Lanzarote: Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Winery

Nestled in the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, the historic El Grifo Winery offers a captivating wine tasting experience that transports visitors through the rich heritage of Canarian winemaking. Guided by the head sommelier, guests embark on a two-hour exploration of the iconic bodega, learning about the winery’s 247-year legacy as they sample six exceptional volcanic wines paired with local cheeses. But the journey doesn’t end there – the on-site Wine Museum showcases the evolution of winemaking tools and practices, providing a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and innovation that have shaped this renowned wine region.

Key Points

• El Grifo Winery in Lanzarote offers a 2-hour guided tour with a limit of 10 participants, led by the head sommelier and featuring a tasting of 6 volcanic and heroic wines.
• The tour provides an immersive experience exploring the winery’s 247-year-old history, including a visit to the on-site Wine Museum showcasing historical winemaking tools and artifacts.
• Visitors can taste renowned local grape varieties like Malvasia, Listán negro, and Syrah, and enjoy local cheese snacks to enhance the wine appreciation.
• The museum exhibits highlight the evolution of winemaking in the Canary Islands, showcasing the winery’s continuous operation and resilience through the centuries.
• The tour is designed for adults, with online booking options and a flexible cancellation policy, making it a must-do activity during a visit to Lanzarote.

Winery Overview

Established over 247 years ago, the El Grifo Winery is the oldest winery in the Canary Islands and the fifth oldest in all of Spain.

Located in Lanzarote, the winery offers a guided tour that lasts two hours and is limited to just 10 participants. Visitors can explore the bodega with the head sommelier, sample six volcanic and heroic wines, including malvasia, listán negro, and syrah, and enjoy local cheese snacks.

The tour also includes a brief visit to the on-site Wine Museum, which showcases the winery’s historical tools and utensils from the 19th and 20th centuries, providing a glimpse into past winemaking processes.

Guided Tour Highlights

The guided tour at El Grifo Winery offers visitors an immersive experience that delves into the history and craftsmanship of the region’s distinctive wines.

Led by the head sommelier, the tour takes guests on a journey through the winery’s 247-year-old history. Visitors will explore the vineyards and learn about the unique volcanic terroir that gives the wines their distinctive character.

The highlight of the tour is a tasting of six different wines, including the renowned malvasia, listán negro, and syrah varieties. Complemented by local cheese snacks, the tasting allows guests to fully appreciate the flavors and nuances of these "volcanic" and "heroic" wines.

The tour concludes with a visit to the winery’s museum, showcasing the tools and processes of winemaking from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Tasting Volcanic Wines

As visitors explore the guided tour, they’ll have the opportunity to taste the winery’s renowned volcanic and heroic wines.

The tasting focuses on three unique varietals:

1. Malvasia: A white grape that thrives in Lanzarote’s volcanic soil, producing crisp, aromatic wines with citrus and floral notes.
2. Listán negro: A red grape that yields bold, full-bodied wines with hints of blackberry and spice, reflecting the island’s dramatic landscape.
3. Syrah: A French grape that adapts surprisingly well to the Canary Islands’ climate, resulting in structured, fruit-forward red wines.

These volcanic and heroic wines provide a captivating glimpse into the terroir and winemaking traditions of this historic Canarian estate.

Exploring Winemaking History

Thanks to its 247-year-old legacy, visitors to the El Grifo Winery can explore the captivating history of winemaking in the Canary Islands.

The on-site Wine Museum houses an impressive collection of tools and utensils from the 19th and 20th centuries, showcasing the evolution of winemaking processes until the 1990s.

As the oldest winery in the Canary Islands and the fifth oldest in Spain, El Grifo’s continuous operation since inception provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich viticultural traditions.

Exploring this museum offers guests a unique opportunity to appreciate the resilience and innovation that have defined the winery’s remarkable journey through the centuries.

Museum Exhibits and Artifacts

Stepping into the El Grifo Wine Museum is akin to traveling back in time, where visitors can explore the rich tapestry of winemaking tools and artifacts that have shaped the industry’s evolution.

The museum’s comprehensive collection showcases the winery’s 247-year history, including:

1. 19th and 20th-century winemaking tools and equipment, such as traditional wooden barrels, grape presses, and fermentation tanks.
2. Vintage labels, bottles, and packaging, providing a glimpse into the evolving design and marketing of El Grifo’s renowned wines.
3. Interactive exhibits that illustrate the painstaking processes involved in cultivating grapes and producing the unique volcanic and heroic wines for which the Canary Islands are renowned.

Participant Eligibility

The El Grifo winery tour isn’t suitable for children under the age of 18. This experience is designed for adult wine enthusiasts and novices alike.

During the 2-hour guided visit, you will have the opportunity to explore the winery’s historic facilities, learn about its 247-year-old heritage, and sample a selection of volcanic and heroic wines.

To ensure an intimate and educational experience, the tour is limited to just 10 guests per group. Guests can select their preferred tour language, either English or Spanish, when booking.

Reservations can be made online, with a flexible option to reserve now and pay later.

Booking and Cancellation

To book the wine tasting tour at El Grifo Winery, visitors can conveniently reserve their spot online.

The tour has a few booking options to consider:

1. Select the desired date, number of participants, and preferred language during the reservation process.
2. Travelers can take advantage of the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, allowing them to secure their spot without an immediate payment.
3. El Grifo offers a flexible cancellation policy – guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind when planning their Lanzarote experience.

Customer Testimonials

Overwhelmingly positive customer feedback attests to the exceptional wine tasting experience at El Grifo Winery.

With an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating based on 143 reviews, visitors consistently praise the educational and enjoyable nature of the tour. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, excellent wine and cheese pairings, and the unique opportunity to explore Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape.

The experience offers great value for money, with a 4.8/5 rating in this category. Both wine enthusiasts and novices alike highly recommend the El Grifo Winery tour, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Canary Islands.

Things To Know

Is the Winery Wheelchair Accessible?

The winery does not appear to be wheelchair accessible based on the information provided. The tour is described as a guided visit with limited group size, which may present accessibility challenges for some participants.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks?

Based on the tour details, it does not appear that bringing your own food or drinks is permitted. The experience includes a tasting of 6 wines and local cheese snacks, so outside items are likely not allowed during the guided tour.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Clothing?

No special clothing is required. Comfortable, casual attire suitable for an indoor winery tour is recommended. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to spend time in both indoor and outdoor settings during the experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The winery doesn’t currently offer any student or senior discounts. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans change.

Can I Purchase Wines Directly From the Winery After the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase wines directly from the El Grifo Winery following the tour. The winery offers a selection of its locally-produced wines, including the ones sampled during the tasting, for guests to take home.

Sum Up

Lanzarote’s El Grifo Winery offers a captivating wine tasting tour that delves into the island’s rich winemaking heritage. Visitors explore the historic bodega, sample exceptional volcanic wines, and discover the evolution of winemaking tools at the on-site Wine Museum. This immersive experience is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts seeking to uncover Lanzarote’s unique terroir and centuries-old viticultural traditions.