Blandy’s

FAMILY OWNED FOR 7 GENERATIONS

Blandy’s Madeira wine company is a 210-year-old family-owned business. The family is unique in being the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade to still own and actively manage their own wine company. Throughout its long history on the island, the family has played a leading role in the development of Madeira Wine and continues today to live on Madeira, maintaining a tradition that goes back to 1811; 2 centuries of fine wine production.

Today, Chris Blandy is the CEO and the 7th generation member of the family to work in the company. Winemaker Francisco Albuquerque has been with the company since 1990 and over the years the quality of wines produced has ensured that he is seen today as one of the top winemakers of the world.

The company has two facilities. The winery is located in Caniçal on the eastern most point of the island houses the company’s main vinification lines for both red and white varietals, the cooperage, where 4 coopers maintain the stock of old seasoned American oak casks; and storage for the premium wine aging in barrels.

The iconic Blandy’s Wine Lodge is located in the centre of the island’s capital, Funchal. The premises have a unique micro-climate due to its solar exposure, brick roofs, thick stone walls and wooden floors, and each room has its own specific character. The lofts continue to be used as a key element in the ageing of Blandy’s finest wines, by means of the traditional “Canteiro System”.

Through its global distribution channels, Blandy’s Madeira is the most recognised Madeira wine brand in the world. The brand embodies quality, authenticity and heritage, and is not afraid to innovate. It leads the market in premium sales, but its 3-year-old Madeira are synonymous with quality.

The portfolio of wines spans from accessible 3-year-old wines to the ancient and rare library wines that have been passed down from one generation to the next.