Lanzarote is one of the most unique islands in the Canary archipelago, and its wines are a reflection of a unique volcanic landscape that imprints an unmistakable personality on each bottle. Viticulture on this island, despite the adverse climate and terrain conditions, has managed to prosper and offer the world quality wines that have gained international recognition.
One of the most emblematic places to learn about this wine tradition is La Geria, a region that extends across the center-southern of the island, famous for its particular cultivation system. La Geria: A unique wine landscape What makes La Geria unique is not only the quality of its wines, but the cultivation method that winegrowers have developed to adapt to the volcanic characteristics of the terrain. The Timanfaya eruption in the 18th century covered much of the island with a layer of volcanic ash, or lapilli, known locally as “picón.” Instead of seeing this event as an insurmountable obstacle, the inhabitants of Lanzarote took advantage of it to their advantage. They created deep holes, known as “gerias”, where they planted the vines. Each of these cavities protects the plant from the strong wind that blows on the island and allows the night’s humidity to filter to the roots through the spout, since this material has the ability to retain water. This system allows the growth of grapes in an environment that, at first glance, would seem hostile to any type of crop.
The vines, generally of the Malvasía Volcánica variety, are the stars of the island’s white wines, although high-quality red and sweet wines are also produced. The wines of Lanzarote, and especially those of La Geria, are characterized by their freshness, their mineral flavor and citrus notes that reflect the volcanic soil of the region. Malvasía Volcánica** is one of the most appreciated varieties, as it produces light and aromatic white wines, ideal to accompany fish and seafood, very common in local cuisine.
How to get to La Geria from Costa Teguise
If you are in Costa Teguise, one of the main tourist destinations in Lanzarote, getting to La Geria is a simple and pleasant route that will allow you to enjoy the varied landscape of the island. The distance between both locations is approximately 25 kilometers, which means a journey of about 30 minutes by car. To start the trip, you must leave Costa Teguise heading south, taking the LZ-34 road until you reach the LZ-30, which is the main road that crosses La Geria. During the journey, you will pass through San Bartolomé and Mozaga, two towns that are also part of the agricultural heart of the island. As you approach La Geria, you will begin to notice the change in the landscape, with hillsides dotted with small gerias and vines growing in the middle of the volcanic fields.
Once in La Geria, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most important wineries on the island, such as Bodega Rubicón or Bodega La Geria, where you can do tastings and learn more about the process of making these special wines. A visit to La Geria is an essential experience for wine lovers and for anyone who wants to learn more about the traditions of Lanzarote. From Costa Teguise, the access is quick and easy, and the route will allow you to discover one of the most extraordinary landscapes of the world, where the viticulture has encountered a home in the volcano’s trail.