Why Tenerife Is One of Europe's Most Exciting Wine Regions
Tenerife is one of the most fascinating wine destinations in Europe, a volcanic island that has turned its extreme landscape into a truly unique winemaking heritage. Here, wine is not just an agricultural product but culture, identity, and living history.
1497: The First Vineyards of Tenerife
In this year, the Portuguese settler Fernando de Castro planted the first vineyard in the soil of Tenerife, drawn by the fertility of its volcanic ground. He could hardly have imagined at the time that his crop would mark the beginning of a viticultural tradition that endures to this day.
The island’s unique landscape, shaped by volcanic activity, proved exceptionally well-suited to vine growing. What began as a modest agricultural experiment would gradually evolve into a defining element of Tenerife’s cultural and economic identity.
By the sixteenth century, wines from Tenerife were already being exported to Europe from the northern ports of the island. Their reputation quickly spread, earning admiration among distinguished literary figures. Both William Shakespeare and Sir Walter Scott are said to have made references to Canarian wine in their works, a testament to the esteem in which it was held during that era.
From these early beginnings, Tenerife’s winemaking tradition took root and flourished, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the island’s heritage and international reputation today.
One Island, Five Appellations, and Endless Diversity
From coastal vineyards influenced by Atlantic breezes to high-altitude plots rooted in mineral-rich volcanic earth, the island offers an extraordinary range of wines.
Despite being a small island, Tenerife is home to five distinct Designations of Origin: Tacoronte-Acentejo, the first in the Canary Islands to receive this designation in 1992; Valle de La Orotava, known for its traditional “Cordón Trenzado” training system; Ycoden-Daute-Isora; Valle de Güímar; and Abona, each expressing its own character and style.
These Designations of Origin reflect not only Tenerife’s winemaking heritage but also its deep connection to landscape and tradition, resulting in a richness and variety that feel almost endless.
Pre-Phylloxera Vines: A Unique European Heritage
Like Lanzarote, one of its most extraordinary features is the presence of pre-phylloxera vineyards, meaning vines that are not grafted onto American rootstock. This is possible thanks to the island’s geographical isolation, which protected its vineyards from the phylloxera epidemic.
The result is a rare and ancient viticultural heritage, making some wines from Tenerife living pieces of history.
Indigenous grape varieties: the island’s true character
Tenerife is home to a range of indigenous grape varieties with strong personalities and little international fame. Among whites, Listán Blanco stands out, while Listán Negro dominates the reds. Other notable grapes include Negramoll, Vijariego, and Marmajuelo.
These grapes typically produce wines that are fresh, saline, and highly expressive, often with a distinctive volcanic minerality that makes them instantly recognisable.
In recent years, many producers have embraced more modern approaches, including spontaneous fermentation and ageing in neutral oak or amphorae, further enhancing the sense of place.
Growing International Recognition
Today, wines from Tenerife are experiencing a revival, attracting the attention of sommeliers and wine enthusiasts worldwide. The combination of volcanic terroir, indigenous grape varieties, and traditional practices has created a strong and distinctive identity that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
At Wine Shop Lanzarote, we've carefully selected a range of producers that showcase the island's remarkable diversity, including Bodegas Arautava, Bodega Hermanos Mesa, Bodega LoHer, Bodega Tierra Fundida, and Ruku Ruku.
From crisp, mineral-driven whites made with indigenous varieties such as Albillo Criollo, Verdello, and Listán Blanco to elegant reds with vibrant volcanic character, each bottle tells the story of Tenerife's unique terroir and passionate winemakers.
Whether you're discovering Canary Islands wines for the first time or expanding your cellar, our Tenerife collection offers an authentic taste of one of Spain's most captivating wine regions. Browse the full selection at Wine Shop Lanzarote and experience the volcanic soul of Tenerife in every glass.
Thanks for reading,
Ale
