Host 2026
The Spirits Selection by CMB 2026 will be held in Madeira · Portugal
The Island of Madeira, Portugal, has been selected to host the 28th edition of the Spirits Selection by CMB, one of the world’s most renowned and prestigious competitions worldwide.
The tasting sessions will take place in October in Funchal, the capital of the island, set between the Atlantic Ocean and Madeira’s dramatic mountains. Beyond the official tastings, the programme of activities will unfold across the island, inviting participants to experience Madeira in all its beauty — from historic distilleries and sugarcane plantations to sun-kissed beaches, lush valleys and breathtaking viewpoints.
Madeira · Portugal
Madeira in Brief
The name Madeira, meaning wood in Portuguese, reflects the dense forests that once covered the island and shaped its identity from the earliest days of settlement. Upon this land, shaped by volcanic origins and the Atlantic Ocean, centuries of history, tradition, culture, craftsmanship and knowledge have been built, forming a territory of strong character and authenticity.
Discovered in 1419 during the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, Madeira quickly assumed a strategic role in Atlantic navigation and international trade. Early settlers introduced wheat, vines and sugar cane, transforming the landscape through ingenuity and engineering, notably with the creation of the levadas irrigation system.
The introduction of sugarcane cultivation in the 15th century marked a decisive turning point in the island’s economic and cultural development, positioning Madeira as one of the first major sugar-producing regions in the world and a pioneer in the early history of rum production.
Alongside this legacy, Madeira consolidated its global outlook through maritime trade with Europe, Africa and the Americas, a trajectory reinforced by the international success of Madeira Wine, one of the world’s most renowned fortified wines.
Today, Funchal, the island’s capital, stands as Madeira’s political, cultural and economic centre, combining historic heritage with modern infrastructure. This unique blend of history, terroir, craftsmanship and Atlantic identity continues to position Madeira as a reference territory for high-quality agricultural products, wines and spirits, and as a destination of excellence for culture, tourism and international events.
Discover Madeira
Madeira Island is composed of 11 municipalities spread across the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, each shaped by the Atlantic and defined by its own character, traditions and landscapes. From the cosmopolitan energy of Funchal, the capital, to the golden sandy beaches of Porto Santo, and the villages nestled between mountains and sea, the archipelago offers remarkable diversity within a compact territory.
From Câmara de Lobos and Santana to Machico and Porto Moniz, Madeira offers a mosaic of distinctive places, from dramatic cliffs and fishing traditions to iconic thatched houses and natural volcanic pools. Porto Santo adds a contrasting nine-kilometre sandy beach, while terraced vineyards producing the iconic Madeira Wine shape much of the main island’s landscape.
Whether enjoying a traditional espetada, warm bolo do caco, black scabbard fish with banana and passion fruit, or a glass of poncha made with Rum da Madeira and, of course, a glass of Madeira Wine, the islands deliver experiences found nowhere else.
One of Madeira’s defining features is the contrast of its geography and climate. Within a short journey, visitors can move from sunny beaches and mild coastal weather to cool mountain forests, deep valleys and dramatic peaks. This allows for a rare combination of vibrant urban life, modern infrastructure and quiet villages where craftsmanship and living traditions endure.
Renowned as a destination of excellence, Madeira brings together nature, culture and gastronomy in a distinctive way. Its high-quality agricultural products, wines and spirits — notably Madeira Wine and Madeira Rum — carry centuries of tradition and international recognition. This rich heritage, combined with breathtaking landscapes and authentic experiences, defines Madeira as a destination for those seeking quality, authenticity and a strong sense of place.
Discover where the magic of Madeira lies — visit it, experience it, and make it your own.
Madeira Rum & Sugarcane Heritage Journey
Unique in Europe, the sugarcane landscapes of Madeira Island are the result of centuries of human effort, resilience and craftsmanship. Shaped by steep slopes and volcanic terrain, these landscapes reflect the island’s demanding orography, where sugarcane cultivation has always depended on intensive manual labour, carried out on narrow terraces carved into the mountainsides.
Unlike large, flat plantations, Madeira’s sugarcane fields require hands-on work at every stage — from planting and tending the cane to harvesting and transporting it, often by hand. Traditionally, the harvest involved bundling the canes using metal clamps, a time-consuming and physically demanding task that made transportation particularly challenging. Over time, practices evolved and the bundles became lighter, improving working conditions while preserving traditional know-how.
Once harvested, the canes are taken to the “engenhos” (mills) and distilleries, where they are crushed and their fresh juice is extracted. Depending on its purpose, this juice is transformed into agricultural rum or sugarcane honey, following processes deeply rooted in Madeira’s history.
This heritage unfolds across two inseparable dimensions: the terraced sugarcane fields, shaped by human hands and Atlantic climate, and the mills and distilleries that stand as living witnesses to centuries of production. Together, they tell the story of a territory where land, labour and knowledge are intrinsically linked.
There is a singular way to experience this legacy in full: through a Madeira Rum route, connecting fields, mills and distilleries across the island. More than a journey through landscapes, it is a tribute to the hard work behind every drop of Madeira Rum, revealing how challenging terrain, human dedication and ancestral know-how come together to create a spirit of rare authenticity and character.
Madeira Rum Festival Highlights Madeira’s Rum Identity
The Madeira Rum Festival (MRF) is a flagship event dedicated to celebrating and promoting one of the Region’s most emblematic products — Madeira Rum. Organised by the Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira (IVBAM), the festival has established itself as a key platform for showcasing the island’s centuries-old sugarcane and rum-making heritage, bringing together producers, professionals, experts and the general public.
In 2026, the festival reaches its 8th edition and will take place from 14 to 18 April, in Funchal. Over several days, the event highlights the quality, authenticity and diversity of Madeira Rum, the only Portuguese rum with Geographical Indication, while fostering knowledge sharing, sector visibility and international recognition.
The Madeira Rum Festival plays a strategic role in reinforcing Madeira’s position as a reference territory for high-quality spirits, while also contributing to cultural dynamism, tourism promotion and the sustainable development of the local economy.
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