Private Pineapple Wine tasting and tour

If you’re craving a taste of something truly different during your trip to São Miguel, the Private Pineapple Wine Tasting and Tour offers a compelling blend of education, authentic local flavor, and sustainable farming practices. This experience, rated 4.5 out of 5 from travelers, takes you behind the scenes at Herdade do Ananás, where you’ll learn about the long journey of the pineapple and the artistry involved in producing Europe’s only pineapple wine.

One of the highlights is the personalized nature of the tour—it’s just your group, providing a relaxed atmosphere to ask questions and really connect with the process. Visitors love how enlightening and enjoyable it is, especially since guides like Nicole bring a lot of warmth and knowledge to the experience.

A potential consideration is the duration—at just about 90 minutes, it’s a relatively short experience, but it covers enough ground to make it worthwhile. Also, the main “buy” point is the opportunity to purchase the exclusive pineapple wine, so it’s less of a tasting for drinking on the spot and more about understanding and appreciating the craft.

This tour suits travelers who are curious about local food and beverage production, enjoy educational experiences, or are simply eager to try something unique that you won’t find anywhere else in Europe. Families, couples, or solo travelers with an interest in sustainability or regional specialties will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: It’s the only pineapple wine in Europe, making it a rare find for wine lovers.
• Educational Value: Learn about sustainable pineapple farming and the special process behind pinapple wine production.
• Authentic Location: Set in the beautiful surroundings of Herdade do Ananás, with greenhouses and a garden.
• Quality of Guides: Reviews highlight knowledgeable and friendly guides, like Nicole, who add warmth and clarity.
• Tasting & Pairings: Pineapple wine served with local cheeses and cookies; a relaxed, enjoyable way to end the tour.
• Cost & Value: At $40.48 per person, it offers a memorable experience with the chance to buy the exclusive wine—adding value for wine enthusiasts or collectors.

The Journey Begins: Pineapple Farm Tour

The experience kicks off with a guided walk through the pineapple plantation, where you’ll see the greenhouses and learn why pineapples take up to two years to grow. This slow but steady growth process is a big part of the farm’s charm and sustainability story.

As you stroll through the lush greenhouses, guides will explain the history of pineapple cultivation in the Azores, emphasizing how they’ve maintained 60 years of sustainable practices. The greenhouses themselves are quite impressive—transparent glass allowing natural light to nurture the plants, and providing an up-close look at the different stages of pineapple production.

Reviewers like Lance note that the guides are pleasant and informative, making the farm tour both educational and fun. You’ll see the distinctive growth stages of the pineapple, gaining a deeper appreciation for this slow-growing fruit, which is a symbol of the Azores’ agricultural pride.

Discovering the Pineapple Wine

After the farm tour, everyone reunites at a lovely hotel area—a dedicated space where the pineapple wine is produced and stored. This part of the experience is where the real surprise lies: pineapple wine is a rarity in Europe, and it’s fascinating to learn how it’s made.

The process, explained thoroughly by the guides, involves love and craftsmanship, with an emphasis on sustainable practices maintained for over six decades. You’ll get to hear about how each bottle is crafted with care, emphasizing quality and local tradition.

What makes this part especially appealing is the tasting session. You’ll sample the pineapple wine alongside local cheeses and cookies, turning the experience into a relaxed, flavorful moment. Feedback from Madison and Eden reflects genuine enjoyment, with Madison calling the tour “wonderful” and the wine “lovely,” and Eden praising the opportunity to see up close how pineapples are cultivated along with tasting a distinctive, refreshing wine.

One reviewer even mentions that the wine is “light and dry”, with hints of pineapple that don’t overpower but add a subtle fruitiness. It’s a white varietal, ideal for those seeking a gentle, palate-pleasing wine experience.

The Authentic Touch: What Makes This Tour Special

The personalized nature of this private tour means you won’t be part of a large crowd. The guides, especially those like Nicole, are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience, making complex processes easy to understand and engaging.

This experience isn’t just about tasting wine—it’s about connecting with Azorean culture and learning how an iconic local crop like pineapple is grown and transformed into a sustainable, artisanal product. It’s a story of patience, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness.

The garden setting enhances the relaxed vibe—an ideal spot to linger and enjoy the beautiful surroundings after the tasting. Plus, the opportunity to purchase the wine at the end means you can take home a truly unique souvenir.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Starting at 5:00 pm at Herdade do Ananás, the tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. You’ll meet at the farm’s main location in São Roque, easily accessible near public transportation. The private setting ensures an intimate experience, with only your group participating.

The cost of $40.48 per person is quite reasonable considering the personalized nature and the rarity of the product. The price includes the guided tour, the tasting with local accompaniments, and the opportunity to buy the wine.

Since the tour is booked about 32 days in advance on average, it’s advisable to plan ahead if you definitely want to include it in your itinerary. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, offering flexibility to travelers.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This private pineapple wine tasting and tour is a wonderful choice for travelers seeking a blend of education, authentic local flavors, and sustainable farming insights. The guided experience offers a chance to learn about the two-year growth process of pineapples, understand how they’re transformed into Europe’s only pineapple wine, and enjoy a refreshing tasting in a beautiful setting.

The personalized attention, combined with the unique product, makes this experience stand out from typical wine tastings or farm visits. It’s especially suited for those interested in food and beverage origins, or anyone who appreciates local craftsmanship and environmentally conscious practices.

While it’s a relatively short tour, the quality of the guides and the exclusive nature of the pineapple wine ensure that it’s a memorable and worthwhile experience. The opportunity to purchase the wine also adds a nice touch for souvenir hunters or collectors.

Overall, if you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and tasty experience that highlights the Azores’ agricultural uniqueness, this tour will likely delight you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, which allows for a more personalized and intimate visit.

What is the duration of the tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Herdade do Ananás, located at Canada dos Prestes de Cima, 21 São Roque.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the guided pineapple farm tour, the pineapple wine tasting with local cheeses and cookies, and the chance to purchase the wine.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations are non-refundable.

Is this experience suitable for children or families?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those interested in learning about agriculture and wine.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, bookings are made about 32 days ahead, so it’s wise to reserve early to secure your spot.

What makes this pineapple wine special?
It’s the only pineapple wine produced in Europe, crafted with love and sustainability, making it a unique regional delicacy.

Can I buy the pineapple wine at the end of the tour?
Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the farm.

If you’re after a unique, authentic, and educational addition to your São Miguel trip, this tour offers a delightful taste of Azorean culture and innovation.