Wine Tasting in La Geria – Savoring Lanzarote’s Volcanic Wines

Tucked within the black volcanic heart of Lanzarote lies La Geria, a surreal landscape of ash-covered vineyards and stone-walled vines. It’s here that you’ll find one of the most memorable and delicious experiences the island has to offer: wine tasting in a volcanic vineyard. For visitors, touring La Geria’s bodegas (wineries) is a sensory journey through history, tradition, and flavor — with a view like no other in the world.

What Makes Lanzarote’s Wine Region So Unique?

The La Geria region sits just south of Timanfaya National Park, in a broad valley blanketed in volcanic ash (picón), the result of 18th-century eruptions. Instead of abandoning the land, Lanzarote’s farmers found a way to adapt:

Vines are planted in hand-dug pits reaching down to fertile soil.
Each vine is protected by a semi-circular wall of lava stone to shield it from the wind.
The volcanic gravel captures moisture from night air, essential in this dry environment.

This incredible method of cultivation creates a vineyard landscape unlike any other — a geometric pattern of black, green, and gray stretching across the horizon.

The Grapes and Wines of Lanzarote

The island’s star grape is Malvasía Volcánica, a local variety producing aromatic, mineral-rich white wines with crisp acidity and subtle sweetness. Other varieties include:

Moscatel: Often used for sweet or fortified wines.
Listán Negro: Produces soft reds and fruity rosés.
Diego: Another indigenous white variety, drier and more complex.

Lanzarote wines are often described as "wines of contrast" — delicate yet bold, shaped by ash, sun, and wind.

What to Expect During a Wine Tasting

Most wineries in La Geria offer tastings throughout the day, ranging from quick samplers at the counter to full experiences with food pairings and vineyard tours. A typical visit includes:

A short walk through the vineyard to understand the unique growing method.
A guided tasting of 2 to 4 wines — white, rosé, and sweet — often accompanied by local cheese, olives, or bread.
A chance to buy wines directly from the producer.

Some bodegas also include museums, art galleries, or shaded terraces with stunning views of Timanfaya’s volcanic silhouette.

Recommended Bodegas to Visit

El Grifo – The oldest winery in the Canary Islands (since 1775), with a wine museum and charming tasting garden.
Bodega La Geria – One of the most photographed wineries, with a balcony overlooking the vine-covered valley.
Bodegas Rubicón – Historic estate with excellent wines and a traditional restaurant for lunch.
Bodega Stratvs – A more modern experience with boutique wines and guided pairing menus.

Note: You don’t need to book in advance for basic tastings, but tours and pairings are better reserved ahead, especially in high season.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March–May): Cool and green — perfect for walking through vineyards.
Summer (June–August): Warm evenings ideal for sunset tastings.
Harvest Season (Late August–September): See the grape picking and enjoy freshly pressed wines.
Autumn & Winter (Oct–Feb): Peaceful and relaxed, often with fewer visitors.

How to Visit

By Car: The LZ-30 road is known as the “wine route” — a scenic drive through the valley with signs marking the entrances to each winery.
By Tour: Several guided wine tours are available from Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, or Costa Teguise — combining tastings with stops at Timanfaya or El Golfo.
By Bike: For the adventurous, cycling through La Geria is popular, with vineyard stops along the way.

Tips for a Great Wine Day

Don’t plan too many stops — 2 or 3 bodegas allow time to enjoy each one.
Have a designated driver or book a tasting tour with transport.
Buy a bottle to take home — many wines are hard to find outside the island.
Pair tastings with tapas or a vineyard lunch to fully experience the flavor of the land.

Conclusion

Wine tasting in La Geria is one of Lanzarote’s most delightful and surprising experiences. The combination of lunar landscapes, historic winemaking methods, and flavorful volcanic wines makes it truly unforgettable. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply curious, sipping a glass of Malvasía in the shade of a black volcanic vineyard is a moment of pure Canarian magic.

Wine Tasting in La Geria – Savoring Lanzarote’s Volcanic Wines

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