At last, an excuse to raise a glass! Canarian wines are a treat for the senses, not just for their flavour but also for their history and diversity. From sweet Malvasía to dry Listán Negro, every bottle holds a little piece of the islands and their traditions.
Best of all, you don’t need to be a sommelier to enjoy them. Open a bottle, breathe in the aroma and let your taste buds go wild with joy!
And if anyone asks what you’re drinking, just answer proudly: “ A Canarian wine, of course! ” Cheers!
Canarian wines are a little-known treasure in the world of wine. With a long history and a wide range of denominations of origin, these wines are a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.
The Canary Islands are an archipelago of seven islands, each with its own personality and winemaking tradition. From Tenerife to Gran Canaria, wine production in the Canaries has evolved over the centuries, and today you can find some of the best wines in the world.
Denominations of origin in the Canary Islands
The Denominación de Origen (DO), or protected designation of origin, is a classification system for Spanish wines, similar to the French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée.
The term also applies to other foods, such as cheeses, condiments, honey and meat. The purpose of the Denominación de Origen is to guarantee the quality and geographical origin of the finest products made in Spain.
The Canary Islands have eleven of these Denominación de Origen areas:
- DO Abona
- DO El Hierro
- DO Gran Canaria
- DO La Gomera
- DO La Palma
- DO Lanzarote
- DO Tacoronte-Acentejo
- DO Valle Güímar
- DO Valle de la Orotava
- DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora
- DOP Islas Canarias
Each of these denominations has its own methods and regulations for producing wine, which ensures the quality and unique flavour of every bottle.
The best-known wine of the Canary Islands is Malvasía, a sweet wine made from Malvasía grapes. It is produced on Tenerife and is known for its fruity flavour and honeyed aroma.
Another popular Canarian wine is Listán Negro, a dry wine made from Listán Negro grapes. It is produced on Tenerife and stands out for its intense flavour and robust body.
Besides these two, Canarian wines include a wide variety of reds, whites and rosés, each with its own unique flavours and character.
The history of wine in the Canary Islands
The history of wine in the Canary Islands goes back to Roman times, when the Romans brought grapes and winemaking methods to the islands. Since then, wine production has evolved and become more sophisticated, with new techniques and new grape varieties being introduced.
Today, Canarian wines are recognised around the world for their quality and unique flavour. From sweet, fruity wines to dry, intense ones, Canarian wines offer a one-of-a-kind experience for the palate.
If you’re looking for an exciting new wine to try, Canarian wines are an excellent choice. Whether you prefer sweet or dry, there’s a Canarian wine to suit your taste. So don’t hesitate: pick up a bottle of Canarian wine and enjoy its flavour and history.
As well as tasting Canarian wines in a restaurant or a specialist shop, you can also visit the wineries on the islands and learn about how the wine is made. Getting to know the methods and traditions behind these wines makes the experience even more special.
Canarian wineries you can visit
Canarian wine is a shining star in the wine firmament! These islands are unique and different, and that shows in their wines. Each one has its own personality, and you can taste it in every sip.
Want to get to know Canarian wines better? Then you have to visit their wineries! There are plenty of wineries in the Canary Islands you can visit for a day full of wine. Be the hero of your own wine adventure!
Wineries in Gran Canaria
Bodega San Juan
Hands up for the winery with the most history on Gran Canaria! With five generations behind it, this Santa Brígida winery is a real treasure dating back to 1912. They make their wines by hand, using as little machinery as possible. And now they’re on the road to ecological sustainability!
Want to know more? Book a guided tour and explore the museum, vineyards and points of interest while you discover the story of their wines with a tasting you won’t forget.
More information about Bodega San Juan
Bodega Tamerán
Bodegas Tamerán is the new project of David Silva, the Real Sociedad football star! A true wine lover, he teamed up with winemaker Jonatan García Lima to create something special.
Tamerán wines have a unique Canarian character that turns every sip into an adventure for your taste buds. This winery in San Bartolomé de Tirajana scores a real goal for wine lovers!
More information about Bodega Tamerán
Bodegas Bentayga
Welcome to Bodega Bentayga, set by the breathtaking Roque Nublo in Gran Canaria! Have you ever wanted to feel like royalty tasting wine in an exceptional setting? Here’s your chance! This is a place where the natural conditions are every winegrower’s dream, and it’s here that the high-quality Agala wines are born.
Want to know how they do it? They blend traditional techniques with the very latest methods! And if you’re a wine lover, don’t miss the guided tours that take you through magical caves near the highest vineyards. We promise you’ll taste wine like never before!
More information about Bodegas Bentayga
Bodega Las Tirajanas
This winery is in the south of Gran Canaria, in the hottest spots of the Caldera de Tirajana and Fataga. There’s no better way to cool down and relax than with a good wine from this bodega!
And if you decide to book a visit, get ready to immerse yourself in the tradition and atmosphere of the winery while you enjoy tastings and delicious nibbles. Go and visit them and let yourself be carried away by the flavour and joy of their wines!
More information about Bodega Las Tirajanas
Wineries in Lanzarote
Bodega Los Bermejos
Ready to dive into the world of quality wines in the Canary Islands? Then don’t miss Bodega Los Bermejos in Lanzarote!
Here, they treat their grapes with all the love and care in the world to produce wines that will simply take your breath away. What about clarifying and bottling? No problem! They have specially designed machinery to preserve all the organoleptic qualities of their wines.
More information about Bodega Los Bermejos
Bodega El Grifo
El Grifo is the oldest and most fun winery in the Canary Islands. Here, the grapes are treated like royalty, because they know that when grapes feel loved, they make quality wines. And we mean real quality!
Some of their vineyards are older than your grandmother, yet after 245 years they still produce grapes that make unique wines. Just imagine how good they must be! If you want to try them, all you have to do is pay them a visit and let yourself be surprised. El Grifo is waiting for you!
More information about Bodega El Grifo
Bodega Stratvs
In a dreamlike landscape on the edge of Timanfaya National Park, you’ll find Lanzarote’s Stratvs winery! Here, old meets new to create award-worthy wines. Its fertile land in La Geria is a hidden treasure that gives life to unique wines of impressive quality. Come and try them and let yourself be surprised!
More information about Bodega Stratvs
Wineries in Tenerife
Bodegas El Lomo
This winery was founded in 1989 in Tegueste, in the north of Tenerife. Want to go back to the island’s age-old winegrowing tradition? This is your bodega! Here they created a renowned, traditional Canarian wine that will take your breath away. But that’s not all! They have also created Vermut 18, a vermouth made especially for Canarians.
Come and visit their winery and vineyards! There are experiences for every taste, from vineyard days to tastings. This place is paradise for wine lovers!
More information about Bodegas El Lomo
Bodegas Monje
Fancy travelling back in time to 1750 to discover the winemaking adventure of the Monje family? This is your bodega! Here you’ll find whites, reds, rosés… all of which pair perfectly with Canarian cuisine!
Looking for a unique experience? Bodegas Monje is big on wine tourism, so not only can you visit the estate, you can also enjoy brunches, picnics, tastings and creative experiences! Take a look at their website and discover a world of flavour and fun!
More information about Bodegas Monje
Bodegas Reverón
This winemaking adventure began in the municipality of Vilaflor, when Eugenio Reverón Sierra decided to sell his wine instead of simply drinking it all himself. But it wasn’t until his son stepped in and helped him see the light that the winery began to expand and use the latest technology to create what we know today as Bodegas Reverón. And what a success it has been!
With vineyards 1300 metres above sea level in the highest municipality in Spain, their wines are adapted to the local conditions, and they’re delicious! Want to find out more? Come and enjoy a wine tasting with a guided tour, some nibbles and even a wine pairing with their menu. It’ll be an unforgettable experience!
More information about Bodegas Reverón
Bodegas Viñátigo
At this winery, they invite you on a journey through every sip, so you can feel the beating heart of the Canary Islands. It’s not just a drink; it’s a unique experience where you’ll discover the secrets hidden in every grape.
Spread across different corners of the north of the island, their vineyards enjoy unique microclimates that make their wine truly special. And the best part is that they have revived some authentic grape varieties that were on the verge of extinction! Since 1990, they have proudly shown the true essence of the Canary Islands in every bottle. Come and visit and discover the taste of their roots!
More information about Bodegas Viñátigo
Bodegas Tajinaste
In 1939, joy arrived in Tenerife when this winery made its appearance on the island, acquiring the El Ratiño estate in the Valle de La Orotava. But that’s not all: these folks are also experts at caring for the planet, replanting abandoned plots and respecting the environment.
And to celebrate, why not take a stroll through their vineyards, enjoy a tasting and learn about their winegrowing while surrounded by their delicious wines? The party’s at Bodegas Tajinaste!
More information about Bodegas Tajinaste
Bodegas Altos de Tr3vejos
Bodega Altos de Tr3vejos was born in 2012 from the union of the Alfonso and Cabrera families, and it lies in the heart of the DO Abona. With vineyards at 1300 metres in Vilaflor and its winery in San Miguel de Abona, this volcanic wine is a true explosion of flavour and quality on Tenerife. Come and discover what makes this wine unique!
More information about Bodegas Altos de Tr3vejos
In short, Canarian wines are a hidden treasure in the world of wine that deserves to be discovered. With their wide range of denominations of origin, their unique flavours and their rich history, Canarian wines are a one-of-a-kind experience for the palate. So open a bottle, raise a toast and enjoy a little piece of the Canary Islands!