Emigration to the USA, Madeira Wine, and Norwegian Delicacies Across the Atlantic
Organised by: Embassy of Norway, University of Madeira, Slow Food Bergen, Restauration Friends Association, Regional Government of Madeira, UNESCO Chair on Intangible Cultural Heritage at the University of Évora.
The Restauration is a vessel of great historical significance and a powerful symbol of emigration to the United States.
In 1825, it carried the first group of Norwegians to New York, in what became one of the most emblematic transatlantic crossings of the 19th century. During the voyage, the ship made an unexpected stop in Funchal — an unlikely detour that would become one of the most memorable episodes of the entire journey.
According to various historical accounts, as the vessel approached the island, the crew came across a barrel of Madeira wine floating in the sea — a curious and symbolic moment that became part of the voyage’s enduring legend. When the Restauration arrived at Funchal harbour on 28 July, the passengers, visibly intoxicated, were initially seen as a potential threat. However, they were soon welcomed with generosity and offered food — including an abundant supply of fresh grapes.
This unexpected stopover highlights Madeira’s enduring role as a cultural crossroads and a safe harbour in times of uncertainty. Two hundred years later, the commemorative journey of the Restauration, from Stavanger to New York, once again includes the port of Funchal on its route, celebrating this historical and cultural connection.
It is a tribute to the courage of those who set sail, the hospitality of those who welcomed them, and the flavours — such as Madeira wine, Norwegian cod, and other delicacies — that continue to unite both sides of the Atlantic.
Welcome Ceremony at Funchal Harbour | 30 July, 11:30 AM
Marina of Funchal
One of the highlights of the programme will be the arrival of the vessel Restauration at Funchal Harbour on 30 July at 11:30 AM, marked by a welcome ceremony open to the public, attended by regional authorities, diplomatic representatives, and members of the Norwegian community.
The reception will be followed by a joint gastronomic presentation, featuring a tasting of Madeira wine and flavours of Norway, prepared by the Norwegian chef Bjarte Finne and students from the Madeira Hospitality and Tourism School — a symbolic gesture of reunion and cultural exchange between the two traditions.
International Meeting at the University of Madeira | 30 July, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Jesuit College – Funchal
The focal point of the celebrations will be the international public meeting “By Sea and By Land – Food & Beverage, Cultural Heritage and Integrated Regenerative Tourism”, held at the Jesuit College, bringing together researchers, vinegrowers, Madeira wine producers, chefs, stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality sectors, public policymakers, and representatives from regional and international organisations.
The programme includes presentations on:
- Gastronomy, culture, tourism, and sustainability in Atlantic contexts;
- Integrated regenerative tourism, focused on wine and food heritage;
- Traditional products such as Madeira wine, Calheta couscous, and Norwegian dried cod, as expressions of local identities in global contexts.
The meeting will conclude with another gastronomic tasting, once again prepared by Chef Bjarte Finne and students from the Madeira Hospitality and Tourism School, celebrating the bonds of solidarity and the diversity of Atlantic flavours that continue to bring peoples and territories closer together.
Other Activities | 28–29 July
In the days leading up to the main event, several complementary activities will take place, including guided visits and tastings, focused on the heroic viticulture of Madeira and the regenerative practices promoted within the scope of the HeViTOUR MAD project, which aims at its preservation in the context of the Madeira wine traditions’ application.
These moments aim to strengthen the dialogue between the primary sector and the tourism sector, promoting an integrated approach to territorial development, based on the enhancement of cultural and food heritage.
You can download the program of the bicentennial celebration in Funchal here.
You can download the presentation from the “By Sea and By Land” meeting here.
You can explore the vineyards visited as part of this event here.
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