Viticulture
Since 2005, the island has seen a significant decline in the production of white grape varieties, alongside a growing demand for Madeira Wine and Madeiran table wines. This drop in production was exacerbated by the ageing population of viticulturists and the exodus of the younger generation to urban centres.
Faced with the urgent need to secure minimum quantities to replenish stocks and reduce uncertainty in viticulture, the Madeira Wine Company established a dedicated viticulture team in 2007. The company began managing its own vineyards, starting with Quinta de Santa Luzia, owned by Andrew Blandy. Having initially planted Malvasia, Bual, Sercial, and Terrantez, the selection was subsequently narrowed down to Bual (the primary variety at this location), Verdelho, and Terrantez, as these are the varieties best suited to the local terroir.
In the symbolic year of 2011, when the Blandy Group celebrated its bicentenary, the company decided to create a specific entity focused on and responsible for the MWC’s own grape production. This strategic commitment to managing its own vineyards aimed to mitigate the challenges faced by independent growers in maintaining their plots, while simultaneously ensuring the highest quality of grapes and production methods. It was in this context that Sétima Geração (7G) was born, named in honour of the 7th generation of the family to assume leadership roles at Blandy’s.
In 2013, 7G commenced operations at Quinta de São Jorge (also known as Quinta do Bispo), on the north coast in the municipality of Santana. A vineyard of over 4 hectares was planted with the following proportions: 80% Malvasia, 15% Verdelho, and 5% Sercial. Since then, the company’s activity has grown continuously, with a strong presence in the southwest of the island — in the parishes of Calheta and Fajã de Ovelha — and in the north, in the parishes of São Jorge and Arco de São Jorge.
Currently, the company manages approximately 10 hectares of vineyards, contributing to the preservation of Madeira’s viticultural heritage, supporting rural communities, and ensuring the transmission of precious knowledge accumulated by generations dedicated to their family plots.
The Estate Vineyards: North and South
Northside: Quinta de São Jorge
Quinta de São Jorge, owned by the Diocese, is located in the parish of São Jorge, near Santana. In 2014, the MWC replanted this historic vineyard (altitude: between 250 and 325 m) on a property stretching from the cliff edge to the Laurissilva forest.
The vineyard structure is the one typically used on the north side of the island: the pergola (or latada). Historically, the latada allowed space for horticulture underneath, but it remains the preferred method in the north as it ensures greater air circulation — vital in the humid northern climate to prevent the spread of fungal diseases. Three white varieties are grown: Malvasia de São Jorge, Verdelho, and Sercial, across 4 hectares arranged in terraces. Throughout the year, a flock of sheep and poultry roam the vineyards, naturally improving soil health and keeping weeds under control.
Southside: Quinta de Santa Luzia
Located near the centre of Funchal, this traditional 3.5-hectare estate was acquired in 1826 by John Blandy. The land has been under continuous cultivation ever since. In 2004, Andrew Blandy replaced the banana plantation with white grape varieties, opting for the espalier training system. Currently, the vineyard occupies approximately 1 hectare across 12 terraces. The dominant variety is Bual, followed by Verdelho and the rare Terrantez. Two plots are dedicated exclusively to organic production, serving as a field of study for a more sustainable and safer form of agriculture.
