The region is primarily known for fortified wines and historically for the UNESCO designation associated with the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture.

[1] It is assumed that Franciscan friars brought the first grapes into the lands of Pico during the period of settlement and discovery.

After verifying that the climatic conditions were comparable to Sicilly, they began to import various plants and wine castes, in particular, Verdelho.

[2] With a climate characterized by weak temperature oscillation and elevated precipitation, and distributed throughout the year, allowed the production of white liqueur wines.

[2] The geographic area of the IPR covers the municipalities of Madalena (specifically the civil parishes of Madalena, Candelária, Criação Velha and Bandeiras), São Roque do Pico (parishes of Santa Luzia, Prainha and the locality of Baía de Canas), and Lajes do Pico (specifically in the parishes of Piedade, and the localities of Engrade and Manhenha), as well as areas throughout the island 100 metres (330 ft) above sea level.