We began by visiting the Maia Tobacco Museum—the only museum of industrial archaeology (the study and preservation of buildings and materials related to industry) on São Miguel and the only one in Europe dedicated to the history of tobacco—which has fostered a very strong community and identity in Ribeira Grande, essential for getting to know and understanding the region. There, in addition to observing the technical aspects of tobacco cultivation—from sowing to the final product (cigarettes, snuff)— we can also visit the Welcome Center, an interpretive center for the eastern part of the Ribeira Grande municipality, which encompasses six parishes (Porto Formoso, S. Brás, Maia, Lomba da Maia, Fenais D’Ajuda, and Lomba de São Pedro).
Next, we’ll head to the Gorreana tea plantations and factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation, where tea has been grown since 1883, preserving the original traditions of the East and the time-honored qualities for five generations of the family. We will have the opportunity to walk freely through its fields, as well as observe all stages of production, from harvesting to packaging, at the factory. Alternatively, we can visit the Porto Formoso Tea Factory.
After lunch, we will visit the Eduardo Ferreira & Filhos Lda. Liqueur Factory, which produces several award-winning brands, including Ezequiel, Mulher de Capote, Antília Rum, Goshawk Azores Gin, and Queen of the Islands. We will tour the factory facilities and conclude with a liqueur tasting.