Author

Joana Câmara

Sommelier & Wine Educator

Funchal, Madeira

Funchal-based sommelier with deep working experience across Madeira's wine lodges. Joana curates this directory using a sit-the-tasting, walk-the-cellar methodology — every lodge review reflects a recent visit, not a press kit. She speaks Portuguese, English, and German, and has a particular interest in canteiro-method premium bottlings and the small Quintas working on the north coast.

Credentials

  • WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
  • Portuguese Sommelier Association member
  • 5+ years tasting-room experience across Funchal lodges

How I research lodges

Quarterly tasting visits to Blandy's, D'Oliveiras, H.M. Borges, Henriques & Henriques, and Barbeito. Annual road trip across the São Vicente north-coast vineyards. Lodge reviews are unpaid, unbiased, and verifiable — we never accept hosted tastings without disclosing them on the page.

I write about

Sercial / Verdelho / Bual / MalmseyCanteiro vs estufagem agingVintage bottlings + collector accessQuinta visits + the Madeira Wine RouteCruise-passenger logistics + no-car options

Editorial independence: Joana Câmara is paid by Madeira Wine Tours, not by the lodges or operators reviewed on this site. Affiliate commissions from GetYourGuide / Viator do not change which lodges we recommend or how we describe them. See our editorial policy.