San Bartolomé: El Grifo Winery Tour and Tasting

San Bartolomé’s El Grifo Winery offers a captivating journey through Lanzarote’s rich winemaking history. Visitors can explore the winery’s innovative practices, uncover the island’s unique volcanic terroir, and sample its award-winning wines. From the museum’s captivating exhibits to the tasting of the vibrant Malvasía Volcánica, this tour provides an immersive experience that showcases the remarkable resilience and diversity of Lanzarote’s wine industry.

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Key Points

Explore the history and heritage of the oldest winery in Lanzarote, Bodegas El Grifo, established in 1775.
Discover the unique volcanic terroir of Lanzarote and its influence on the winery’s award-winning wines during a guided tour and tasting.
Immerse in the interactive exhibits of the El Grifo Wine Museum, showcasing the evolution of winemaking in the region.
Savor a tasting of three distinct volcanic wines, including the vibrant Malvasía Volcánica, aromatic Moscatel, and rich Tintilla.
Gain insights into modern winemaking practices at Bodegas El Grifo, blending tradition and technology for quality and consistency.

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Overview of the Bodegas El Grifo Winery

Bodegas El Grifo is the oldest winery in Lanzarote, dating back to 1775.

This 1-hour guided tour offers visitors insight into the winery’s rich history and modern winemaking practices. Guests will explore the El Grifo Wine Museum and sample 3 distinct volcanic wines from the winery’s 100-year-old vineyards.

The tour highlights the unique terroir of Lanzarote, showcasing how the volcanic ash enhances the flavors of the wines.

With a wheelchair-accessible facility and a free cancellation policy, the Bodegas El Grifo Winery Tour provides an immersive and accessible experience for oenophiles visiting the island.

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Exploring the El Grifo Wine Museum

As visitors make their way through the winery’s grounds, they’ll come across the El Grifo Wine Museum.

This interactive exhibit provides an in-depth look at the winery’s storied history and the evolution of winemaking in Lanzarote. Guests can explore displays showcasing antique winemaking tools, vintage labels, and multimedia presentations that illuminate the unique challenges of cultivating grapes in the island’s volcanic terrain.

The museum offers a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage and innovative spirit that have defined Bodegas El Grifo for over a century.

Tasting the Volcanic Wines of Lanzarote

After exploring the winery’s storied past, guests are invited to savor the unique flavors of Lanzarote’s volcanic wines. The tasting showcases three distinct offerings, each reflecting the island’s distinctive terroir.

| Wine | Varietal | Tasting Notes |

| — | — | — |

| Malvasía Volcánica | 100% Malvasía | Vibrant acidity, notes of citrus and stone fruit |

| Moscatel | 100% Moscatel | Aromatic, with flavors of honeydew and white flowers |

| Tintilla | 100% Tintilla | Rich, full-bodied, with hints of dark berries and spice |

The tour concludes with a sampling of the winery’s most awarded vintages, inviting guests to appreciate the nuanced interplay between Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape and its exceptional wines.

Insights Into Modern Winemaking Practices

Visitors to Bodegas El Grifo gain insights into the winery’s modern winemaking practices and technological advancements since the 1990s.

The tour highlights how the winery has embraced innovation to enhance its wine production. Guests learn about the use of temperature-controlled fermentation tanks, automated systems, and advanced filtration techniques.

These innovations allow the winery to maintain quality and consistency while increasing efficiency. Discussions also cover the impact of volcanic soil on the region’s unique grape varieties, like Malvasía, and how modern methods preserve the distinctive flavors.

The tour provides a fascinating look at the blend of tradition and technology in Lanzarote’s winemaking.

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Discovering the Oldest Vineyard in Lanzarote

The tour also takes guests on a journey to discover the oldest vineyard in Lanzarote.

Visitors can:

Explore the lush vineyards located near a volcano, witnessing first-hand how the volcanic ash enhances the wine flavors.
Learn about the unique sparkling wines from Lanzarote and the Canary Islands, which have been produced using traditional methods for centuries.
Sample wines from the 100-year-old volcanic vineyards, gaining insight into the winery’s rich history and the resilience of the vines in this harsh environment.

The experience provides a captivating glimpse into Lanzarote’s winemaking legacy and the profound influence of the island’s volcanic terroir.

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The Influence of Volcanic Ash on Wine Flavors

As guests explore the lush vineyards of Bodegas El Grifo, they’ll discover how the volcanic ash of Lanzarote profoundly shapes the unique flavors of the wines.

The ash, rich in minerals, provides essential nutrients that enhance the grape’s character. This volcanic terroir contributes to the winery’s award-winning malvasías, giving them a distinct minerality and complexity.

Visitors learn how the unique climate and soil of the region create the ideal conditions for growing flavorful, aromatic grapes.

Sampling Unique Sparkling Wines From the Canary Islands

Along With the distinctive volcanic malvasías, Bodegas El Grifo also showcases the region’s expertise in crafting unique sparkling wines.

Tour guests can:

Sample the winery’s award-winning sparkling Brut and Rosé varietals, made using the traditional méthode champenoise.
Learn how the volcanic terroir and cooler island climate contribute to the Canary Islands’ signature sparkling wine profile – crisp acidity, delicate bubbles, and subtle fruit notes.
Discover how the winery’s longstanding winemaking traditions intersect with modern techniques to produce these distinctive Lanzarote sparklers.

Experiencing the Winery’s Award-Winning Wines

Though the San Bartolomé winery tour offers a wealth of insights into the region’s unique volcanic viticulture, the highlight for many visitors is the tasting of the winery’s award-winning wines.

Guests conclude the experience by sampling three of the winery’s most celebrated vintages, including their renowned volcanic malvasías.

The tasting of the winery’s acclaimed volcanic malvasías is the highlight of the San Bartolomé winery tour experience.

The tasting provides an opportunity to appreciate the nuanced flavors that Lanzarote’s volcanic terroir imparts on the wines.

Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of how the island’s dramatic landscape shapes the character of these exceptional wines, which have earned the winery numerous accolades over the years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than Spanish?

The tour is conducted in Spanish, but it may be possible to arrange for private tours in other languages. Customers should inquire about language availability when booking the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, visitors cannot bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour focuses on experiencing the winery’s wines, so outside beverages and snacks are not permitted. Participants must purchase any additional food or drinks from the winery’s facilities.

Is There a Dress Code for the Winery Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the winery tour. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended, as the tour involves walking through vineyards and tasting rooms. However, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for some light physical activity.

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

Yes, visitors can purchase wines directly from the winery after the tour. The winery offers shipping discounts on orders delivered within Europe, making it convenient for guests to take home their favorite volcanic wines from the tasting.

Are There Any Group Discounts or Package Deals Available?

The winery offers discounts on orders shipped within Europe, but does not mention any group discounts or package deals for the tour and tasting experience. Customers can purchase wines directly after the tour.

The Sum Up

The El Grifo Winery tour provides a captivating glimpse into Lanzarote’s rich winemaking history and the unique volcanic terroir that shapes its distinctive wines. Visitors can explore the winery’s museum, discover innovative production methods, and savor a tasting of the region’s vibrant Malvasía and fragrant Moscatel varietals. This immersive experience is a must for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore the volcanic origins of Canary Islands’ award-winning wines.