Wine Lovers: Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega Lanzarote

Exploring the Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega Lanzarote

If you’re a fan of wine or just curious about local flavors, the Wine Lovers: Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega offers a delightful peek into Lanzarote’s vinicultural side. With a near-perfect rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 241 reviews, it’s clear that this experience resonates with visitors seeking authentic, informative, and tasty encounters.

What makes this tour special? Firstly, you’ll get a guided walk through one of the oldest wineries in the Canary Islands, led by an expert head sommelier. Secondly, the six curated wine tastings paired with local cheeses promise a flavor journey that’s both educational and delicious. Lastly, the visit includes a peek into the historic Wine Museum, which adds a layer of cultural richness and insight into the island’s wine-making history.

A tiny caveat? The tour is strictly for adults, so if you’re traveling with children, this might not be the right fit. Also, it doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation. This experience is best suited for adults who enjoy wine, have an interest in history, or simply want a relaxed, flavorful activity during their Lanzarote stay.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Wine Experience: Guided tour with the head sommelier, offering professional insights.
• Historic Setting: Visit to the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, with an intriguing museum.
• Quality Tastings: Sample six top-quality wines, paired with local cheeses.
• Educational & Fun: Learn about grape varieties and how volcanic soils influence taste.
• Small Groups: Limited to ten participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
• No Hotel Pickup: Plan your transportation accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the El Grifo Bodega Wine Tasting Tour

Discovering the Historic El Grifo Bodega

Your adventure begins at the iconic El Grifo Bodega, a place with roots stretching back to 1775, making it the oldest winery of its kind in the Canary Islands. As you arrive, the scenery alone makes this a memorable visit: vines grow in semi-circular stone enclosures designed to shield them from Lanzarote’s famous trade winds. The setting feels both rustic and elegant, offering a charming backdrop for your wine journey.

The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide, often the head sommelier, whose passion for wine and history shines through in every explanation. Reviewers have consistently praised guides like Jacqueline and Alexandra for their friendliness and expertise. One guest said, “Jacqueline was a great tour guide and really knowledgeable,” while another raved about Alexandra being “a real wine expert and a top guide.” Their insights help you understand the unique conditions in Lanzarote that influence the grapes and, ultimately, the wine.

The Wine Museum: A Glimpse into the Past

A highlight for many visitors is the visit to the Wine Museum, housed in the original 1775 winery building. Here, you’ll see tools and utensils from the 19th and 20th centuries, giving a tangible sense of how wine was made in earlier times. The museum showcases the evolution of wine production and provides context about the island’s winemaking traditions.

The museum visit isn’t just about looking at old artifacts; it’s about appreciating the craftsmanship and perseverance that have kept the winery alive through centuries. As one reviewer pointed out, “It was very informative, plenty of information and well-presented. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience,” emphasizing how the museum adds depth to the tour.

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Grape Varieties and Growing Conditions

A key part of the experience is learning about the specific grape varieties grown here, such as malvasia, listán negro, and syrah. The guide explains how trade winds and volcanic soils influence the grapes’ flavors and the wine’s character. This insight makes you appreciate the complexity behind each sip.

Many visitors find this aspect particularly fascinating—understanding how the unique climate and soil contribute to the distinctiveness of Lanzarote wines. One reviewer mentioned, “We learned about how wine grows in Lanzarote conditions and all the innovative work happening at the vineyard,” highlighting the tour’s educational value.

Tasting Six Exceptional Wines

Of course, the real highlight is the wine tasting session. You’ll sample six of the best wines produced onsite, often including Malvasia and other local varieties. These are carefully paired with local cheeses sourced from nearby producers, which complement the wines beautifully.

Guests consistently describe the tastings as generous and flavorful. One reviewer noted, “The six wines we tasted were delicious and lovely local cheeses paired with them,” emphasizing the quality and balance of the offerings. The tasting is led by your guide, who explains each wine’s aroma, color, and flavor notes, helping you sharpen your palate and enjoy the experience fully.

The Value and Experience

While the tour costs around 42 pounds per person, many reviews point out that the quality of the experience makes it a great value. You’re not just tasting wines; you’re gaining insights into Lanzarote’s island culture, history, and agricultural practices. Plus, the small group size means you get more personalized attention and can ask plenty of questions.

The tour lasts approximately two hours, which perfectly balances being informative without feeling rushed. As one guest put it, “It was a great way to understand the wine method in Lanzarote. Wines were great, and we even bought some to bring home.” This last point is worth noting—many visitors leave with a bottle or two, supported by the shop at the vineyard, which offers reasonably priced options.

Practical Details and Considerations

Keep in mind that hotel pickup isn’t included, so arranging your own transportation is necessary. The tour is only for adults (18+), making it unsuitable for children or teenagers. The small group size (limited to ten) ensures an intimate experience, but it also means booking ahead is wise, especially in peak seasons.

The tour is available in English and Spanish, with guides like Jacqueline and Minerva ensuring clear, engaging narration. Cancellation is flexible—up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—and you can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic local culture, enjoys learning about wine making, or just loves tasting good wine with a side of history, this tour hits many marks. The knowledgeable guides, beautiful vineyard setting, and well-curated wine selection make it an experience worth your time.

The educational aspect—understanding how volcanic soils and trade winds influence wine—is fascinating for those who want more than just a tastings session. Plus, the pairing with local cheeses adds a delicious touch that elevates the entire experience.

On the flip side, if you’re traveling with children or prefer activities with included transportation, this might not be the perfect fit. Also, keep in mind that the duration is just two hours, so if you’re after a longer excursion, you might want to complement this with other Lanzarote activities.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the El Grifo Bodega Wine Tasting Tour offers an authentic taste of Lanzarote’s wine heritage, paired with expert guidance and a scenic setting. It’s ideal for adults who love wine, history buffs, or those seeking a relaxed, culturally rich experience.

The combination of quality tastings, engaging storytelling, and a beautiful historic setting makes this tour stand out among Lanzarote’s many tourist offerings. Visitors consistently praise its value, with comments highlighting the knowledge of guides like Jacqueline and Alexandra and the delicious wines paired with local cheeses.

For those wanting a memorable, educational, and enjoyable activity that captures the essence of Lanzarote’s winemaking tradition, this tour is a top choice. It’s a great way to connect with the island’s culture—and maybe even discover a new favorite wine.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this experience is only for adults (18+), as it involves wine tasting.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the vineyard.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately two hours, making it a manageable, enjoyable experience.

Can I buy wine to take home?
Yes, you can purchase bottles at the vineyard shop, which offers reasonably priced options, and they also provide discounts on shipping to European countries.

Is the tour available in different languages?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication.

What is the group size?
Groups are small, limited to 10 participants, for personalized attention and better interaction.

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is around 42 pounds per person, offering good value considering the quality of the experience and tastings.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy periods. You can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

To sum it up, the El Grifo Bodega Wine Tasting Tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, education, and flavor in a stunning setting. It’s perfect for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, or those wanting a taste of Lanzarote’s cultural landscape. With knowledgeable guides, excellent wines, and an intimate atmosphere, this experience promises to be a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: