Quinta das Vinhas in Madeira A Hideaway for Wine and Golf Aficionados
Offering eternal spring Madeira is a golf destination par excellence all year round. Three magnificent golf courses will delight any golfer. And there is no better place for golfers who also enjoy wine than Quinta das Vinhas, a classical Madeiran manor house dating back to the 17th century. As the name suggests this property is spreading over 30.000 m2 of a traditional vineyard. Located on the sunny southeast coast guests can enjoy the beautiful vistas over the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of Funchal, the island airport and the two golf courses of the main island are about an hour's drive away.
Like many of these traditional estates Quinta das Vinhas was transformed into a cozy hotel in 1997. The main house boasts ten double rooms and the "Wine Bar", the restaurant in the former kitchen on the top floor. Typical Madeiran and international food is served accompanied by local wines. The "Wine Bar" offers a great selection of the best Madeiran wines, red, white or rosé. Guests should try typical Madeiras, a fortified wine ideal as a pre or after dinner drink. Or take a sip of William Hinton rum. In 2006 the heirs of the Hinton family sought to restore the original distillery and sugar production to its old glories using an alembic still and producing a variety of rums. Wine and rum tastings are frequently held in die "Wine Bar".
The old bread oven in the restaurant serves as a wonderful background for breakfast. Guests of the cottages can enjoy breakfast in the old manor house for a small fee. Refurbished in 2018 the 15 cottage suites have kingsize or twin beds, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a kitchenette and a bedroom in mezzanine, plus a terrace with sea view. Each has a fireplace which guests can enjoy on chillier days. In order for guests to get away from the hustle and bustle there are no TV sets in the rooms. But with speedy WiFi in all rooms guests can stream news and entertainment. There are two swimming pools and a beautiful garden with tropical plants and old trees.
The mild climate encourages all sorts of out-door activities and sports. The most popular pastime in Madeira are walks along the levadas, irrigation channels specific to the island of Madeira. These aqueducts originated out of the necessity of bringing large amounts of water from the north to the drier southeast which is more conducive to habitation and agriculture, for vineyards and sugar cane production. Today levadas also provide hydroelectric power. There are many hikes along levadas for all levels of fitness.
Golf is attracting and more visitors to the island of Madeira. The two courses on the main island, Palheiro and Santo da Serra, are ranked among the top ten in Portugal. Santo de Serra and the Severiano Ballesteros design of Porto Santo Golf on the neighboring island of Porto Santo have hosted the Madeira Open of the European Tour. The 27 hole course of Porto Santo Golf can be reached by car ferry which needs about 2 ½ hours for the 43 km passage. Porto Santo served as home for few years to explorer Christopher Columbus after marrying Filipa Moniz Perestrelo, the daughter of the island's governor in 1497. The couple's house is now a museum. Quinta das Vinhas offers reduced green fees for all courses. Golf packages are also available.
Taking about museums: Only six minutes from Quinta das Vinhas visitors will find one of the cultural attractions of the island: Casa das Mudas. Designed by architect Paulo David it serves as Contemporary Art Museum, has received international awards for its modern architecture and seamless integration into the landscape. It hosts various exhibitions, musical performances, plays and lectures. It also boasts a shop, cafeteria, restaurant and underground parking.
Helma Scheffler Public Relations
