Lanzarote: El Grifo Wine Cellar Tour with Tasting

Lanzarote: El Grifo Wine Cellar Tour with Tasting — An Authentic Sip of Canary Islands Heritage

Walking into the world of El Grifo, Lanzarote’s oldest winery founded in 1775, is like stepping back into a carefully preserved chapter of Canary Islands history. This 1.5-hour guided tour offers a chance to explore century-old volcanic vineyards, see a modern cellar, and taste some of the island’s most awarded wines. The experience is a blend of tradition and innovation, all wrapped in an intimate group setting—limiting participants to only 10—making it feel more like visiting a friend’s cellar than a tourist trap.

What I find especially appealing about this experience are two things: first, the opportunity to walk through vineyards that have withstood volcanic eruptions and centuries of weather, offering a genuine connection to Lanzarote’s unique terroir; second, the warm, passionate explanations from guides like Jacky, who, as one reviewer pointed out, brings energy and deep knowledge to the tour. On the flip side, if you’re craving a more in-depth exploration of the vineyard itself or more time to stroll around, this might feel a bit brisk. Still, for a taste of history, craftsmanship, and volcanic wines, it’s hard to beat.

Key points / Takeaways

• Historic roots: The original winery dates back to 1775, making it the oldest in the Canary Islands.
• Vineyard walk: You’ll stroll through over a century of volcanic vineyards, gaining insight into Lanzarote’s unique viticulture.
• Expert guides: Guides like Jacky bring energy and knowledge, making complex wine processes understandable and fun.
• Tasting excellence: Sampling three wines, including volcanic reds like Syrah, offers a real flavor of Lanzarote’s terroir.
• Small group intimacy: Limited to just 10 participants, ensuring a relaxed, personalized experience.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now, pay later, making planning easier.

Exploring Lanzarote’s Historic and Volcanic Vineyards

The tour kicks off with a walk through the century-old vineyards, where you’ll see the resilient volcanic vines that have thrived in Lanzarote’s tough soils. These vineyards are more than just picturesque—they embody the island’s history of making do with challenging terrain. I love the way guides explain the adaptations viticulturists have made, like planting in volcanic ash and using traditional dry-stone walls to protect the vines from wind.

Many visitors, like Annabel, praised the guide Jacky for her energy and passion. Her explanations make the process of wine-making accessible and engaging. She also shares little details, like the fact that Syrah is grown here—a red wine variety that surprised some, considering Lanzarote’s usual association with white wines. You get a real sense of the craftsmanship behind each bottle, and it’s clear the winemakers take pride in their volcanic wines.

The Original Cellar and Modern Facilities

After the vineyard walk, the tour transitions to the original wine cellar founded in 1775. It’s more than just a historical site; it’s the heart of El Grifo’s identity. Walking inside these ancient cellars, I felt transported to a different era—cool, dark, full of history. Guides here detail the process of wine storage and fermentation, blending old techniques with modern technology from the up-to-date wine cellar adjacent to it.

The contrast between the historic and the contemporary is striking. It highlights how El Grifo balances respecting traditions while embracing innovation—an important point for those who appreciate heritage but want quality wines. Many reviews mention the interesting explanation by the guide about the winery’s wine-making secrets, which adds depth to the tasting.

The Wine Tasting Experience

The highlight for most visitors is definitely the tasting session. You’ll sample three of El Grifo’s most awarded wines, including some volcanic reds like Syrah, which surprised and delighted many. The wines are described as delicious and distinctive, with one reviewer noting that they enjoyed trying different volcanic wines and appreciated the insights provided.

The tasting is well-paced, and guides offer explanations about each wine’s flavor profile and what makes it unique—thanks to the volcanic soils, the wines have a distinct mineral quality. The tasting rounds out the visit perfectly, leaving you with a good understanding of why Lanzarote wines are so special.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

This tour typically lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing. Check availability for specific starting times, as they vary. It’s suitable for all ages, but comfortable shoes are recommended because of the vineyard walking. The group size is limited, ensuring you’ll get personalized attention and have the chance to ask questions.

While the tour is available in both English and Spanish, the explanations are clear and accessible, making it easy for non-Spanish speakers to enjoy. It’s also flexible—you can cancel up to 24 hours before, or reserve now and pay later if you prefer planning your trip with some flexibility.

Pricing is generally quite reasonable considering the depth of experience and the quality of wines tasted. When you compare the cost to simply buying a bottle in a shop, this experience offers a lot of value—not just as a tasting but as a cultural and historical journey.

Who will love this tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about volcanic wines and Canary Islands viticulture. It’s also perfect for history lovers interested in how winemaking has adapted over centuries in Lanzarote. Because of the small group setting, it suits travelers who prefer intimate, relaxed tours over large, busier experiences. If you’re traveling with a partner or friends, it offers a friendly, engaging way to spend time together.

The Sum Up

The El Grifo Wine Cellar Tour provides a genuine, educational, and tasty glimpse into Lanzarote’s wine heritage. You’ll appreciate the chance to walk through historic vineyards, see the ancient cellar, and taste wines that embody the volcanic soils of the island. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines history, culture, and a few delightful surprises—like discovering that Syrah thrives in Lanzarote’s tough environment.

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic encounter with Lanzarote’s wine-making traditions, this tour offers excellent value. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy learning about local heritage and savoring well-made wines in a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about volcanic wines, you’ll walk away with more than just a bottle—you’ll have a story to tell.

FAQ

Is there an age limit for this tour?
The tour is generally suitable for all ages, but it’s best for those comfortable walking and standing for a bit. No specific age restrictions are mentioned.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a nice short activity to add to your day.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in planning your trip.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations for non-Spanish speakers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking through vineyards.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted during the tour.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample three of El Grifo’s most awarded wines, including some volcanic reds like Syrah.

Do I need to pay anything extra for the tasting?
No, the tasting of three wines is included in the tour price.

In all, the El Grifo tour offers a memorable peek into Lanzarote’s wine past and present, served with warmth, knowledge, and a splash of volcanic character.