San Bartolomé: Bodegas El Grifo Winery Tour and Tasting

Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape has long captured the imagination of travellers, but few visitors discover the true depth of the island’s winemaking heritage. That is, until they step into the historic Bodegas El Grifo – the oldest winery in the Canary Islands. Here, a captivating one-hour tour immerses guests in the innovative practices and stunning natural elements that give the region’s wines their distinctive character. From the ancient underground cellars to the tasting of the island’s unique malvasía and muscatel grapes, this immersive experience unlocks a new appreciation for Lanzarote’s winemaking legacy.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Wine Tours In Lanzarote.

Good To Know

• Guided 1-hour tour of Bodegas El Grifo Winery, the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, including access to the El Grifo Wine Museum.
• Tasting of 3 distinctive wines, such as volcanic malvasía and muscatel, highlighting the unique flavors imparted by the volcanic terroir.
• Exploration of the winery’s innovative winemaking practices and commitment to traditional techniques, offering insight into Lanzarote’s winemaking heritage.
• Opportunity to experience the region’s renowned sparkling wines, crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise and indigenous grape varieties.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policy, with positive customer feedback praising the knowledgeable tour guides and stunning natural surroundings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Visitors to Bodegas El Grifo Winery in San Bartolomé can enjoy a captivating 1-hour guided tour that unveils the winery’s rich history and innovative winemaking practices.

The tour includes access to the El Grifo Wine Museum, where guests can explore the oldest winery in the Canary Islands and the 5th oldest in Spain.

The highlight is a tasting of 3 distinctive wines, including the winery’s renowned volcanic malvasía and muscatel varieties.

With a live Spanish-speaking guide, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural adventure, this guided tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Lanzarote’s winemaking heritage.

Winery and Wine Production

Beyond the captivating history that permeates Bodegas El Grifo, the winery’s innovative winemaking practices from the 1990s onward come into focus.

Visitors discover the unique volcanic malvasía and muscatel wines cultivated from 100-year-old vineyards. They’ll explore the winery’s pioneering sparkling wines, a specialty of Lanzarote and the Canary Islands, and learn how the volcanic ash enriches the wines’ flavors.

Through this immersive experience, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous attention to detail and the winery’s commitment to honoring traditional techniques while embracing modern advancements.

The winery’s innovative spirit shines, captivating guests with its dedication to producing exceptional wines that pay homage to the region’s extraordinary terroir.

Historical Context

The El Grifo Wine Museum stands as a testament to Lanzarote’s rich winemaking heritage, proudly bearing the title of the oldest winery in the Canary Islands and the fifth oldest in all of Spain.

As visitors explore its halls, they’ll uncover the region’s fascinating history:

• Discover the historical winemaking methods that have been passed down through generations, from traditional grape pressing to innovative aging techniques.

• Stroll through the lush vineyards, casting your gaze upon the striking volcanic landscape that has imbued these wines with their distinctive character.

• Gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of the Canarian winemakers, who’ve triumphed over the challenges posed by the island’s harsh climate and terrain.

Volcanic Ash and Flavor

Volcanic ash is the secret ingredient that lends Lanzarote’s wines their distinctive, captivating flavor. Scattered across the island’s 100-year-old vineyards, this unique volcanic soil enhances the natural complexity of the island’s signature malvasia and muscatel grapes.

As the vines draw nutrients from the mineral-rich ash, their wines develop a tantalizing array of flavors – from the citrusy, floral notes of the malvasia to the rich, earthy tones of the muscatel.

This volcanic terroir creates wines that are truly one-of-a-kind, transporting tasters to the rugged, otherworldly landscapes of Lanzarote with every sip.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Sparkling Wines From Lanzarote

Though often overshadowed by Lanzarote’s renowned still wines, the island’s sparkling offerings captivate with their own distinct charm.

Produced from a range of indigenous grape varieties, these effervescent delights showcase the unique terroir of the Canary Islands.

The sparkling wines from Bodegas El Grifo are a true testament to the region’s winemaking prowess:

• Crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise, they boast a refined, elegant mousse and complex, layered flavors.
• Malvasía and Moscatel grapes lend notes of citrus, stone fruit, and floral aromatics, expertly balanced by the wines’ crisp acidity.
• The volcanic soil imparts a mineral-driven complexity, adding depth and intrigue to each sip.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Guests have the flexibility to freely cancel their reservations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This policy allows for spontaneous changes in plans or last-minute schedule adjustments.

For those seeking convenience, the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option is available, enabling visitors to secure their spot without immediate payment.

Plus, guests booking from Europe may enjoy discounts on wine orders shipped to their homes, further enhancing the value of this immersive winery experience.

With these flexible and customer-centric policies, Bodegas El Grifo ensures a seamless and enjoyable visit for all who embark on this enchanting Lanzarote wine adventure.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Visitors to Bodegas El Grifo Winery have overwhelmingly praised the experience, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 38 reviews.

Reviewers particularly highlight the excellent value for money, with a 4.7/5 rating in this category. Guests rave about the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, who provide fascinating insights into the winery’s rich history and innovative winemaking practices.

The stunning natural surroundings, with lush vineyards set against the dramatic backdrop of a volcano, also earn high praise from travelers.

Whether visiting as a couple, with friends, solo, or as a family, the Bodegas El Grifo tour is consistently recommended as a must-do activity in San Bartolomé.

Accessibility and Guided Tours

The guided tour at Bodegas El Grifo winery offers an engaging and accessible experience for all visitors.

Guests can explore the winery’s innovative winemaking practices and historical context with the help of a knowledgeable live tour guide, available in Spanish.

The tour’s duration of one hour provides ample time to visit the El Grifo Wine Museum, taste three distinct wines, and stroll through the lush vineyards set against the backdrop of a volcano.

Wheelchair accessibility ensures that everyone can fully enjoy the winery’s rich heritage and the unique terroir that shapes the renowned volcanic malvasía and muscatel wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Wine Tasting?

There are no age restrictions for the wine tasting. Guests of all ages can enjoy the guided tour and museum, though only those 18+ can participate in the wine sampling portion of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Winery?

While visitors are welcome to enjoy the winery’s picturesque surroundings, bringing outside food and drinks is generally not permitted. The tour focuses on the winery’s expert-led tastings and immersive museum experience, providing a delightful and informative day for oenophiles.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the Bodegas El Grifo Winery tour. However, the experience promises an immersive journey into the winery’s legacy, showcasing the unique volcanic terroir and award-winning wines that make this destination a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation for the Tour?

Yes, you’ll need to make a reservation for the Bodegas El Grifo Winery tour. The tour includes access to the wine museum and a tasting of 3 wines, so it’s best to book ahead to secure your spot.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are welcome to capture the picturesque scenery and fascinating winemaking process at Bodegas El Grifo Winery during the tour. Snap away and immortalize the volcanic landscapes, historic cellars, and delightful wine tasting experience.

The Sum Up

The San Bartolomé: Bodegas El Grifo Winery Tour and Tasting offers an unforgettable journey through Lanzarote’s winemaking heritage. Guests explore the island’s volcanic landscapes, discover the innovative practices that shape the region’s exceptional wines, and savor the unique flavors of the malvasía and muscatel grapes. With knowledgeable guides and accessibility, this captivating experience showcases the timeless artistry and resilience that define Lanzarote’s winemaking legacy.

You can check if your dates are available here: