Tenerife Gastronomy Tour with Two Winery Visits and 4-Course Lunch

Thinking about exploring Tenerife beyond its beaches? This gastronomy-focused tour promises a full day of wine tasting, local cheeses, historic town strolls, and a delicious lunch overlooking the ocean. While it might not be perfect for everyone, it offers a unique way to soak in the island’s flavors and scenery.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines cultural insights with tasty sampling—from exploring the UNESCO-listed town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna to visiting two highly-rated wineries. Plus, the scenic lunch with ocean views really caps off the day nicely. On the flip side, a potential downside is that some reviews mention long travel times and basic information delivery, which might affect your overall enjoyment if you’re short on patience or expecting detailed history and storytelling.

This tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone interested in local food and scenery—especially if you don’t mind a full day on the road. It offers excellent value for what you get—great views, good wines, and a relaxed atmosphere—but it’s good to keep expectations realistic about the pace and depth of commentary.

Key Points

• Delivers a good mix of wine, food, and cultural sights in one day.
• Includes hotel pickup from select locations, making it convenient for travelers staying in southern Tenerife.
• Visit two wineries with tastings, plus cheese, offering a taste of local produce.
• Enjoy a hearty four-course lunch with wine, paired with stunning ocean views.
• Group sizes are typically small to medium, allowing more personalized attention.
• Some reviews highlight long travel times and limited info during the tour; worth considering if you prefer more storytelling.

What to Expect from the Tenerife Gastronomy Tour

A Full-Day Adventure

This tour lasts around 8 hours, starting early in the morning with hotel pickup (if your hotel is within the designated areas). The day is structured around visits to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, wine tastings, and a leisurely lunch. It’s a well-paced trip, but be prepared for some long drives, especially to the northern parts of the island, as noted by travelers who stayed in the north and had to arrange their own transportation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The adventure begins in the south of Tenerife, where you’ll be picked up in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. The first stop is the UNESCO-listed San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a town known for its colonial architecture and lively streets. You’ll have about an hour to explore on your own, soaking in the historic ambiance—though some reviews mention this part could be a little rushed or less informative.

Next, you head to the Casa del Vino de Tenerife, a wine museum set in an old cellar. Here, you’ll taste local wines and cheeses, getting a taste of the island’s vinicultural charm. The museum offers insights into Tenerife’s wine history and its importance today—an appreciated touch, especially for wine lovers.

Then, the tour continues to Bodegas Monje, where you can tour the winery and enjoy a four-course lunch. The lunch is often highlighted as one of the tour’s best parts, featuring traditional dishes like slow-cooked pork and a selection of wines that complement each course. The meal is served in a relaxed setting with ocean views, making it a perfect scene for lingering over good food and drink.

Wine and Cheese Tastings

At both wineries, you’ll get to sample some of the best local wines. Reviewers mention the wines as being of high quality, with some describing them as “very good” and “excellent.” The cheese pairing, especially at Casa del Vino, adds local flavor and makes the tasting sessions more memorable. However, a few travelers pointed out that some wineries do not ship wine, which could be disappointing if you’re hoping to purchase bottles for later.

Scenic Lunch with Ocean Views

The four-course meal at Bodegas Monje is often praised for its quality and setting. Sitting with a view of the ocean, sipping on local wine, and enjoying a hearty, traditional meal makes for a relaxing break in the day. Some reviews pointed out that the lunch included soup, bread, cheese, pulled pork, and wine, making it quite substantial.

The Return Journey

After lunch, the tour wraps up with a return ride to your hotel. The return trip can be lengthy, especially if you’re staying in the north or other parts of the island, and some reviews mention the bus ride’s discomfort due to temperature control and space limitations.

What Do Travelers Say?

Overall, reviews are fairly balanced, with a rating of around 4.1 out of 5. Many travelers rave about the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, noting that guides like Mia and Christopher made the experience engaging and fun. The wines and lunch are frequently highlighted as standout features.

However, some folks felt the tour was disorganized or lacking in depth. A few reviews mention that the information provided was basic and that the timing of stops could be more efficient. If you’re expecting a detailed historical tour or a more storytelling approach, this might not meet all your expectations.

Notably, travelers staying south of Tenerife generally reported better experiences, as the tour starts from the south and offers convenient pickup. Those in the north or with their own transportation found the touring logistics less appealing, given the time spent traveling and the added cost of taxis or transfers.

The Value for Money

At around $95, this tour presents good value considering the inclusions—two winery visits, cheese tastings, a four-course lunch, and scenic views. Several reviews emphasize how reasonable the price is for a day packed with tasting and sightseeing, especially when compared to more expensive options. The fact that hotel pickup is included makes it even more attractive for those staying in southern Tenerife.

Potential Downsides to Keep in Mind

• Long travel times may mean less time exploring each stop, especially the town of La Laguna.
• Some reviewers found the information provided to be quite basic, which might be frustrating if you prefer detailed storytelling.
• The bus ride back can be uncomfortable due to cramped space and insufficient air conditioning.
• If you’re staying outside the south, self-arranged transport might be necessary, which could add to the cost and complexity.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy wine, local food, and scenic views, and don’t mind a full day on the road, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suitable for those wanting a relaxed and social atmosphere—the group size tends to be small or medium, encouraging conversation and a friendly vibe. It’s also a good choice if you want a taste of Tenerife’s culinary traditions combined with some sightseeing.

However, if you’re after detailed cultural insights or prefer to explore at your own pace, this might not be your first choice. The tour’s focus on tasting rather than storytelling means you may want to supplement it with other experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered from select hotels in the south of Tenerife. Be sure to check if your hotel qualifies before booking.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting around 9 am and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Vegetarian options are available if you notify the organizer in advance, but alcohol is a key part of the experience, so consider your preferences.

What are the main stops during the tour?
You’ll visit the historic town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the Casa del Vino de Tenerife wine museum, and Bodegas Monje for the winery tour and lunch.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically geared toward children, the focus on wine tasting might not be ideal for young kids or those not interested in wine or food.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations later than that are not refundable.

Final Thoughts

This Tenerife gastronomy tour offers a solid introduction to local wines, cheeses, and scenic towns. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for an enjoyable day filled with tasting and relaxed sightseeing, all at a reasonable price. Guides tend to be knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging.

While it’s not perfect—long travel times and limited commentary are points to consider—many travelers rate it highly for the value and the quality of the food and wine. It’s a good pick for wine lovers or those wanting a taste of Tenerife’s culinary side. If you go in with realistic expectations, you’ll likely find this tour both enjoyable and memorable, particularly for its stunning views and laid-back atmosphere.

References

For more options, consider similar experiences like a luxury catamaran trip, whale and dolphin cruises, or a Mount Teide tour. These can complement your visit and give you a broader taste of what Tenerife has to offer.