Lanzarote: Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting with Cheese

If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic experience that combines the beauty of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape with its local wines and cheeses, this Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting might just be a good fit. It’s not a lengthy tour—about an hour—but it packs in enough to give you a real taste of what makes this island’s wine culture special.

What drew us to this experience are two main things: First, the chance to visit Bodegas Vega de Yuco, a winery rooted in traditional practices amid Lanzarote’s striking scenery. Second, the thoughtfully curated pairing of three wines with three local cheeses—a simple but genuinely flavorful way to connect with the island’s culinary heritage.

However, one consideration is that this is a fairly short, intimate experience—so if you’re after a full-blown wine tour or a larger group setting, you might find this a bit limiting. Still, for those who enjoy focused, quality time with knowledgeable guides and local flavors, it’s a solid choice.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who appreciate good wine, are curious about volcanic terroir, or want a tasting that feels personal and relaxed rather than commercialized. It also works well for visitors who prefer a slower, more meaningful experience rather than rushing through sights.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small groups or private visits mean no crowds and personalized attention.
• Unique Setting: Tour takes place at Finca Testeina, within the La Geria landscape, offering stunning volcanic scenery.
• Educational Element: Learn about Lanzarote’s unique viticulture, water culture, and volcanic heritage.
• Tasting Quality: Sample three wines from Bodegas Vega de Yuco, paired with local cheeses for a well-rounded sensory experience.
• Location & Duration: The tour lasts around 70 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed, afternoon activity.
• Additional Shopping: A wine shop is available for further purchases, allowing you to take some of Lanzarote’s flavors home.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Lanzarote Vineyard & Tasting Experience

We often look for tours that balance education, scenery, and tasting—all without feeling rushed. This one hits that mark fairly well, especially if you value a personalized, relaxed approach. Let’s walk through what you can expect and how it might suit you.

Starting Point: Finca Testeina

Your experience begins at Finca Testeina, a historic 16th-century manor house. The setting alone is worth the visit—imagine strolling around a traditional island estate, surrounded by the volcanic landscape of La Geria. From the get-go, you get a sense of the island’s commitment to preserving its heritage. You’ll access the tour by walking from the parking lot, so comfortable shoes are recommended to explore the grounds.

Guided Tour of the Vineyards & Finca Testeina

The core of the experience is a 50-minute guided tour of the vineyards of Bodegas Vega de Yuco, located in one of Lanzarote’s most iconic landscapes. The guide will share insights into the island’s winemaking heritage, specifically focusing on the volcanic soil and the unique cultivation techniques developed after volcanic eruptions like those in Timanfaya.

Guests often comment on how informative and engaging the explanations are. You’ll learn about the island’s water culture—crucial in such an arid environment—and how traditional architecture is designed to adapt to the landscape.

One review mentioned an appreciation for the way the guide explained the cultivation system, which is “so different from anything else in the world,” giving you a real appreciation for the local craftsmanship and resilience.

Photo Stop and Scenic Views

A quick 3-minute photo break allows you to capture the sweeping views of the volcanic terrain. We loved the way the landscape’s textures and colors—black volcanic rocks contrasting with green vines—make for a compelling backdrop. It’s an ideal spot to snap some photos or just soak in the scenery.

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Wine Tasting & Cheese Pairing

The highlight for many is the 40-minute guided tasting of three wines from Bodegas Vega de Yuco: Princesa Ico, Esencia Yaiza, and Princesa Gara. These wines are crafted locally, and their names reflect Lanzarote’s culture and history.

The tasting is paired with three different cheeses native to Lanzarote. This pairing isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding the harmony between volcanic terroir and local dairy products. The wines are described as well-balanced, and the cheeses add a lovely salty, creamy contrast.

Guests often say that the wines are “surprisingly good” and that the pairing “made the experience memorable.” The guide offers insights into each wine’s flavor profile, helping you appreciate what makes Lanzarote wines stand out.

Shopping & Final Moments

After tasting, there’s a 15-minute shopping segment where you can purchase bottles or other local products. The exclusive wine shop is available only to tour participants, making it a good spot to pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Overall Duration & Cost

The entire experience lasts about 70 minutes, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. At $41 per person, it offers a decent value—especially considering the guided nature, local wines, cheeses, and scenic setting. It’s not a full winery tour, but it’s enough to give you genuine insight without a time-consuming commitment.

What Travelers Say

While reviews are limited, those who have participated mention that the tour is “small and private,” providing a more intimate experience. Some note that the wines are “delicious and authentic,” and that the guide’s explanations make the tasting more meaningful.

One review highlighted how the setting was “beautiful, with a sense of history,” making the visit more than just a tasting but a culture.

The only potential downside is the short duration—some might wish for a longer visit or more tastings—but for most, this is a relaxing, high-quality snapshot of Lanzarote’s wine scene.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around the estate and vineyard.
• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons.
• The tour is conducted in Spanish, so basic understanding helps, but guides often explain key points clearly.
• This experience isn’t suited for those with lactose intolerance, given the cheese pairing.
• Consider combining this tour with other Lanzarote activities, such as exploring volcanic landscapes or beaches, for a full day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to explore local flavors in a peaceful setting. If you appreciate small group or private experiences, you’ll value the intimacy. It also appeals to those interested in cultural and natural history, given all the insights about volcanic viticulture and the island’s water culture.

It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a large-scale, quick tasting, or if you prefer more extensive wine education or tasting. But for a relaxed, authentic, and scenic introduction to Lanzarote’s wine heritage, it hits the right notes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not specifically designed for children, the experience is quite calm and scenic. However, since it involves wine and cheese tasting, it’s best suited for adults.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 70 minutes in total, including guided tour, tasting, and shopping.

Is transportation included?
No, transfers are not included. You’ll need to get to Finca Testeina on your own.

Are there options for additional wines?
The tour includes three wines, but additional wines are available for purchase at the shop.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the estate.

Is the guide speaking English?
The tour is conducted in Spanish, but explanations are usually clear enough for those with even basic understanding.

Can I buy wines to take home?
Yes, the wine shop offers bottles for purchase, exclusive to tour participants.

Is this tour available year-round?
Yes, but check availability ahead of time to confirm starting times and booking.

What makes Lanzarote’s wines special?
The volcanic soil and unique cultivation systems developed after eruptions create distinctive flavors that you won’t find elsewhere.

Could this be combined with other activities?
Absolutely. It pairs well with visits to volcanic parks, beaches, or other cultural sites on the island.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking a taste of Lanzarote’s authentic wine culture against a backdrop of volcanic scenery, this vineyard tour and tasting offers a charming, relaxed entry point. The balance of history, scenery, and quality local wines makes it a worthwhile addition to any itinerary, especially if you prefer a more intimate experience over the larger, commercialized tours.

While it’s not a lengthy deep dive into wine production, it’s a genuine, well-curated snapshot that will leave most visitors with new appreciation and some lovely bottles to take home. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy cultural experiences and relaxed tastings that don’t feel rushed.

If you love discovering local flavors and landscapes, this tour could be a highlight of your Lanzarote trip—offering a peaceful, authentic glimpse into the island’s vinicultural soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: