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Gran Canaria and Its Wines: A Unique Tourist Experience

Wine in Gran Canaria: What is a good Spanish wine ? Does Gran Canaria produce wine ? What do they drink in Gran Canaria ? What is the best wine in Gran canaria ? The beautiful Canary Island is known for its exceptional wines. They are the result of the island’s unique microclimate and its long wine history dating back to the 15th century, when the first vine was planted by the Spanish. Gran Canaria has a rich tradition of wine production, and the famous Malvasia wine was one of the first wines to be exported.

Gran Canaria Wine Route: Most Successful Growth in 2023

In 2023, the Gran Canaria Wine Route experienced the greatest growth of all Spanish wine routes, as shown in the annual visitor report of the Asociación Española de Ciudades del Vino (Acevin). The only wine route in the Canary Islands saw a 190.6% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, far ahead of the Castilla-La Mancha routes (112.9%) and Navarra (88.8%).

This achievement is not new for the Gran Canaria Wine Route. In 2022, it also achieved the highest growth rate with 228.2% more visitors than in 2021. In addition, in 2023, the route was the second most popular among foreign tourists (54.3%), after Ronda-Málaga (64.2%) and ahead of Penedès (44.9%). This percentage is well above the national average of 21.2%.

With three years of experience and renewed certification in the summer of 2023, the Wine Route of Gran Canaria is among the youngest but most vibrant routes within the Rutas del Vino de España.

Growing Popularity of Enotourism

Enoturism, or wine tourism, has experienced significant growth in Spain, and Gran Canaria is no exception. The Ruta del Vino de Gran Canaria has welcomed an increasing number of visitors, especially from abroad. This trend is supported by the promotional efforts of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria and the strong collaboration between wineries, accommodation and hospitality.

A Sustainable Tourism Product

Gran Canaria combines its wine production with sustainability, economic development and cultural pride, as stated in the Ecoisla Gran Canaria 2030 Agenda. The island’s wine growing takes full advantage of its diverse climate and volcanic soils, resulting in unique and sustainable wine production. Gran Canaria wineries apply environmentally friendly agricultural methods, such as organic farming and efficient water management practices, which contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

The Unique Wines of Gran Canaria

The wines of Gran Canaria are special due to the specific environmental conditions, such as the volcanic soils and the influence of the trade winds. The island is home to more than 24 local grape varieties, including Listán Negro, Negramoll, Tintilla and Malvasia Negra for red wines, and Listán Blanco, Vijariego, Muscat, Malvasia, Gual, Marmajuelo and Pedro Ximénez for white wines. These varieties give the wines their unique character and flavour.

The Gran Canaria Wine Guide, which includes a selection of the best wines on the island, covers the main grape varieties grown in Gran Canaria, the history of the Protected Designation of Origin itself and the recent creation of the Gran Canaria Wine Route.

In the main body of the guide you will find a list of the wineries and wine growers assigned to the Protected Designation of Origin Vinos de Gran Canaria, with a complete overview of each of them, including history, location, contact details and their description, location, contact details and services offered by the winery, such as restaurant, visits, direct sales or online sales.

Information on the wineries is complemented by tasting notes for their wines and information on recommended pairings. Download here the list of Best Wines in Gran Canaria (Spanish text)

Important Wineries and Vineyards

Gran Canaria has about 40 wineries, some of which also function as museums and wine stores where visitors can taste and buy. Well-known wineries include Plaza Perdida, Viña Angoã, Monte Bandama and Las Tirajanas. Each of these wineries contributes to the island’s rich wine culture and offers unique wine experiences to visitors. Read more below the photos

The Ruta del Vino de Gran Canaria offers visitors the chance to discover the fascinating world of island wines. This route takes visitors through various wineries and small family-run businesses, where winemakers proudly open their doors. Visitors can enjoy tours of the vineyards and tastings of the unique wines produced on the island. An important part of this itinerary is the Casa del Vino de Gran Canaria, located at the Finca El Galeón in Santa Brígida.

Plaza Perdida Winery

Plaza Perdida Winery has a rich history of two centuries. This winery, which has been passed down through generations within the family, has an annual wine production of 20,000 bottles. Vines of 100 years old, the old winery from the 18th century and the quality of “Plaza Perdida” have contributed to this success story.

The 8-hectare vineyards stretch within the beautiful landscape of Gran Canaria. Here they know how to tell you everything about winemaking, from the vine to bottling in the bottle. The winery is located on the northeast side of the Bandama crater, which is in the area of Monte Lentiscal. website

The owner, Santiago, is described as a true gentleman who has dedicated his entire life to wine production. With a calm approach and without too many pretensions, Plaza Perdida offers high quality wines at affordable prices.

Las Tirajanas: High Altitude Wines of Gran Canaria

Bodega Las Tirajanas or Tunte Winery introduces its unique wines, produced during a three-month harvest period. The harvest begins in July in the south and ends in October in the center and north of the island. The winery achieved a record harvest in 2013-2014 with a historic production record of 120,000 bottles of wine. During the presentation of the 2017 harvest, another record production of 125,000 kilos of grapes was revealed.

Las Tirajanas offers 11 different wine varieties, including white wines, Malvasía and Verijadiego, reflecting the island’s diverse climate zones. The cooperative of 17 families remains the largest bodega in Gran Canaria and is known for its high quality and globally recognized wines. This fantastic aromatic wine will be sold under the name “Las Tirajanas Crianza” More info www.bodegalastirajanas.com

Wine Picking at Bodega Señorío de Cabrera

Bodega Señorío de Cabrera, managed by Agustín Cabrera de León and Felisa Vega Gonzalez, is located in Barranco García Ruíz in Telde, at about 335 meters above sea level. The terrain is steep with slopes of more than 35%.

The challenging geographical features ensure that the bodega practices a form of heroic viticulture. An electric trailer with steel cable and rails facilitates work and transport on the finca, and is also a unique attraction for visitors.

Due to the warm summer, the harvest started earlier than usual. Some 500 kilos of Malvasía Volcánica and Moscatel de Alejandría grapes were picked. These grapes are used to make an exclusive white wine, consisting of 97% Malvasía Volcánica and 3% Moscatel, which will be available at the end of the year.

The harvest and winemaking process is led by the oenologist and agricultural engineer Luis Delfín Molina. Thanks to the bodega for the warm and welcoming morning.

Visit and Information:

• Website: senoriodecabrera.com
• Address: Camino García Ruiz, 35218 Balcón de Telde, Telde | Las Palmas
• Phone: +34 680 10 89 10
• Instagram: @rutadelvino_gc

The Wine Culture in Gran Canaria: Discover the Taste of a Unique Island

Gran Canaria, often referred to as a “Continent in Miniature” according to the humanist Domingo Doreste “Fray Lesco” has an amazing diversity of climates, morphologies and ecological systems. Part of the volcanic Canary Islands in the Macaronesian region of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, this island offers an unusual range of landscapes.

Geomorphological factors, together with the north-easterly trade winds, create significant climatic and biological contrasts. The north-east of the island, “Alisiocanaria”, enjoys considerable humidity and dense vegetation due to the formation of clouds between 600 and 1,500 metres of altitude, while the south-west, “Xerocanaria”, is dry and sparsely vegetated.

Reliefs and the different climatic conditions and soil types are the three environmental factors that define the landscape of the vineyards of Gran Canaria. Discover the beauty of this wine region and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the landscapes and the quality of the wines.

Well-known French, Italian or German wines use other grape varieties. You won’t easily find a Muscat grape, a Pinot Grigio, a Merlot, Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc in Canary wines. Gran Canaria’s grapes are still harvested by hand. The vineyards are mostly located in valleys and on slopes, similar to the Moselle region in Germany.

Initiatives for Sustainability and Innovation

Wine production in Gran Canaria is closely linked to sustainability and innovation. The Gran Canaria Viticulture Plan 2023-2024 focuses on supporting current and new wine growers, with initiatives such as training programs, the installation of weather stations and research into local grape varieties. These initiatives promote the resilience of viticulture to climate change and contribute to the economic growth of the region.

International Wine & Spirit Awards

The International Wine & Spirit Awards is a prestigious international competition based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, organized by Catavinum. They have been developing guides and competitions since 1998. In this edition, 2157 wines and spirits were tasted, of which 646 medals were awarded. Wines from several European, Latin American and even Asian countries participated in the competition.

Recognition for Rocaíno and Other Wines

CRDO Vinos de Gran Canaria‘s new wine , Rocaíno, won one of the three medals Gran Canaria received at the International Wine & Spirits Awards in the Basque Country. Rocaíno won a silver medal. This wine, born of a family project in the Hoyas de Artenara, is named after the ship of Cándido Fleitas González, the driving force behind the project.

The name Rocaíno symbolizes the connection between two worlds: the sea and the mountains. On the back label of the bottle, the ship of Cándido is depicted above the silhouette of the mountains that can be seen from the Hoyas de Artenara. Incidentally, the village of Artenara has a small exit to the sea on the west side of the island. Rocaíno is produced and bottled by Bodegas Ventura.

In addition to Rocaíno, Bodegas Ventura won two more medals. The Eidan Blanco Semi Dulce received a gold medal, while the red wine won a silver medal.

Tourist Experiences and Local Impact

The Ruta del Vino de Gran Canaria offers an integral tourist experience that goes beyond wine tasting. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the island’s rich culture by participating in activities such as transhumance, a centuries-old practice recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. These types of experiences promote the preservation of local traditions and strengthen the cultural identity of Gran Canaria.

Discover the Best Wines

Gran Canaria is known for its unique wines, which you can discover and buy at various locations. Here is an overview of the wines available and tips for an unforgettable wine visit to Santa Brígida. What does a wine tasting in Gran Canaria cost ? How long does a wine tasting last ? What are local alcoholic beverages Gran Canaria ? This is just a small sample of what people search for on the internet.

Available Wines from Gran Canaria

Red Wines:

• Agala Tradicional
• Agala Vieriego Barrica
• Caserío del Batán
• Los Lirios
• Mogarén
• Mondalón
• Monte Roca Barrica
• Viña Montealto
• Viña Tabaiba
• La Montaña
• Señorio de Agüimes
• Caletón Ecológico

White Wines:

• Agala
• La Montaña
• Mondalón
• Plaza Perdida
• Señorio de Agüimes
• Señorio de Agüimes Malvasía
• Viña Montealto
• Viña Tabaiba
• Agala – Blanco Seco
• Mondalón Dulce

Rosé Wines:

• Agala – Rosato

More information and purchase of these wines can be found on the following websites: Gran Canaria Gourmet, Vino Gusto, and Vino Agala.

Santa Brigida and the Wine Museum

Santa Brígida is a well-known wine region in Gran Canaria, located inland. For travelers interested in wine culture, a visit to Santa Brígida during your vacation is a must. Gran Canaria has a long tradition in wine production and offers a range of high-quality red, white, fruity and aromatic wines.

Visit the “House of Wine” (Casa del Vino):

• Taste various wines produced on the island.
• Enjoy a delicious meal at Casa del Vino’s restaurant.
• Learn about the history of wine production and export in the exhibition.
• Visit during the month of November for the “Night of Wine” event.

Practical Information:

• Address: C/ Calvo Sotelo 26, 35300 – Santa Brígida
• Phone: (+34) 928 644 484
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Free admission. Visits with more than 10 people must be reserved in advance.
• Public transportation: Buses No. 301, 302, 311, 303, 305, 307 from Las Palmas to Santa Brígida. Price: approx. €1.65 per person. From the south of the island travel to Las Palmas first.

Wine Shop:

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..
• Gastronomic products from Gran Canaria for gourmet, arts and crafts, gifts.

Discover the Wine Route and Botanical Garden

Trip Gran Canaria organizes weekly excursions to the wine region and the largest botanical garden in Spain. Visit Bandama, Santa Brígida and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The tour lasts about 4 hours and is led by a guide who narrates in Spanish and English. Other languages such as German, Russian or French are possible for group visits by appointment. Wine tasting is of course included.
For more information and bookings, visit Trip Gran Canaria’s website.

Conclusion

Gran Canaria offers a unique combination of natural beauty, rich culture and sustainable wine production. The Ruta del Vino de Gran Canaria plays a crucial role in promoting these aspects, offering visitors a profound and enriching experience. The island invites tourists to discover its unique wines and beautiful landscapes, where every sip of wine offers a sensory journey through the rich culture and tradition of Gran Canaria.

Share Your Experiences and Suggestions about Wine in Gran Canaria!

Have you recently visited a wine estate or tasted wine from Gran Canaria? We would love to hear about your adventures and recommendations! Your insights help us keep our tourism page updated and improved. Whether you’ve discovered a hidden gem, found a great restaurant or have tips for other travelers, your feedback is invaluable. Share your experiences and suggestions with us verschueren.eddy@gmail.com and help others get the most out of their visit to this beautiful island. Together we will create the ultimate guide to Gran Canaria!