Wine Lovers: Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega Lanzarote

A Closer Look at Lanzarote’s Oldest Winery: El Grifo Bodega Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re headed to Lanzarote and love wine, a visit to El Grifo Bodega offers more than just tasting. This 2-hour experience, guided by the knowledgeable head sommelier, takes you behind the scenes of the Canary Islands’ most historic winery, founded in 1775. It’s a treat for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, blending history, stunning scenery, and exceptional local wines.

What I particularly love about this tour is how it combines history with tasting, giving you a real sense of place. The museum visit showcases old tools and the winery’s evolution, providing context that makes the wine tasting even more meaningful. Plus, the expert guidance from your guide, like Jacqueline or Minerva, makes all the difference—they bring passion and insight that elevate the experience.

A possible consideration? The tour is only for adults (18+), which is understandable given the nature of wine tasting. If you’re traveling with children or non-drinkers, this might not be the right fit. Also, while the tour lasts just a couple of hours, it’s a focused experience—so it’s best if you’re ready to learn about wine, history, and scenic vineyard views.

Key points / Takeaways

• Historic Setting: The tour takes place at the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, founded in 1775, offering a direct connection to Lanzarote’s winemaking roots.
• Guided by Experts: The head sommelier or knowledgeable guides like Jacqueline and Minerva make complex wine concepts understandable and engaging.
• Museum Visit: Exploring the onsite museum reveals vintage tools and the story of winemaking from the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Taste Six Top Wines: You’ll sample some of the best wines the vineyard produces—paired with local cheeses—worth the trip for wine lovers.
• Volcanic Soil & Trade Winds: Learn how Lanzarote’s unique volcanic soils and trade winds influence grape flavors, especially for malvasia, listán negro, and syrah.
• Limited Group Size: With only about 10 participants, the small group setting allows for personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Entering Lanzarote’s Wine World: A Detailed Look

If you’re a true connoisseur or just curious about how Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape shapes its wines, this tour is worth considering. From the moment I read the reviews and studied the itinerary, what stood out was the passionate guidance and the opportunity to see parts of the vineyard and museum not accessible to the general public.

Location and Setting: The winery’s scenic location in Lanzarote is a highlight. Vines grow in semi-circular enclosures designed to shield against the island’s wind, a clever adaptation to the landscape. Several reviews mention the “gorgeous setting” and “beautiful scenery,” making the experience visually rewarding as well as flavorful.

The Guided Tour: Led by a professional guide, often someone like Jacqueline or Minerva, you get a thorough walk through the winery’s history plus insights into its current production. The guides are praised for their friendliness and extensive knowledge. One reviewer appreciated Jacqueline’s “great tour” and another loved Minerva’s engaging storytelling, revealing how much enthusiasm guides can bring to the experience.

The Museum Experience: Visiting the old winery from 1775, which was operational until the 1990s, offers a tangible sense of history. You see vintage tools and utensils, and get a glimpse of how winemaking technology evolved. Several reviews note that this part is especially fascinating if you’re interested in the story behind the wines.

Wine Tasting: The core of the experience is the tasting of six carefully selected wines, paired with local cheese. These wines are described as “delicious” and “great value” by multiple reviewers. The expertise of the guides helps you understand what to note—like the aroma, color, and flavor nuances—and how trade winds and volcanic soils influence the grapes’ character.

The Pairing with Local Cheese: Many guests mention the cheese pairing as a highlight, adding a tasty local touch. It’s a simple but effective way to enhance the tasting experience and appreciate local produce.

Tour Duration and Group Size: At just two hours, this tour is a manageable, enjoyable peek into Lanzarote’s wine scene. The small group size (limited to about 10 people) allows for interaction, questions, and a relaxed vibe.

Cost and Value: While the exact price isn’t detailed here, reviews consistently mention that the experience offers “excellent value” for the quality of the wines, the guided insight, and the museum visit. You’re paying for a well-rounded cultural and tasting journey that goes beyond just sipping wine.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adults who enjoy wine and want a deeper understanding of Lanzarote’s unique terroir. If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or solo and appreciate guided educational experiences in scenic settings, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s especially suited for those interested in history, local culture, and authentic wine experiences. The small group format fosters a friendly, personal environment ideal for asking questions and taking your time.

If you’re seeking a casual, introductory wine tasting or a quick activity, this tour still provides good value. However, it’s best if you’re prepared to spend about two hours focused on wine, history, and landscape—no rushing.

Price and Logistics

While the precise cost isn’t provided here, reviews suggest that the experience delivers excellent value—getting to taste several wines, visit the museum, and enjoy expert guidance all in a compact 2-hour window. The tour excludes hotel pickup and drop-off, so arranging your own transportation is advised—most visitors find a taxi or local transfer works well.

You can reserve your spot with flexible options like “Reserve now & pay later,” adding convenience if your plans change. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance, making it a risk-free choice for most travelers.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Arrive on time: The tour’s small group size means punctuality helps keep everything running smoothly.
• Dress comfortably: Expect some outdoor walking in vineyard areas, and wear sun protection if sunny.
• Bring questions: Guides love sharing their knowledge—don’t hesitate to ask about wine, history, or vineyard techniques.
• Consider additional purchases: The shop offers bottles at reasonable prices if you want to bring home a souvenir.
• Plan your transport: Since no hotel pickup is included, pre-arranged taxis or transfers are your best bet.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? No, the tour is only for adults (18+) due to alcohol tasting.

How long does the tour last? It’s approximately 2 hours, including the museum visit and tasting.

Are there transportation options? No, hotel pickup isn’t included—arrange your own transport to the winery.

What languages are available? The tour is offered in Spanish and English, with a live guide.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Are there discounts? Yes, discounts are available on shipping wines to European countries.

What’s included in the price? Guided tour, six wine tastings, local cheese, and museum visit.

Is it good value for money? Reviewers consistently say yes—it’s a rich experience packed with history, scenery, and top wines.

Can I buy bottles at the end? Yes, the shop sells reasonably priced bottles for takeaway.

Is this experience recommended for wine novices? Absolutely, guides are helpful and the tasting is approachable for all levels.

In essence, the El Grifo Bodega wine tasting tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines Lanzarote’s vinicultural history with tasting some of its best wines. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a relaxed, informative, and delicious insight into local winemaking. With friendly guides, stunning scenery, and authentic flavors, it’s a memorable way to deepen your appreciation for Lanzarote’s volcanic vineyards.