Cultura da Vinha-Zona Oeste

Cultura da Vinha – Zona Oeste is a protected landscape area on the west coast of Pico Island in the Azores, in the municipality of Madalena. According to the Azores nature parks authority it covers about 1,009 hectares and is the most emblematic part of the island's Vineyard Culture Landscape.

What is this place?

This is a zone where wine growing on black volcanic rock has survived as a living, working tradition. The vines grow on lava fields, and each plot is enclosed by low basalt walls. Together the walls form a dense, regular grid that is especially striking from higher points on the island. Regional authorities stress that the walls here are in excellent condition, and that this part of the island is where Verdelho wine is produced.

Why is it protected?

The Pico vineyard landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. The World Heritage property is smaller than the regional protected area: UNESCO documentation gives 987 hectares for the whole site, and Zona Oeste is one of its components. Back in 1986 a regional decree classified the area as a protected landscape, banning mechanical farming within the lava-field zones and protecting the traditional architecture. A later decree gave it the status of Protected Landscape of Regional Interest.

What to see and how to visit

The best way to explore is on foot or by bike along local roads and paths between the walls. Look out for:

• the geometric grid of stone walls separating the vineyards,
• the black volcanic rock in which the vines grow,
• traditional architecture linked to wine production,
• views of the Atlantic coast and the cone of Mount Pico.

Morning and late-afternoon light tend to be best for photos. Remember that the vineyards are private, working farmland, so stay on roads and trails, do not walk among the vines, and do not take stones from the walls.

How does it fit into the wider landscape?

Zona Oeste is one of several protected zones of the Pico vineyard landscape. The neighbouring Zona Norte covers about 1,747 hectares, from Sant'Ana in São Roque do Pico to Barca in Madalena. The different area figures exist because they describe different units: the regional protected area and the smaller UNESCO property.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Cultura da Vinha – Zona Oeste? On the west coast of Pico Island, in the municipality of Madalena, in the Azores (Portugal).

How large is the area? About 1,009 hectares according to the official Azores natural parks website.

Is it part of the UNESCO World Heritage? Yes, as part of the Pico Island vineyard landscape, inscribed in 2004.

What wine is made here? Verdelho wine is produced in this part of the island.

Can I walk into the vineyards? They are working farmland, so it is best to view them from roads and trails and respect the growers' work.

Is it a good place for a walk? Yes, if you enjoy cultural landscapes: the orderly terrain gives wide ocean views, and the walls create a distinctive pattern that photographs well.