📍 Biscoitos

Biscoitos is a small wine zone on Terceira island in the Azores, in the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the Azores. The name comes from the Portuguese word for “biscuits”, used for the hardened volcanic lava that forms strange fields.

Vineyards are sheltered from wind and salt spray by low walls of black basalt forming small enclosures. Vines grow right in the cracks of volcanic rock, and the harvest is by hand. Each such field looks like a maze of stones.

The main grape is Verdelho. Historically it made wines that were shipped to Europe. Today local producers make dry whites and sweet liqueur wines.

The zone is tiny and the wines are rare, but they attract connoisseurs and tourists who visit the island. On Terceira, winegrowing is part of the island's heritage: the historic town of Angra do Heroísmo is on UNESCO's list. White wines are served with fish and island cheese, and liqueur wines after a meal. The island lies about 1,500 kilometres from Lisbon, so the wines reach the mainland in small lots. The best way to try them is to visit Terceira and call at a local cellar.