Tenerife Bodegas Monje Winery Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting

If you’re visiting Tenerife and have a soft spot for wine, this Bodegas Monje winery tour offers a taste of the island’s long-standing vinicultural tradition. While I haven’t personally been on this tour, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of an experience that combines scenic beauty, authentic wine tasting, and a friendly family-run atmosphere.

What we love about this tour is the personalized small-group setting, the spectacular vistas over the vineyards and sea, and the opportunity to sample distinctive wines paired with artisanal cheeses. A potential consideration is that the experience is somewhat limited in scope—no vineyard visits or extensive cellaring tours—so if you’re craving a deep dive into wine production, you might want to look elsewhere.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers seeking a relaxed, scenic experience and those who enjoy pairing good wines with local cheeses. It’s especially ideal if you value expert guides, charming settings, and a manageable group size that fosters genuine interaction.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience.
• Stunning views over vineyards, the Atlantic, and volcanic landscapes.
• Four carefully selected wines paired with artisanal Canarian cheeses.
• Expert bilingual guides provide interesting insights into the winery’s heritage.
• Convenient, accessible location in El Sauzal, perfect for exploring northern Tenerife.
• Affordable price for a scenic, guided wine tasting with food pairing.

The Experience: An Authentic Taste of Tenerife’s Wine Culture

How the Tour Is Structured

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and is designed for up to 10 guests, making it a cozy, interactive experience. You’ll meet directly at Bodegas Monje, a family-run winery perched in El Sauzal, which is a short drive from Santa Cruz. No pickups are included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation—something to consider if you don’t already have a rental car or local transport arranged.

The experience kicks off with a guided tour of the winery, conducted in both Spanish and English. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, storage, and the history behind this centuries-old vineyard. It’s notable that the guides are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly manner, with reviewers highlighting their ability to explain complex winemaking processes in accessible terms.

What You’ll Taste and Pairings

The highlight, of course, is the wine tasting. The four wines sampled are:

• Dragoblanco: A young white wine, paired with fresh goat’s cheese from Tenerife. Reviewers appreciated its crisp freshness.
• Hollera: A red wine produced via carbonic maceration, paired with smoked goat’s cheese from La Palma. Reviewers noted the wine’s smoothness and the lovely smoky cheese pairing.
• Monje Tradicional: A young red wine, matched with semi-cured, peppery goat’s cheese from Fuerteventura. Many found it to be a well-balanced, flavorful choice.
• Listán Negro: An aged red wine in barrels, paired with cured goat and sheep milk cheeses from Gran Canaria. This was a favorite among those who enjoy more complex, matured reds.

Reviewers often mention that the cheese pairings elevate the tasting, allowing you to appreciate how local flavors complement the wines. The guide’s explanations about each wine’s characteristics help you understand what makes Tenerife wines unique—thanks to volcanic soils and traditional methods.

The Scenery and Atmosphere

The setting is a major part of what makes this tour memorable. The winery’s terrace offers panoramic views of grapevines stretching down to the ocean, framed by the volcanic landscape. Several reviews mention the spectacular vistas, which pair beautifully with your wine glass. The tranquil environment and the casual, friendly service create an ideal atmosphere for relaxing and savoring each sip.

Practical Details and the Group Dynamic

One of the most praised aspects is the small group size, which fosters a more intimate environment. As Tamara notes, the knowledgeable guides make a real difference, ensuring you leave with a good understanding of the wines and the region’s heritage. The tour is accessible to most travelers, with most reviews citing a positive experience regardless of prior wine knowledge.

It’s worth noting that the tour timings are pre-set but flexible—some reviewers mention doing tastings either before or after the standard tour slots. The activity is mainly indoors in the winery, with no vineyard visits, which might disappoint those wanting a walk through the grape fields.

Value for Money

At around $39.54 per person, including four wines, cheeses, snacks, and a guided visit, this experience is seen as quite good value. Many reviewers feel the price reflects the quality of the wines and the scenic setting. The inclusion of a professional guide and food pairings enhances the experience beyond a simple tasting.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for wine aficionados, couples seeking a romantic escape, or anyone interested in Tenerife’s local produce. It’s particularly suited to those who appreciate small, intimate groups and beautiful surroundings. The focus on local cheeses and the scenic views add an extra layer of authenticity.

If you’re after an in-depth tour of vineyard operations or want to visit multiple wineries, this may be too limited for your taste. However, if you want a relaxed, educational, and scenic tasting, then Bodegas Monje hits the spot.

The Sum Up

The Bodegas Monje Winery Tour is a solid choice for travelers wanting a taste of Tenerife’s wine culture without the complexity or high price tag. The combination of expert guides, delicious local wines, and breathtaking views makes it a memorable experience. The small-group setting ensures that you feel taken care of and able to ask questions, making this a more personal encounter with the island’s wine heritage.

This tour suits those who value authenticity, scenery, and a relaxed pace over a lengthy or overly technical journey. It’s a delightful way to spend an afternoon in Tenerife, especially if you’re a fan of wine and cheese pairings with a view.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to and from Bodegas Monje is not provided, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the winery.

What languages are the tours offered in?
Guides provide explanations in both Spanish and English, ensuring most visitors can comfortably follow along.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including the guided tour and tasting.

Can I visit the vineyards?
No, the tour is conducted inside the winery; it does not include visits to the surrounding vineyards.

Are there vegetarian options available?
While specific dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking, the main focus is on cheese and wine, so vegetarian preferences can likely be accommodated.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the activity is only available to those aged 18 and over, due to the tasting of alcoholic beverages.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 10 people, which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended, especially as some parts of the visit may involve standing or walking.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Certainly, you can still enjoy the guided tour and cheese tastings, but alcohol consumption is a part of the experience.

What is the best time to go?
Tours are available most days, with Saturday and Sunday English tours at 11 am and 5 pm. Booking in advance is advised, especially during peak seasons.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just looking to enjoy a scenic, authentic experience in Tenerife, the Bodegas Monje winery tour offers a delightful blend of flavors, views, and local charm.