Tenerife Bodegas Monje Winery Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting

If you’re visiting Tenerife and love wine, this Bodegas Monje Winery Tour might be just what you’re after. With a reputation for lush volcanic soils and centuries of tradition, Tenerife’s wines have a unique flavor, and this tour gives you a taste of that heritage. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, from what I’ve read and heard, it’s a solid choice for those wanting a relaxed, informative experience.

One thing we love about this experience is the small group size — a max of 10 people — which makes it much more intimate, and you’re likely to get more personalized attention from the guide. Another highlight is the stunning setting: vineyard views over the sea and mountains make every sip feel even more special. The pairing of wine with artisanal Canarian cheeses adds a local flavor to the tasting.

A potential consideration? The tour happens mostly indoors, so if you’re expecting a vineyard visit with walking through grapevines, this might feel a bit limited. Also, it’s a quick experience (about 1.5 hours), so if you’re after in-depth wine education or a full day of tasting, you might find this a bit light.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, those curious about local Canary Islands wines, or anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic, and tasty experience with a knowledgeable guide. It’s also a good pick if you’re looking for a value-for-money activity that combines culture, scenery, and good food.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Setting: A maximum of 10 participants ensures a friendly, personalized experience.
• Stunning Views: You’ll enjoy vineyard vistas over the sea and mountains, adding to the charm.
• Tastes of Four Signature Wines: Each wine is paired thoughtfully with artisanal cheeses, enhancing the tasting.
• Learn from a Professional Guide: Guides provide insights into the winery’s methods and heritage.
• Convenient Price Point: At around $40, it’s a reasonable way to enjoy local wine and scenery.
• Limited Inside Tour: The focus is on tasting and learning inside the winery, with no vineyard walks.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Location and Accessibility

The tour starts at Bodegas Monje, located in El Sauzal, in the northern part of Tenerife. The address is C. Cruz de Leandro, 36, 38360. Travelers typically travel independently to the winery, as there’s no hotel pickup included. The address is straightforward, and many reviews mention that the scenic drive or cab ride is worth it. One reviewer noted that since the winery is in a somewhat remote location, having your own transport or arranging a taxi is a good idea. The winery itself offers a peaceful setting with views that many describe as “beautiful,” especially over the vines and down to the sea.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours—a manageable length for most visitors, especially cruise passengers or those with limited time. The visit kicks off with a guided tour of the winery, which, according to reviewers, is both informative and engaging. You’ll learn about the family-run operation, the methods they use, and their heritage, all while soaking in the scenic surroundings.

Following the tour, the tasting takes center stage. You’ll sample four signature wines:

• Dragoblanco, a young white wine, paired with fresh goats cheese from Tenerife.
• Hollera, a red wine made with carbonic maceration, accompanied by smoked goats cheese from La Palma.
• Monje Tradicional, a young red wine, paired with semi-cured, peppery goats cheese from Fuerteventura.
• Listán Negro, a barrel-aged red, paired with cured goats and sheep milk cheese from Gran Canaria.

This pairing isn’t just about taste — it’s about revealing how different cheeses accentuate each wine’s unique qualities. As one reviewer put it, “The cheeses paired great with the wines,” which shows the thoughtful curation.

The Atmosphere and Guides

Guides are bilingual, offering explanations in both Spanish and English, which makes the experience accessible for most visitors. Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and sense of humor. One reviewer mentioned Sonya as being particularly “friendly and professional,” which adds a personal touch. The small group size means you’re less likely to feel rushed, and you can ask questions freely.

The Wines and Tasting Experience

The wines are well-regarded and seem to appeal to a range of palates. Several reviews comment on the high quality of the wines, especially noting the white and red varieties. The white wine, Dragoblanco, is often highlighted as a favorite, along with the dessert wine, which some reviewers describe as “delicious.” The tasting is considered good value, with many saying it felt more substantial than expected.

However, some reviewers noted that the tasting process can feel rushed or that the explanations could be more detailed. One mentioned that a brief list of wines with descriptions would be helpful, which is a fair point for those wanting deeper knowledge.

The Views and Setting

One of the strongest points of this tour is the setting. The winery’s terrace offers a spectacular panoramic view — over vines, with the ocean shimmering in the background. Multiple reviews praised the scenery as “stunning,” “beautiful,” and “spectacular,” making the tasting a more immersive experience.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviews are very positive, with many giving 5 stars. People mention helpful guides, lovely wines, and great views. Several reviewers recommend it wholeheartedly, saying, “Do it!” and “Great experience for wine lovers.” One reviewer even called it “a wine lover’s dream,” emphasizing the quality of the wines and the setting.

A handful of reviews mention minor drawbacks, such as the tour feeling somewhat rushed or the indoor setting being limiting. Someone pointed out that the tour is mostly inside, so if you’re expecting to walk through vineyards, this might not meet those expectations.

Price and Value

At around $39.54 per person, the tour is quite reasonable, especially considering the small-group format, which enhances the overall experience. Many reviews reinforce that it offers good value for money, combining scenic views, quality wines, and insightful guidance within an accessible price point.

Practical Details

Since the tour is booked on average 10 days in advance, it’s advisable to reserve early if you’re set on the date. The activity is for those 18 and over, and the duration is just about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it easy to slot into a day’s plans.

The experience is not inclusive of additional drinks or food outside those listed, but you can purchase other drinks at the winery if you wish. It doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts who appreciate good scenery and a laid-back vibe. It’s especially suited to travelers who want to learn a bit about local Canary Islands wines without a long, complicated tour. If you value small groups, personalized attention, and beautiful vistas, this one’s for you.

While not a full vineyard walk, the guided indoor visit combined with the tasting makes it a solid choice for those interested in the region’s wine culture. Families with older children might enjoy it if they’re wine-curious, but it’s definitely geared toward adults.

Final Thoughts

The Tenerife Bodegas Monje Winery Tour offers a charming, scenic, and reasonably priced introduction to Canary Islands wines. The small-group setting, paired with the gorgeous views and well-selected cheese pairings, creates an engaging and relaxing experience. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours if you’re after a taste of local culture and scenery without feeling overwhelmed.

The knowledgeable guides, quality wines, and breathtaking backdrop make this experience worth considering — especially if you’re staying near Tenerife’s northern coast. Just remember that it’s more about tasting and learning than walking through vineyards, so set your expectations accordingly.

In all, it’s a highly rated activity that balances value, scenery, and good company — perfect for a mellow afternoon of wine and conversation.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable if I don’t speak Spanish?
Yes. The visits and explanations are offered in both Spanish and English, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy the tasting and learn some about the winery without feeling rushed.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
Yes. The tour starts at the winery, and transportation isn’t included. Many reviewers recommend taking a taxi or driving yourself to ensure flexibility.

Can I buy more wine or additional drinks?
Yes, additional alcoholic drinks not included in the tasting are available for purchase at the winery.

Is this experience good for families?
It’s only suitable for those aged 18 and over, so it’s not family-friendly with young children.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended, especially since the setting is outdoors and scenic.

Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised at the time of booking.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What makes this tour special compared to other wine tastings?
The small group size, beautiful views, and pairing of wines with artisanal cheeses create a more personal and memorable experience compared to larger, more commercial tastings.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic, and tasty way to enjoy Tenerife’s wine scene, this tour is definitely worth considering. It combines beautiful views, good local wines, and friendly guides — all at a reasonable price.