Follow the entire journey of grogue — Cape Verde's celebrated sugarcane spirit — from a working family distillery on the slopes above Mindelo to a guided tasting of aged and flavoured expressions, paired with traditional Creole small plates. A deeply local, intimate experience you won't find in any guidebook.
What to expect
A private driver collects you from the dock and ascends to a hillside property where sugarcane has been distilled for three generations. The distiller demonstrates the entire process from cane press to copper pot still before leading a seated tasting of six expressions ranging from young unaged to a 5-year barrel-aged reserva infused with local herbs. Creole snacks — pastel de atum, caldo de peixe — are served alongside. You depart with a personally selected and labelled bottle.
Good to know
The distillery is approximately 15 minutes from the port by private car. Sessions run 2.5 hours; plan for a morning or early afternoon start. Not suitable for non-drinkers as the tasting is the centrepiece. Pre-booking essential; groups capped at 8 guests. Bring CVE or EUR for any additional purchases.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Porto Grande — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Porto Grande
- Private Island Safari: São Vicente's Wild Interior & Crater Views
- Mindelo's Creole Soul: Private Cultural Walking Tour with a Local Expert
- Santo Antão Day Crossing: Ribeira Grande Valley Trek & Village Feast
- Sunset Catamaran Sail & Snorkel: Baía das Gatas & Marine Reserve
- Whale Watching & Dolphin Safari: Atlantic Pelagic Charter from Mindelo