Wine Lovers: Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega Lanzarote

A Friendly Look at the Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega Lanzarote

If you’re planning a trip to Lanzarote and have even a passing interest in wine, a visit to El Grifo Bodega is something you shouldn’t miss. This tour offers a chance to explore the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, learn about the island’s unique wine-making methods, and sample some truly lovely wines—all in just a couple of hours.

What really draws us to this experience are two things: first, the chance to learn from a professional head sommelier who guides you through each step, making the tasting both educational and enjoyable; second, the chance to see the historic Wine Museum housed in the old winery building dating back to 1775. The mix of history, scenery, and wine makes it a well-rounded outing.

Of course, one possible consideration is that this tour is only for adults—if you’re traveling with kids or young teenagers, this might not be the right fit. Also, since the tour involves tasting wine, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with (or interested in) wine and its flavors. This experience is ideal for wine lovers and curious travelers who appreciate a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Lanzarote’s wine culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Guided by a professional sommelier, ensuring knowledgeable insights
• Includes tastings of 6 top wines paired with local cheeses
• Visits the historic Wine Museum, showcasing tools and utensils from the 19th and 20th centuries
• Learn about the unique influence of trade winds and volcanic soils on the grapes
• Small group size (limited to 10) for a cozy, personalized experience
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Discovering El Grifo Bodega: A Slice of Lanzarote’s Wine Heritage

Walking into El Grifo Bodega feels like stepping into a piece of Lanzarote’s past. This is the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, with roots stretching back to 1775. Its age and history give the whole experience a special sense of authenticity. The winery’s buildings, surrounded by the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, set the perfect scene for your visit.

The tour begins with a guided walk through the estate, where the head sommelier shares stories about the winery’s origins, its evolution, and how the volcanic soils shape the grapes. We loved the way the guide explained how the trade winds and volcanic terrain influence the malvasia, listán negro, and syrah grapes—these details aren’t just trivia but key to understanding the wines you’ll taste later.

Exploring the Wine Museum

A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Wine Museum, which is housed in the original buildings used during the winery’s operation until the 1990s. Here, you’ll see old tools, utensils, and equipment used in wine production. The museum adds a tangible layer of history that makes the tasting experience richer.

You might find that seeing the tools from the 19th and 20th centuries gives you a real sense of how much effort and craftsmanship went into the wines of Lanzarote. Several reviews mention how interesting and well-curated the museum is, giving a peek into the traditional methods of wine-making.

The Tasting Experience

The core of the tour is the tasting of six carefully selected wines. Each sip offers a glimpse of Lanzarote’s terroir, with the guide helping you identify different aromas, colors, and flavors. Many visitors emphasize the quality and diversity of the wines—some describe the Malvasia as “delicious,” and others appreciate the syrah’s richness.

What elevates this tasting is pairing the wines with local cheeses—a simple but effective way to enhance the flavors and get a better sense of food and wine harmony. Several reviews mention how generous the tastings are, with some noting they even bought bottles to bring home. The value here is solid, especially when you consider the depth of knowledge offered by the guide.

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The Guide and Group Size

One of the consistent praises from visitors is the expertise and friendliness of the guides. From Jacqueline and Charlie to Minerva, the guides are often described as “knowledgeable,” “engaging,” and “passionate about wine.” Their ability to answer questions and share stories makes the experience feel personal and genuine.

The tour keeps the group small—limited to 10 participants—which means plenty of opportunity to ask questions and interact. This intimacy creates a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer a more personalized experience over large, generic tours.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour lasts roughly two hours, fitting neatly into most travel plans. It’s worth noting that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation. The tour is available in Spanish and English, allowing most visitors to comfortably follow along.

Pricing is reasonable given what’s included: a guided tour, six wine tastings, cheese pairing, and access to the museum. The option to reserve now and pay later is handy if your plans are flexible. Plus, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book confidently without worry.

Reviews and Real Experiences

Looking at the many reviews, it’s clear this tour hits the mark for most visitors. Many say it’s “insightful,” “scenic,” and “delicious,” with guides often singled out for their friendliness and knowledge. Comments like “the wines were lovely,” “great value,” and “even my partner, who isn’t big on wine, enjoyed it” show how accessible and enjoyable the experience is.

One reviewer even called it “an experience you shouldn’t miss,” highlighting how the combination of scenery, history, and tasting makes it special. Others appreciated the “generous” tasting sizes and the detailed explanations about wine production in Lanzarote’s unique climate.

Who’s This Tour For?

This tour is perfect for adults who want to learn about wine in a relaxed, friendly setting. It appeals especially to those interested in history, local culture, or the science behind winemaking. If you’re a serious wine connoisseur, you’ll likely appreciate the depth of knowledge shared. If you’re just curious, the approachable explanations and friendly atmosphere make it a wonderful introduction.

However, it’s not suitable for children or teenagers, and travelers hoping for a large-group, fast-paced experience might prefer other options. Travelers with mobility issues should check the walking involved around the estate, though the site is generally accessible.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Wine Lovers: Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega offers a well-balanced experience that combines history, scenery, and wine in a friendly, intimate setting. You get to walk through the old winery, glimpse the tools from past centuries, and understand how Lanzarote’s volcanic soils shape its wines. The tasting itself is the highlight—a generous selection of six wines paired with local cheese, guided by passionate experts.

For those who value authentic stories, good-value experiences, and the chance to taste some of Lanzarote’s best wines, this tour is a standout. It’s especially suited to wine enthusiasts or curious travelers eager to deepen their understanding of the island’s unique terroir.

If you’re on Lanzarote and want a memorable, educational, and delicious experience, this tour is a fantastic pick. Just remember to book ahead, plan your transport, and come ready to enjoy a relaxed afternoon discovering the island’s liquid treasures.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this experience is only for adults aged 18 and over due to the wine tasting involved.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 2 hours, making it a manageable activity to fit into most travel schedules.

Are transportation arrangements included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to organize your own transport to the winery.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is offered in both Spanish and English, so most visitors can follow along comfortably.

How many wines will I taste?
You will taste 6 wines, carefully selected for their quality and representation of Lanzarote’s vineyards.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, only adults 18+ can participate in this tour.

Can I buy bottles at the winery?
Yes, many reviews mention purchasing bottles at the end of the tour—sometimes at reasonable prices.

Is there any discount for shipping wines back home?
Yes, the tour includes discounts on shipping to European countries, which is a nice bonus for those wanting to bring back a taste of Lanzarote.

If you love wine, history, and a good story, this tour at El Grifo Bodega is definitely worth considering. It marries the best of Lanzarote’s stunning scenery with a genuine taste of its winemaking heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: