Gran Canaria: canarian rum & local cheese tasting tour

Gran Canaria: Canarian Rum & Local Cheese Tasting Tour — A Detailed Look

If you’re wandering through Gran Canaria and craving a taste of local flavors, this Canarian rum and cheese tasting tour might catch your eye. Offered by Juan Maria Marrero Ortega and rated a solid 4.7 out of 5 from seven reviews, it promises to give you a deeper appreciation for the islands’ culinary delights—all in just an hour.

What I really like about this experience is how it’s designed to be both educational and relaxed. First, you’ll get professional explanations from a maître sommelier, which elevates the tasting beyond a simple sip or nibble. Second, the setting itself is quite charming: a historic wine cellar dating back about 200 years, with the ambiance perfectly suited for savoring local drinks and cheeses. The potential downside is that it’s a short, one-hour activity—so if you’re looking for a more extensive tasting or an all-day adventure, this might feel a bit limited. Still, it’s well-suited for those who want a quick, authentic glimpse into Canarian flavors—whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone who enjoys learning about local products.

If you’re someone who appreciates good-quality food and drink and likes a bit of storytelling behind what you’re tasting, this tour could be just right. It’s also friendly for small groups (limited to 10 people), making it an intimate experience that’s perfect even if you’re traveling solo or as a couple.

Key Points

• Educational Experience: Learn about Canarian rum production from a professional maître sommelier.
• Local Flavors: Taste three types of rum and a variety of Canarian cheeses, all of high quality.
• Historic Setting: The tasting takes place near a 200-year-old wine cellar, adding atmosphere and context.
• Short & Sweet: Just about an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy itinerary.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, though not for children under 18 or pregnant women.
• Value for Money: For $64, you get a guided tasting, explanations, and a chance to appreciate local products in an authentic setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Inside Look at the Experience

Starting Point & Group Size

The tour begins at Los Pasitos, 2, where your guide, easily recognizable in a black jacket, will meet you in the Valle de Mogan restaurant parking lot. The group size is kept small—limited to 10 participants—which helps keep the experience personal and engaging. This is perfect if you prefer not to be part of a large crowd and want more interaction with the guide.

The Setting: A Historic Wine Cellar

The tasting takes place near a two-century-old wine cellar, which has been restored to enhance the tasting experience. Imagine standing in a space filled with natural stone, wood accents, and water features—creating a sense of harmony with nature. This historic environment adds a layer of authenticity, making each sip and bite feel more rooted in local tradition.

The Rum Tasting: What You’ll Try

The highlight of the tour is the expert-led rum tasting. A professional maître sommelier from Valle de Mogan explains the different types of Canarian rum, sharing insights into how they’re made and what makes each one unique. Expect to sample Arehucas family selection and Ron Aldea, among others. These are well-regarded brands that showcase the quality of Canarian spirits.

The guide will help you understand how to pick the right rum for dinner or a special celebration, which is a practical skill you can carry home. The tasting isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding the complexity, aromas, and nuances of these local rums.

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Cheese & Food Tasting

Along With rum, you’ll savor Canarian cheese, a product known for its excellent quality and international recognition. These cheeses are often prize-winning, and tasting them provides insight into local dairy craftsmanship. The experience aims to not just serve these products but to help you understand what makes them special.

Scenic & Cultural Highlights

While not a sightseeing tour per se, the journey to and from the tasting offers scenic views of Mogan and its surroundings. The location’s restoration emphasizes natural materials, blending seamlessly with the landscape and enhancing the experience’s sensory appeal.

Optional Lunch or Dinner

If you want to extend the experience, there’s an option to enjoy a meal at Valle de Mogan restaurant, featuring local dishes made from fresh ingredients. This can turn a quick tasting into a more leisurely culinary experience, especially if you want to explore more of Canary Islands’ flavors.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Duration & Availability

The tour lasts about an hour, with starting times you can check by booking in advance. Since the activity is small-group and guided, it’s best to confirm availability ahead of time, especially during busy travel seasons.

Cost & Value

At $64, this experience offers a focused introduction to local spirits and cheeses. While it’s not an extensive tour, the price includes expert explanations, tastings, parking, water, and restroom access—quite reasonable considering the intimate setting and the quality of products.

Accessibility & Suitability

The tour is wheelchair accessible and conducted in English, Russian, and Spanish, making it suitable for a diverse range of travelers. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or people with high blood pressure. Keep these considerations in mind if you’re traveling with others who fall into these categories.

What’s Not Included

Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of this experience, so plan your transportation accordingly. The meeting point is straightforward, but if you’re staying far away, a cab or local transit might be necessary.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer mentioned, “Our tasting lasted about two hours and we liked it so much that we stayed for dinner at the restaurant next to where it takes place. Great service. During the tour you try 3 types of rum and several types of Canarian cheese.” While the tour itself is listed as about an hour, the positive feedback suggests that many guests are happy to extend their experience, enjoying the setting and products even further.

Another highlight from reviews is the knowledgeable guide, which really enhances the learning aspect of the tour. Understanding the different rums and cheeses adds value beyond just tasting; it turns the experience into a mini-lesson on local craftsmanship.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is a good pick for foodies and drink enthusiasts who want to deepen their knowledge of Canarian products. It’s also suitable for travelers looking for a quick cultural experience that combines history, flavor, and scenery. Since it’s family-friendly and small-group, it’s a comfortable activity for those who enjoy more intimate settings.

If you’re after a leisurely, immersive experience that offers insight as well as indulgence, this tour fits the bill. However, if you’re seeking a more extensive food and wine adventure or a full-day outing, you might find this a bit brief.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Gran Canaria Canarian Rum & Cheese Tasting Tour offers a nicely balanced experience of education, flavor, and atmosphere. With expert guidance and a historic setting, it elevates a simple tasting into a memorable moment—especially if you love discovering local traditions through their food and drinks.

It’s particularly good for curious travelers who appreciate authenticity and stories behind what they consume. The small group size and expert explanations make it engaging, and the scenic environment adds to the charm. For a modest investment, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of Canarian spirits and cheeses—plus some great memories.

If you want a taste of local culture without committing to a full-day tour, this experience is well worth considering. Just remember to book in advance, plan your transportation, and prepare to enjoy a delightful hour of learning and tasting.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18, as it involves alcohol tasting and is aimed at adult participants.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, though it’s always good to confirm details when booking.

Does the price include transportation?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English, Russian, and Spanish, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

How long does the tasting last?
The activity lasts approximately one hour, though some reviews suggest it can extend slightly if you choose to stay longer.

What’s the best way to enjoy the experience?
Arrive on time, listen to the guide’s explanations, and savor each sample mindfully—it’s all about appreciating the craftsmanship behind the products.

Would this be a good activity for a solo traveler?
Absolutely. The small group setting makes it easy to meet others, and the guided nature keeps it engaging for solo visitors.

Is it worth including as part of a larger day in Gran Canaria?
Yes, especially if you’re interested in local food and drink. It’s a quick, enriching stop that complements other sightseeing activities.

You can check availability for your dates here: