Each region is unique because of its land and scenic richness. Gran Canaria is proof of this. Beyond enjoying rest, sunshine, and its climate, visitors have access to many other alternatives. The Gran Canaria Wine Route is a wine tourism experience unlike many others.
Winegrowers have had to adapt to the climatic conditions and soil characteristics of Gran Canaria. The cultivation lands reveal a landscape of fragmented vineyards, sometimes even hidden due to the island’s diversity. However, this results in a remarkable diversity and extraordinary enological richness.
What does the Gran Canaria Wine Route consist of?
This route through some of the island’s most representative wineries and significant restaurants allows visitors to appreciate the quality of its wines. Paired with local products such as homemade bread, artisan cheeses, and olives, it helps showcase the excellence of its gastronomy.
Throughout this journey, guided by experts who know the land perfectly, visitors will discover wineries and vineyards spread across more than 186 hectares, with an annual production exceeding 457,730 kilos of grapes.
Wineries along the route
There are around 38 active wineries on the island, although during the route you can only visit some of the most representative ones. Here is a list of some of them and their locations.
Bodega Señorío de Cabrera. Located in the municipality of Telde, this winery offers white and red wines paired with a tapa of rabbit with prawns and homemade sauce.
Bodegas Bentayga. Located in Tejeda, this winery offers not only excellent wine but also incredible views of the Sacred Mountains. The visit includes a walk through the vineyards and a tasting of some of its finest wines.
Bodegas Mondalón. In the Los Hoyos neighborhood, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, you can enjoy several glasses of their signature wine in their wine bar.
Bodega Hoyos de Bandama. This stop takes you to Santa Brígida to enjoy quality wine in a rural setting.
Bodega y Viñedos Rincón del Guiniguada. Also located in Santa Brígida, it offers guided vineyard tours where visitors can taste white and red wines accompanied by local bread and cheese.
Finca Escudero. A magical place located on the outskirts of Santa Brígida toward Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, known for its unique scenic beauty. The visit lasts about two hours and introduces visitors to the specific characteristics of the land.
Bodega San Juan. Located on the Bandama road, this is one of the most historically significant wineries. The tour includes La Finca El Monacal and the Wine Museum, as well as three unique spaces.
Bodega Las Tirajanas. Located in the tourist municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, this winery allows visitors to taste wines, olives, and local cheese.
Bodega La Montaña. In Vega de San Mateo, this family-run winery offers guided tours through its crops, including a tasting of its own wine paired with almond cheese and seasoned olives.
Bodega Los Lirios. This option is ideal for learning about agricultural practices and environmental conditions while enjoying a good red wine.
Restaurants along the route
Throughout this extensive route, which crosses inland towns, the capital, and the tourist municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, visitors will find restaurants offering high-quality gastronomy and local products.
Among the most notable restaurants are Cueva de la Tea, Restaurante Bodegón de Vandama, El Bodegón, Restaurante del Hotel Rural El Mondalón, Grill Mirador Cuevas Bascamao, Picoteo Café El Despacho, Enoteca El Zarcillo, Arte Gaia Restaurante, Texeda Brewery & Restaurant, La Trastienda de Chago, Restaurante Casa del Vino de Gran Canaria, and Tasca La Caldera.
The options are diverse and varied depending on the visitor’s tastes. In any of these establishments, you can enjoy the finest local wines through tasting menus filled with exquisite dishes such as pork tenderloin, grilled skewers, roasted pork, Canarian tasting menus with wine pairing, or baked cheese with tomato jam.
Viticulture in Gran Canaria
The Gran Canaria Wine Route is the result of this varietal heritage, shaped by the island’s geography. In most cases, the work is artisanal and non-mechanized, as conditions require it.
If the island is known for anything, it is its diversity and scenic richness. The variety of locations and cultivation practices, where tradition meets innovation, results in a unique vineyard landscape.
Some exclusive grape varieties stand out, such as albillo criollo, bermejuela burra volcánica, albillo forastero, listán negro and rosé, malvasía volcánica, vallera, and verijadiego, among others. Studies have shown that these crops have a unique genome, as phylloxera never reached the Canary Islands.
Wines of Gran Canaria
The wines of Gran Canaria are unique due to their environment, climate conditions, and grape varieties. These wines come from volcanic soils, with vineyards planted in lapilli soil and influenced by the trade winds. However, in the southwest of the island, harder and more arid soils predominate.
The wines, like the island’s gastronomy, festivals, and traditions, reflect the identity of its people. As a result, you’ll find distinctive nuances, with fresh and citrus flavors, aromas of red fruits, and hints of anise.
In conclusion, the Gran Canaria Wine Route is very different from that of other regions, mainly due to its volcanic soil and unique conditions. This is reflected in the flavor and aroma of its wines, which are mostly produced in an artisanal way.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can request information from Lopesan Hotel Group and receive the best recommendations to include the Gran Canaria Wine Route in your list of activities. If you need more information, feel free to contact us.
