An archipelago known for tourism and unknown for its wines has its history in the 15th century. The islands enjoy a subtropical climate and volcanic soils, giving rise to the production of wines with a unique character.

Wine in the Canary Islands

Due to European colonization, the cultivation of vines was essential on the islands. During the 16th and 17th centuries the Canarian wines, the grape variety Malvasia, were recognized worldwide and were exported to Europe and America. The famous writer William Shakespeare mentioned these wines in several of his plays.

However, historical ups and downs such as the trade crisis and the arrival of diseases in the vineyards caused a reduction in production. Gradually in the 20th century the vineyards made a comeback. Today, Canarian wines are recognized and have several protected designations of origin.

Vineyards and Grape Varieties

The Canary Islands have unique conditions for the cultivation of vines, some natural attributes are:

- The volcanic soils which give a mineral taste to the wines.

- The Atlantic-subtropical climate, with winds blowing regularly from east to west, these trade winds cool the vines throughout the year.

- The absence of the phylloxera plague has allowed the preservation of native varieties that were not affected.

Main autochthonous and local grapes:

- Malvasía volcánica (Tenerife, Lanzarote): white grape used for the production of sweet and aromatic white wines.

- Listán Negro (Tenerife, Gran Canaria): red grape with spicy notes and conveys the identity of where it is grown.

- Listán Blanco (Tenerife, La Palma): white grape known as Palomino in the Jerez area, which produces dry and fresh wines.

- Negramoll (La Palma, El Hierro): red grape with fruity notes.

- Baboso Negro (El Hierro, La Palma): intense and structured red grape, with a great ageing capacity as it is ideal for ageing wines.

The most important wine regions

1. Lanzarote - La Geria

An island with unique landscapes of vineyards planted in volcanic ash pits. One of the most famous wineries is El Grifo as it is the oldest winery in the Canary Islands dating back to 1775. It is famous for its volcanic malvasia and dry white wines.

2. Tenerife - Orotava and Abona Valley

This island has vineyards located on steep slopes with volcanic soils. Its wines are made from Listán Negro and Negramoll, with a mineral and smoky profile. Two traditional wineries are Suertes del Marqués and Viñátigo.

3. La Palma - Fuencaliente and Hoyo de Mazo

On this island the vineyards are located at high altitude, with a cool climate. The sweet Malvasía and red Negramoll wines stand out.

4. Gran Canaria - Monte Lentiscal

On this island small productions of wines with a volcanic character are the most common. The most used grapes are Listán Negro and Tintilla, with great expressiveness and singularity.

5. El Hierro and La Gomera

Here the vineyards are planted on terraces and are artisanal productions. Their wines are fresh and light, with Listán Blanco and Baboso Negro being commonly used.

Canarian wine tasting in Valencia

In recent years, Canarian wines have gained popularity. Their production is limited due to natural factors. The combination of volcanic soils, native varieties and ancestral techniques make them unique and exclusive.

On this occasion we are going to offer you a journey through the Canary Islands through their wines in our Canarian wine tasting in Valencia starting with; Tisalaya Diego 2023, Llanos Negros La Batista Malvasia Aromatica 2022, Bien de Altura Ikewen Listán Negro 2022 and Llanos Negros Los Grillos Negramoll 2023.

The Diego variety offers notes of ripe citrus and tropical touches as well as saline and mineral sensations. Tisalaya Diego 2023 is a wine with ageing potential and good evolution in the bottle.

Malvasia Aromatica offers tropical notes both in aromas and mouthfeel, La Batista 2022 is a wine to enjoy on its own or with food.

Listán Negro offers notes of red and black fruit with smoky notes characteristic of the soil from which it originates. Bien de Altura Ikewen 2022 is a wine that leaves no one indifferent.

Negramoll is a rich, light and fragrant wine with aromas of ripe fruit notes. Llanos Negros Los Grillos 2023 is a wine to enjoy by the glass every day.

Sign up for our tasting or simply ask for a personalized tasting, we are here to show you the wine in depth and enhance your pleasure, contact us!

Buy your tickets to the tasting event next Wednesday, February 26, 2025 here: Canary Wines Tasting in Mercado de la Imprenta