History & Production

Who founded H.M. Borges and what is the story behind the winery?

H.M. Borges was founded by Henrique Menezes Borges in 1877. For nearly 150 years, our family-owned company has been dedicated to crafting, aging, and exporting exceptional Madeira Wine with passion, rigor, and respect for tradition.

Where is the H.M. Borges winery located?

Our historic wine cellar (adega) is located in the heart of Funchal, Madeira Island, occupying an iconic building on Rua 31 de Janeiro where we have been operating since 1924. This is where our wines patiently age in oak casks.

Does H.M. Borges grow its own grapes?

No. We work in close partnership with a carefully selected network of local winegrowers across Madeira Island. This allows us to source the finest grapes from the five traditional varieties used in our production: Tinta Negra, Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, and Malvasia.

Madeira Wine Styles & Grape Varieties

What types and styles of Madeira Wine do you produce?

We specialize in producing blended wines with age indications (such as 5, 10, or 15 Years Old), Colheitas (single-harvest wines), and prestigious Frasqueiras (Vintages). Depending on the grape variety and sweetness level, our styles range from Dry to Sweet.

(Explore our complete collection in our Online Wine Shop)

What is the difference between Blends, Colheitas, and Frasqueiras?

• Blends: Wines created by artfully combining different harvest years and grape varieties to achieve a consistent, balanced, and signature flavor profile.

• Colheitas: Wines sourced from a single harvest year and aged in oak casks for a minimum of 5 years, showcasing the unique climatic character of that specific vintage.

• Frasqueiras: The pinnacle of Madeira Wine. These rare single-harvest, single-varietal wines are aged in oak casks for at least 20 years before being bottled.

What is the difference between Madeira Wine and Port Wine?

While both are iconic Portuguese fortified wines, Madeira Wine undergoes a unique thermal aging process (traditionally known as Canteiro in wooden casks). This process, combined with its vibrant natural acidity, gives Madeira extraordinary resistance to oxidation and an unmatched aging potential.

Storage, Serving & Food Pairing

How should I store Madeira Wine at home?

Because Madeira Wine is remarkably resilient, bottles should be stored upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Unlike many delicate wines, Madeira handles slight temperature variations very well.

How long does a bottle of Madeira Wine last after opening?

One of the most extraordinary qualities of Madeira Wine is its longevity after opening. Since the wine naturally oxidizes while aging in oak casks, an opened bottle will retain its freshness and flavor profile for up to 18 months, provided it is recorked and kept in a cool, dark place.

At what temperature should Madeira Wine be served?

The ideal serving temperature depends on the style:

• Dry & Medium Dry (Sercial & Verdelho): Serve chilled, between 10 °C and 12 °C (50 °F – 54 °F) — ideal as an aperitif.

• Medium Sweet & Sweet (Boal & Malvasia): Serve between 13 °C and 14 °C (55 °F – 57 °F) — perfect with desserts, cheese, or enjoyed on its own slightly cool.

What foods pair well with Madeira Wine?

Madeira Wine offers incredible versatility at the table:

• Sercial & Verdelho (Dry / Medium Dry): Pair wonderfully with appetizers, fresh seafood, consommé, roasted nuts, and soft cheeses.

• Boal & Malvasia (Medium Sweet / Sweet): Complement rich chocolate desserts, spiced dishes, dried fruits, blue or aged cheeses, and serve beautifully as a digestif.

Winery Visits, Tastings & Purchasing

Can I visit the H.M. Borges cellar in Funchal for a tour and wine tasting?

Yes, we would love to welcome you! Our historic cellar in central Funchal is open for guided tours and guided wine tastings. We recommend booking your visit in advance.

(Learn more and book your experience on our Visits & Tastings page)

Where can I buy H.M. Borges wines?

You can purchase our wines directly at our cellar shop in Funchal, through our Online Wine Shop, or from selected distributors and fine wine retailers worldwide.

Do you ship wines internationally?

Yes, we export and ship our wines to destinations worldwide. For details regarding shipping options, rates, or delivery to your country, please get in touch with our team.