Closer to the Mediterranean climate, drier and with a diversified and rich agriculture, Graciosa was naturally not left out from the wine production history of the archipelago. The people from this island knew very well how to overcome difficulties of survival in insular territory, launching themselves as pioneers in the production of brandy and angelica, products derived from the once abundant wine production. This business led to the construction of multiple wineries and marked a new economic cycle for the island.
We begin by visiting the Graciosa Museum, in Santa Cruz da Graciosa, a museum space that recreates historical and ethnographic aspects, as well as cultural expressions on the island, particularly those most closely linked to the everyday life of its distinctive people. Inside, as a starting point for understanding the importance of viticultural culture in the region, we visit a small wine cellar with its utensils and various equipment, from the wine press to the pressing tools.
We continue with a brief tour of the wine-growing landscape of Bom Jesus and Achada, characterized by the countless basalt stone stone walls that protect the vineyards from the sea mist. Year after year, this landscape has been restored to its former beauty, thanks to various incentives and projects aimed at restoring the stone enclosures, replanting vineyards, and rewriting the history of wine production on the island of Graciosa. This is one of the areas with the best conditions for wine production, and the number of ruins of old wineries is remarkable, serving as a reminder of the importance of this industry in the past.
We end the day with a visit to Adega de Carlos Picanço, a winemaker who has dedicated himself to restoring an old winery right in the heart of this unmissable landscape, and who now produces his wine in this space where time seems to have stood still. Here, we’ll learn about the various stages of the agricultural work involved in wine production, and we’re invited to taste these nectars steeped in history, in a pleasant setting with an incredible view of the vineyards of Graciosa.
