Artur de Barros e Sousa Cellars
Step back in time as you enter the historic cellars of Artur de Barros e Sousa, a revered Madeira wine house founded in 1890 and now under the care of Pereira d’Oliveira. This is more than a visit — it is an immersion into a bygone era, where the scent of seasoned oak casks and the quiet dignity of century-old traditions linger in the air.
Guided through the original premises — preserved much like a living museum — you will uncover the story of a family who, for four generations, crafted wines in small quantities using only the slow canteiro method. Here, nothing was rushed, and every drop was shaped by time and nature.
Your tasting is a true privilege: a handpicked selection of rare and old Madeiras drawn from the family’s private stock, wines of extraordinary age and character that are not available for sale. These vintages, kept only for the most special occasions, reveal layers of complexity that only decades of patient maturation can create — from the vibrant lift of a well-aged Verdelho to the profound depth of an ancient Malvasia.
This exclusive encounter is an invitation to savour Madeira’s winemaking heritage at its most authentic, in a setting where history is not just told, but felt in every glass.
Each wine is paired with a selection of local delicacies — including three varieties of cheese, traditional honey cake, spiced honey biscuits (broas de mel), and handcrafted chocolates.
Note: Wine selection may vary depending on stock availability.
Tastings
- Tasting 1 – (Visit and tasting, approx. 1h00) | (min 2 PAX) = 70€ P/ PAX
8 Madeira wines, including 4 from the Tinta Negra grape, aged 10 years, in the 4 levels of sweetness:
Dry, Medium Dry, Medium Sweet, and Sweet.
The selection is completed with a Sercial 2013 (Dry), Verdelho 2005 (Medium Dry), Boal 2006 (Medium Sweet), and Malvasia 2004
- Tasting 2 – (Visit and tasting, approx. 1h30) | (min 2 PAX) = 140€ P/ PAX
12 wines, starting with 4 varieties of Tinta Negra, aged 15 years, in the 4 levels of sweetness.
Followed by 2 Sercial — 1990 and 1981; 2 Verdelho — 2003 and 1994; 2 Boal — 2001 and 1992; and 2 Malvasia — 2000 and 1990, for a total of 12 wines
- Tasting 3 – (Visit and tasting, approx. 2h30) | (min 2 PAX) = 240€ P/ PAX
16 wines, starting with the 20-year-old Tinta Negra in all 4 sweetness profiles. Followed by Verdelho 1994, Verdelho 1985, and Terrantez 1978. Then Boal 1992, Boal 1982, and Boal 1979. Finally, Malvasia 2005, Malvasia 2000, and Malvasia 1992.
Booking Conditions
- Minimum 2 PAX / Maximum 10 pax.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10AM to 5:30PM.
- Estimated duration of wine tasting 1H30
Included: private guide + tasting