LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
If Elon Musk ever tries growing wine on Mars, he might begin by exploring Lanzarote. It's more than just winemaking; it's a wonderful showcase of human creativity and resilience. Located just 125 kilometers off Africa’s coast, Lanzarote's wine scene goes beyond the usual limits: vines grow deep inside volcanic craters, braving strong winds and surviving with very little rainfall.
Lanzarote wine proudly belongs to the Canarian wine family, known for its rich history and the distinct volcanic terroir that defines the Canary Islands. Among these islands, Lanzarote and Tenerife are especially notable for producing wines with truly unique character and high quality, thanks to their distinctive styles and eco-friendly winemaking methods.
The Lanzarote DO (Denominación de Origen) isn't just another Spanish wine label; it’s a symbol of perseverance and overcoming challenges. Once the favorite drink of European royal courts, Canarian wine, including that of Lanzarote, was highly esteemed. However, it later fell out of popularity due to shifting trade routes and changes in political power. This guide explains how a moon-like island produces some of the world’s most exciting, saline, and rare white wines, making the Canary Islands one of the most remarkable wine regions on the planet.
Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands and boasts a truly unique landscape that presents a challenge to plant life. Despite this, it nurtures a vibrant wine industry that has sprouted from a remarkable geological event. The region is especially renowned for the Malvasía Volcánica grape, a special variety unique to this island, perfectly adapted to its distinctive soil and climate. This volcanic grape is the most beloved in Lanzarote wines, thriving in the tough environment and imparting a truly distinctive, memorable character to the wines.
Vineyard farming here is deeply rooted in its volcanic terrain. Local growers thoughtfully dig individual pits, or hoyos, into the dark ash to protect each vine from strong winds and help it retain essential moisture.
The numbers in Lanzarote tell a story of extreme efficiency in a desert.
Vineyard Area
Growing Degree Days
Number of Wineries
Altitude Range
Annual Precipitation
Sustainability in Lanzarote is more than a corporate buzzword—it's about survival. Vines here rely entirely on rain and dew, so their water footprint is nearly zero, making them highly eco-friendly.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
Lanzarote, the easternmost Canary Island, was shaped by volcanic eruptions from 1730 to 1736. Its warm, semi-arid climate features infrequent rainfall and the refreshing, drying Alisios winds. A layer of volcanic ash, known as picón or lapilli, covers the land, helping to keep the soil warm and retain moisture, while the sea air and breezes create a special microclimate along the coast in places like La Geria, Masdache, and Ye-Lajares.
Vine growers plant their vines deep in conical pits called hoyos—up to 3 meters deep—to reach the rich clay and limestone beneath the volcanic ash. To protect vines from strong winds, semi-circular stone walls called zocos are built, giving the landscape a charming, crater-like appearance. In areas where ash is thinner, trenches called zanjas are used instead. This meticulous farming method helps conserve moisture and shield the roots in Lanzarote’s dry environment.
The volcanic ash and lava create a porous layer over the fertile soil, giving the wines a distinctive mineral and smoky flavor that reflects the island’s volcanic origins. These unique soils balance the wines' lively acidity, making them truly special.
Lanzarote is a special place for ungrafted vines, or pie franco, because the volcanic ash makes it impossible for the phylloxera louse to survive. This natural protection means many of these vines are over 100 years old, a testament to the island's unique history. Fortunately, Lanzarote was spared the devastating phylloxera plague that swept through European vineyards in the 19th century, so the local vines stayed ungrafted. You can find many charming wineries in the La Geria region, which is protected and renowned for its distinctive viticultural methods that help keep the island's winemaking traditions alive and thriving.
Malvasía Volcánica
Listán Blanco
Vijariego Blanco
Moscatel de Alejandría
Listán Negro
Baboso Negro
Syrah
The volcanic soils of Lanzarote give the wines a special character, with the volcanic influence often present in the aroma, making their sensory profile truly unique and memorable.
Lanzarote offers unique styles influenced by the warmth and the rhythm of the harvest season.
Seco (Dry White)
Semidulce (Semi-sweet)
Rosado (Rosé)
Tinto (Red)
Espumoso (Sparkling)
Wine production on Lanzarote is more than a process—it's a remarkable example of human resilience and creativity. It's an ongoing adventure of bringing life to a land that, at first glance, seems eager to resist it. As the easternmost island of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote turns challenges into beautiful art, using volcanic eruptions to craft some of the most captivating vineyards in the world.
It all starts with the land itself. In the 18th century, eruptions at Timanfaya National Park didn't just change the landscape—they buried Lanzarote's fertile soil under thick layers of volcanic ash and lava, known locally as picon. Instead of giving up, local farmers saw this upheaval as an opportunity. The volcanic ash acts like a natural blanket, holding onto precious moisture from the Atlantic winds and rare rains, helping vines thrive in a place where almost nothing else could survive. This layer of picon is the secret ingredient in Lanzarote's wine, protecting roots from the scorching sun and conserving every drop of water in a land where irrigation is almost a fantasy.
Here, vines aren’t just planted—they’re carefully designed to endure. Each grapevine is nestled into a hand-dug hollow or trench, sometimes several meters deep, often surrounded by a protective semi-circular stone wall. These structures shield the delicate plants from the strong winds sweeping across the island, while the volcanic soils below add a unique mineral richness. The scenery is a breathtaking mosaic of craters and trenches—more lunar than earthly.
This work is both physically demanding and incredibly creative. Every grape is harvested by hand, essential given the rugged terrain and deep planting holes. This hands-on method isn't just about tradition; it’s a heartfelt commitment to sustainability.
Skip the generic "fish" recommendation. Lanzarote wines, with their high salinity and acidity, pair amazingly with rich fats and salty flavors.
Wines from Lanzarote are a perfect match for seafood and local dishes, elevating your entire dining experience.
Lanzarote's wine tourism is truly Instagram-worthy, with lush green vines set against striking black volcanic soils. However, it’s also facing the "Venice problem"—growing in popularity with limited infrastructure to accommodate guests. Because La Geria is a protected landscape, no hotels can be built among the vineyards, which helps preserve its charm.
Visitors are drawn not only to the breathtaking scenery but also to the chance to explore unique wines and delicious local cuisine. The most memorable experiences go beyond simple tastings; they involve discovering the hard work behind the traditional stone walls (zocos) that protect the vines. Popular wineries such as La Geria and Vulcano welcome guests with tasting rooms and guided tours, offering an engaging glimpse into Lanzarote's rich wine culture and distinctive traditions.
Please note that, due to a small 2025 harvest caused by drought, bottles are quite limited this year. Visiting wineries directly is still the best way to enjoy and secure some of the finest vintages.
Lanzarote's wine scene beautifully blends tradition and innovation, with a charming mix of historic and modern wineries.
Copyright © 2024 Vinerra Corp.
