The wines of Tenerife, a living heritage of volcanoes and traditions

Cécile Barrès
May 1
3 min read

When I arrived in Tenerife, I discovered its wine-growing culture, especially prominent in the north of the island, where vineyards have shaped the landscape for centuries.

An Ancient Wine Tradition

The history of wine in Tenerife dates back to the conquest of the island in the 15th century. Spanish and Portuguese settlers introduced vine cultivation, which quickly found ideal conditions on the volcanic slopes of the north.

As early as the 16th century, Canarian wine — especially the famous sweet Malvasía — gained international renown. It was exported to England, Flanders, and the American colonies. Shakespeare himself refers to it in several of his plays! Northern ports like Garachico became important hubs for the wine trade.

In the 18th century, however, trade declined — mainly due to wars, shifts in political alliances, and natural disasters such as the 1706 eruption. Wine production continued, especially for local consumption, and many families have preserved this tradition to the present day.

A volcanic land, wines of character

On the fertile slopes of northern Tenerife, between 300 and 1,200 metres above sea level, vines grow in mineral-rich volcanic soil. This unique terroir, combined with a mild and humid climate, gives birth to wines with a well-tempered character, often marked by a beautiful freshness, minerality and original aromas.

What makes the wines of Tenerife even more fascinating are their native grape varieties, which can’t be found anywhere else. The island was spared from phylloxera — the pest that devastated much of Europe’s vineyards in the 19th century — allowing it to preserve ancient varieties such as Listán Negro, Listán Blanco, Negramoll, and Malvasía Aromática.

A viticulture between tradition and renewal

Tenerife’s five main Denominations of Origin (Tacoronte-Acentejo, La Orotava, Ycoden-Daute-Isora, among others) are mostly located in the north of the island. Here, vineyards form a patchwork of small plots, often cultivated by hand on steep terraces. In places like the La Orotava Valley, age-old techniques such as the braided cord system are still in use.

Today, a new generation of passionate and innovative winemakers is restoring the prestige of Tenerife’s wines. Many of them embrace organic practices or minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the unique character of the volcanic terroir to shine through.

The pleasure of tasting: guachinches and bodegas

To truly enjoy these wines in an authentic setting, nothing beats a visit to a guachinche — small, family-run taverns typical of the island’s north. They serve house wine alongside simple, hearty dishes made with local meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Rustic and welcoming, guachinches offer a genuine Canarian experience, far from the usual tourist trails.

For those looking to dive deeper, several bodegas (wineries) in the north of the island welcome visitors. Among them:

Bodega Monje (El Sauzal) – Renowned for its tours, tastings, and cultural events, all set in a stunning location overlooking the sea.
Viñátigo (La Guancha) – A winery dedicated to preserving native grape varieties and promoting artisanal winemaking.

Not to be missed: la Casa del Vino (El Sauzal)

To better understand Tenerife’s wine heritage, a visit to the Casa del Vino is highly recommended. Located in El Sauzal, in a beautifully preserved 17th-century hacienda, this cultural site offers: