Canarian wines are unlike any other. They are born from a wild land, forged by fire and caressed by the ocean. Each bottle contains a story of survival , tradition , and passion , written for centuries amidst ravines, black lava flows, and impossible microclimates. If you thought you'd tried it all, brace yourself: here begins a journey through wines that taste of the Atlantic, volcanoes, and authenticity.
A legacy dating back to the 15th century
The history of wine in the Canary Islands begins with the arrival of the first European settlers, back in the 15th century. With them came the first vines, which soon found a unique environment in which to grow: mineral soils, a year-round temperate climate, and a geography that required ingenuity to cultivate. Instead of vast flat expanses, winegrowers had to build terraces, dig pits in the volcanic ash, and work the land by hand, generation after generation.
The most amazing thing is that the Canary Islands managed to preserve grape varieties that had disappeared from the rest of the world due to phylloxera, a plague that devastated European vineyards in the 19th century. This geographic isolation, which for centuries was a disadvantage, became a blessing. Today, the islands boast an unparalleled varietal heritage, where names such as Listán Negro, Malvasía Volcánica, Negramoll, and Vijariego shine.
Tierra del Fuego: volcanic soils, unique wines
One of the keys to the unique character of Canarian wines is undoubtedly beneath their feet. Literally. The volcanic soils where the vines grow are rich in minerals, light, porous, and have an extraordinary capacity to retain moisture. Thanks to them, the roots can dig deep in search of water, even in dry seasons, and the grapes ripen slowly, developing a complexity of aromas and flavors that is impossible to replicate anywhere else on the planet.
Every sip is a surprise: from fresh, floral wines to deep, structured reds, to sweet wines with a nectar soul.
Varieties that you will only find here
To talk about Canarian wine is to talk about diversity . Each island, each valley, and even each hillside has its own unique characteristics. But if there's one thing that defines the wine from these lands, it's the presence of native varieties . The best known is Listán Negro, the queen of young reds, with a lively, direct, and fruity expression. Next up is Listán Blanco, which produces dry whites with refreshing acidity.
Volcanic Malvasia, for its part, is pure perfume and elegance, ideal for both dry wines and highly prestigious sweet wines.
The push for new wineries: tradition and modernity
In recent decades, a new generation of winemakers has taken over with an open mind, respectful of tradition but unafraid to innovate. They have embraced organic farming, recovering forgotten varieties, and exploring new, more environmentally friendly methods of production.
And among these wineries, Bodegas Ferrera stands out, located in Arafo, in the south of Tenerife.
Among its best-known labels are the Organic White , a dry, highly aromatic wine ideal for pairing with fish or seafood rice dishes; the Organic Red , made with Listán Negro, is fresh and perfect for tapas.
Canary Islands: one designation of origin for each island
Something very few places in the world can boast is having a designation of origin on almost every island. In total, there are 10 DOs that protect the identity and authenticity of their wines:
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Tacoronte-Acentejo
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La Orotava Valley
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Subscribe
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Ycoden-Daute-Isora
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La Palma
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The Iron
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Lanzarote
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Gran Canaria
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La Gomera
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Güímar Valley
This diversity is a reflection of the Canary Islands' richness as a wine-producing region . Each appellation represents a style, a soil, a way of understanding wine.
Present and future of a wine with soul
The present for Canarian wine is brilliant. Growing exports, international awards, presence on the menus of Michelin-starred restaurants... But the most exciting thing is its future. There is a clear commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and quality. More and more consumers value authentic wines, steeped in history and without artifice. And in that, the Canary Islands have a lot to offer.
Canarian wines are not a passing fad. They are the result of centuries of tradition, a unique environment, and a profound love for the land. Each glass is a sensorial journey that begins in volcanic soil and ends on the palate, leaving an indelible mark. If you haven't discovered them yet, you still have time to be amazed by what the Atlantic, the volcano, and human endeavor can achieve together.