Travel question

[Dale B.]

Will be in Barcelona a few days this October.Then off on a cruise to Malaga,Casablanca,Tenerife,Funchal,Rome, and Savona. We hope to enjoy Blandy's in Madeira, any suggestions as to places for port, sherry,Madeira, vino and good restaurants would be most appreciated.We are big port fans and enjoy all things port and wine.
Thanks,
Dale and Laurie

[Moses Botbol]

The airport in Funchal is supposed to be amazing for Madeira deals.

[Eric Ifune]

Blandy's (The Madeira Wine Company) has it's shop/museum in downtown Funchal close to the harbor. The oldest wine they have is their terrific Blandy's 1920 Boal. Barbieto has a shop downtown as well, but they don't sell their really old stuff anymore. D'Oliverias has some really old stuff, back to their fabulous 1850 Verdelho but you might need a taxi to get there. Next door to D'Oliverias is the Barros e Souza company which is a tiny place run by two brothers. They're very friendly and have some very interesting, if not old, wines. Their lodge is very atmosphereic. I also enjoy Borges which have excellent wines at great prices but again nothing too old. They'll also require a taxi. Henriques & Henriques is way out of town westward and Justinos (Broadbent) is way out east.
I really enjoyed a restaurant on the main street near Ried's. Don't remember the name, but it has a kirchy alpine exterior. It's hard to miss. Despite the appearance, the food is excellent. Try some of of the local Madeiran table wines. They've really improved in the past few years.
Check out some of Roy's reports from the Fortification Tours for some more info.

[Dale B.]

thanks
But alack and alass we will be in Funchal on a Sunday. The Blandy's lodge website says they are closed.
Any suggestions for a Sunday in Funchal would be most helpful. Hope we can at least enjoy some ports or madeira while we are there.
Dale