Wine Lovers: Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega Lanzarote

If you’re a wine enthusiast planning a trip to Lanzarote, this Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega offers a genuine look at the island’s vinicultural charm. Popular for its long-standing history and high-quality wines, El Grifo is the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, dating back to 1775. This tour combines a fascinating historical tour, expert insights, and delicious tastings — all within a friendly, small-group setting.

What really makes this experience shine is the knowledgeable guides, often described as passionate and engaging, the breathtaking scenery, and the chance to sample six of the best wines paired with local cheeses. You’ll also get a peek into the historic museum that showcases the evolution of winemaking on the island—something that adds meaningful context to your tastings. One potential consideration is that this tour is only for adults, so it might not suit travelers with young kids.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone looking for an authentic experience away from typical tourist spots. It strikes a good balance between education, tasting, and cultural storytelling — making it a memorable, value-rich activity.

Good To Know

• Expert guidance from the head sommelier enhances your understanding of Lanzarote wines.
• Historical insights through a visit to the museum that traces the island’s winemaking roots.
• Six tastings paired with local cheeses deliver excellent value, especially given the quality of wines.
• Scenic vineyard views and unique Lanzarote conditions influence the flavors.
• Small group size (limited to 10) ensures personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.
• The tour lacks transportation, so plan for your own transfer arrangements.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the El Grifo Wine Tasting Tour

This two-hour experience is designed to give you an authentic taste of Lanzarote’s wine culture, with a front-row seat to one of its most historic wineries. Starting with a guided tour led by the head sommelier, you’ll gain insights into the unique factors shaping the wines—like trade winds, volcanic soils, and traditional grape-growing techniques.

Exploring the Historical El Grifo Bodega

The tour kicks off at the historic El Grifo winery, which has been producing wine since the 18th century. Your guide will take you through the ancient facilities, showcasing tools and utensils from the 19th and 20th centuries. This visit isn’t just about the wines but also about understanding the legacy of winemaking on Lanzarote.

Reviewers highlight the fascinating story behind the winery, with one mentioning how the old building, once the main winery until the 1990s, offers a glimpse into traditional methods. The museum features artifacts and displays that make the history tangible, including old machinery and photographs that illustrate the evolution of wine production.

Learning About Lanzarote’s Unique Grapes

Your guide will share how the volcanic soils and trade winds influence the grapes, specifically malvasia, listán negro, and syrah. Several reviews note that the guides are very knowledgeable, often elaborating on how these grapes are cultivated and how their flavors are shaped by Lanzarote’s climate. This background adds context to each sip, making the tasting more meaningful.

Tasting Six Wines Paired with Local Cheese

The highlight for many guests is the tasting session—six wines carefully selected from the estate’s best production. These include different varieties, providing a well-rounded snapshot of the winery’s offerings. You’ll enjoy delicious local cheeses that complement each wine, elevating the tasting experience. Reviewers repeatedly praise the generous pours and the friendly, informative guidance from the sommelier, often named as “Charlie” or “Jacqueline,” who makes complex topics accessible and engaging.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Why the Tasting Is Worth It

The quality of the wines and the pairing with local cheeses strike many as excellent value. A reviewer mentions that the wines were delicious, and the cheese pairing made the experience even richer. The focus on small groups (limited to 10 participants) means everyone gets personalized attention, and the expert guidance helps even novices appreciate the nuances of each sip.

The Experience Beyond the Tasting

While the core of the tour is the wine and cheese tasting, the overall experience is enhanced by the scenic vineyard setting. Guests have raved about the beautiful views and the chance to see how the vines are grown in semi-circular stone enclosures designed to shield them from the wind.

Although the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, many reviews mention that organizing your own transport is straightforward, especially if you’re within Lanzarote’s main tourist areas. Some guests have appreciated that the experience is more intimate, often shared with just a handful of fellow wine lovers, making it feel more like a personal visit than a large group tour.

The Value for Money

Considering the quality of the wines, the historical insights, and the personalized guidance, many guests feel this tour offers excellent value. The price includes six tastings plus cheese, which alone are worth a lot more than the ticket price for true wine connoisseurs or curious newcomers eager to learn.

Practical Tips

• Check availability ahead of time, as starting times vary.
• It’s only for adults, so plan accordingly if you travel with minors.
• No need to worry about language barriers; guides operate in both Spanish and English.
• Bring comfortable shoes for the vineyard walk and museum visit.
• Consider organizing your own transport, as no pickups are offered.

Authentic, Insightful, and Enjoyable

What visitors consistently praise are the friendly guides, often described as passionate and knowledgeable, who bring the tour to life. Guests love learning about how volcanic soils and trade winds shape the wines, and many say that this tour brought a new appreciation for Lanzarote wines.

Reviewers mention that even non-wine drinkers enjoyed the experience—thanks to the engaging commentary and the delightful cheese pairings. One reviewer notes how even their partner, who isn’t keen on wine, found the tour fascinating and ended up purchasing bottles to enjoy later.

Unique Aspects That Stand Out

• The museum visit adds a tangible sense of history.
• The small group size allows for a more intimate and personalized experience.
• The scenic vineyard setting enhances the sensory experience.
• The pairing of wines with local cheeses creates a memorable tasting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for anyone interested in wine, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner. It’s also well-suited for history buffs eager to understand Lanzarote’s cultural heritage. If you enjoy small, personalized tours with a relaxed pace, you’ll find this especially rewarding.

Travelers wanting a hands-on, authentic experience that combines education and tasting should definitely consider this. It’s less suited for families with children or people seeking a full-day excursion, as it’s a focused but brief tour.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s only for adults aged 18 and over.

Are transportation arrangements included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off; you’ll need to organize your own transport.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What languages are available during the tour?
Guides operate in both Spanish and English.

How many wines will I taste?
You will taste six of the best wines produced onsite.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking through the vineyards and museum.

Is the tour good for wine novices?
Absolutely. Guides are praised for their friendly, accessible explanations, and the experience is suitable for all levels.

Can I buy wine at the end?
Yes, there is a shop where you can purchase bottles, and some reviewers mentioned that prices are reasonable.

Final Thoughts

The Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega offers a well-rounded peek into Lanzarote’s wine culture, combining history, expert guidance, and memorable tastings. It’s an activity that’s more than just drinking wine — it’s about understanding the unique environment that produces such distinctive flavors in Lanzarote’s grapes.

If you’re after an authentic, intimate experience with a focus on quality over quantity, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially appealing for wine lovers eager to discover local varieties, those interested in cultural stories, or travelers looking for a small-group activity that feels both educational and delicious.

For anyone ready to savor Lanzarote’s finest wines in a setting rich with history and stunning scenery, this tour is a genuine highlight. Just remember to book in advance — and perhaps bring a bottle or two home to share!

Note: Always verify current availability and start times before booking, as schedules may vary.

You can check if your dates are available here: