, Pico offers an experience like no other.
Plan your visit to Pico Island and discover the magic of Azorean wine for yourself. Let each sip transport you to this breathtaking corner of the world, where tradition, innovation, and nature come together to create something truly extraordinary.
