The Canary Islands are a unique wine region. This is partly due to the fascinating geographical conditions of the archipelago: a wide variety of climatic zones, altitudes and soil conditions come together in a very small area, which has enabled the development of a wide range of innovative cultivation methods.
Canarian Wines – Table of Contents
Uniqueness of Canarian wines
Although the Canary Island grape varieties are not as well known worldwide as the Spanish ones, they have been spared the devastating phylloxera or phylloxera plague, unlike other European varieties. As a result, not only particularly old grape varieties but also traditional cultivation techniques have been preserved over time.
Wine of the Canary Islands – Tenerife
Traditionally, the north of Tenerife has always been known for the production of red wine, while the southern areas of the island have tended to concentrate on the cultivation of white wine. This is mainly due to the different climatic conditions and soil types of the island and contributes to the fact that the wines from the different regions have characteristic flavours and nuances. Today, the wines of Tenerife are increasingly recognised on the international market. The constant development of viticulture and pressing techniques as well as the commitment to traditional production methods contribute to the fact that the wines of the Canary Island have a special status among wine lovers.
Wine of the Canary Islands – La Palma
The idyllic island of La Palma not only has its own protected designation of origin for wine, but also offers a fascinating experience for wine lovers among tourists. Within the La Palma Biosphere Reserve, there is a particular focus on protecting the landscape and promoting traditional agriculture, making the island a paradise for wine enthusiasts. The wine route, known as the “Ruta del Vino”, was created to emphasise this passion for wine. The route leads through the island’s most important wine-growing areas and allows visits to various wineries. A highlight along this route is the island’s wine museum, which offers an insight into the rich wine tradition.
La Palma has something to offer all year round, as the grape harvest takes place at different times due to the diverse climatic conditions. In some places, the harvest begins as early as mid-July, while in others it doesn’t start until November. This creates an ongoing dynamic and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the grape harvest experience at any time of year.
The wine route not only leads to flavourful experiences, but also to picturesque landscapes. There are particularly beautiful and well-signposted hiking trails along the route that offer the opportunity to explore the island’s breathtaking nature. La Palma thus offers a unique combination of wine, culture, nature and hospitality for unforgettable experiences.
Wine of the Canary Islands – Lanzarote
The volcanic island of Lanzarote offers extremely difficult conditions for winegrowing. The vineyards face challenges such as thick layers of volcanic ash and the constant trade winds, which make it difficult for the vines to grow. Nevertheless, people have developed creative methods to grow grapes in these adverse conditions. Some use deep pits to reach the fertile soil and at the same time protect the vines from the strong winds. Another traditional technique is to build stone walls as windbreaks and plant the vines behind them. The result is a unique cultural landscape in which the green splashes of colour of the vines stand out against the dark volcanic soil. In the Bodegas El Grifo Museum, you can gain an insight into the labour that goes into a wine from Lanzarote. Although the island is primarily known for its sweet wines, high-quality red wine is also becoming increasingly important.