Azores Wine Tours: Exploring Pico's UNESCO Vineyards
Few wine regions in the world are as singular — or as visually arresting — as the vineyard landscape of Pico in the Azores. In 2004, UNESCO inscribed this landscape as a World Heritage Site, recognising it as an outstanding example of how human ingenuity can adapt to, and harmonise with, one of the most challenging natural environments on Earth.
The defining feature of Pico's vineyards is the "currais": small rectangular enclosures built from dry-stacked black lava stone, each containing just a handful of vines. These walls were constructed over centuries by local farmers to protect the vines from the Atlantic wind and salt spray that would otherwise make cultivation impossible. The result is a vast, intricate mosaic stretching along the island's western and southern coastline — dark stone against vivid green, all set against the deep blue of the ocean and the towering silhouette of Mount Pico behind. Walking among the currais at sunrise or sunset is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
The principal grape variety of Pico is Verdelho, a white variety that produces wines of remarkable character: fresh, slightly mineral, and with a distinctive Atlantic salinity that is entirely its own. Verdelho from Pico was historically one of the most prized wines in Europe, exported to royal courts and aristocratic tables across the continent. The island also grows Arinto dos Açores, Terrantez do Pico, and several red varieties. Modern winemakers are reviving and celebrating these heritage varieties with increasing skill and recognition.
Wine tasting on Pico is a genuinely immersive experience. The island's main cooperative, Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico, offers tastings and cellar tours that take visitors through the full story of Pico wine — from the UNESCO landscape to the traditional stone lagares where grapes were once pressed by foot. Several private producers also welcome visitors by appointment, offering more intimate tastings in their own cellars and barrel rooms. These small-scale family operations are often the most memorable encounters, combining wine with personal stories, local cheese, and genuine Azorean hospitality.
Our retreat is located in Criação Velha, the village that sits at the very heart of the UNESCO vineyard landscape. From the terrace, guests look directly out over the ancient lava-stone currais, with the ocean and Faial Island beyond. It is possible to walk into the vineyard landscape from the property's own grounds — a rare privilege that places wine tourism, history, and natural beauty quite literally on your doorstep. For guests with a serious interest in Azorean wine, we are happy to arrange private cellar visits, guided vineyard walks, and wine pairing dinners that bring the full richness of Pico's viticultural heritage to the table.