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Welcome to the Canarias wine region, where volcanic fire meets ancient vines to create some of Europe’s most extraordinary and distinctive wines.
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, this archipelago defies conventional winemaking with its dramatic landscapes, rare indigenous grape varieties, and centuries-old traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveller, this guide will take you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Canary Islands’ viticultural heritage, revealing why these unique wines are capturing the attention of the global wine community.
We'll explore everything from the archipelago's unique terroir and indigenous grape varieties to the best wineries and sustainable practices that are redefining what it means to make wine on the edge of the world.
The Canary Islands wine region stands as one of the most geographically extreme and culturally fascinating wine territories in Spain. Located approximately 100 kilometres off the northwest coast of Africa, this volcanic archipelago produces wines that defy conventional winemaking wisdom. Think of it as Europe's answer to Hawaii's Big Island – if that island had been making world-class wine for over five centuries.
The numbers of this Spanish region tell a story of quality over quantity. The Canarias region encompasses 6,750 hectares (16,680 acres) of vineyards across seven islands, with 242 bottling wineries and 8,000 winegrowers – meaning the average vineyard holding is less than one hectare. This fragmentation creates an artisanal landscape where small-batch excellence trumps industrial scale. The Canary Islands are also home to dozens of indigenous grape varieties, adding to the region's unique viticultural identity. Among these, Negramoll stands out as the second most planted red variety and holds historical importance in the region.
Annual production reaches approximately 5.5–6 million litres (1.45–1.59 million US gallons), while vineyard altitudes range from sea level to an astounding 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) – making these Europe's highest vineyards. Growing degree days vary dramatically by elevation and exposure, from subtropical zones at lower altitudes to continental-like conditions above 700 meters.
Average precipitation is notably low, ranging from 80 to 220mm annually on most islands, although northern slopes can receive over 600mm. This water scarcity has driven innovative viticulture practices and sustainability initiatives across the region.
The Canary Islands are home to six islands that produce wine: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera. All wine-producing islands in the Canary Islands have their own designations of origin (DOP), ensuring high standards of regional production.
The Canarias region comprises multiple Denominaciones de Origen (DOs), each covering entire islands except Tenerife, which boasts five separate DOs. Tenerife was the first island to earn a DO designation in the Canary Islands in 1992, marking a significant milestone in the region's wine history.
Tenerife is the largest island and has the most extensive wine production in the Canary Islands. A separate wine region but geographically part of the Canary Islands, is home to the majority of wine regions. These include:
The remaining designations of the Canary Islands are DO Lanzarote, DO La Palma, DO El Hierro, DO Gran Canaria, and DO La Gomera.
Each subregion possesses distinct microclimates and soil compositions, lending to signature mineral notes that speak directly to their volcanic origins.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
The Canary Islands wine region is a volcanic archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) off the northwestern coast of Africa, at a latitude of about 28°N. These isolated islands feature some of Europe’s most dramatic topography, with many vineyards perched at extreme elevations: from sea level to nearly 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) on Tenerife, the highest point in Spain.
Despite their tropical latitude, the Canary Islands benefit from the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, persistent trade winds, and wide climatic variability with elevation. Lower slopes experience subtropical heat and dry conditions, while higher altitudes enjoy moderate temperatures and significant diurnal shifts. Rainfall is scarce, ranging from about 80 to over 600mm per year, depending on location, with most precipitation and humidity concentrated on northern, windward slopes, thanks to the “donkey’s belly” cloud effect. The islands were spared from the late 19th-century phylloxera outbreak that devastated European vineyards, preserving their ancient vine genetics.
The terroir is unapologetically volcanic: vineyards grow atop black ash, basalt, lapilli, and other mineral-rich volcanic materials unique to each island. Soils in Lanzarote feature deep ash pits (hoyos) and stone walls protecting vines from strong winds. On the other hand, Tenerife and the western islands feature a mosaic of red, fertile volcanic slopes over ancient lava flows, which originated from volcanic eruptions on the island. These soils impart remarkable minerality, water retention under arid conditions, and are the perfect spot for the region’s distinctive, saline-tinged wines.
The Canary Islands region is increasingly leading the way in sustainable viticulture.
The region's commitment to preserving indigenous varieties also represents crucial genetic conservation work, maintaining viticultural biodiversity that exists nowhere else on Earth.
The region produces remarkable diversity across all categories:
The local wines pair beautifully with the islands' distinctive gastronomy. Canarian wines pair excellently with local seafood and traditional dishes.
The wines' high acidity and mineral backbone make them natural partners for the region's volcanic salt and herb-driven cuisine.
The Canarias offer unparalleled experiences for tourists. Lanzarote's La Geria provides otherworldly landscapes where vines emerge from black volcanic ash. Tenerife's elevated vineyards offer breathtaking views of Mount Teide, while Gran Canaria's mountain wineries showcase the diversity of microclimates within a single island.
Gran Canaria is home to the only official wine route in the Canary Islands, which includes vineyards and local wineries. Guided wine tours often include local food pairings that complement the wines being sampled. Wine tourism in the Canary Islands offers vineyard tours and tastings at local bodegas.
Next, we will talk about some of the must-visit wineries that this region has:
The Canarias wine story reads like an economic thriller.
During the 15th century, following Spain's conquest of the Canary Islands, wine production began to flourish, laying the foundation for the region's rise in the global wine trade.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Canary Islands dominated the international wine market. Their famous "Canary Sack," particularly the sweet Malvasia wines, were highly prized and commanded premium prices from London to Hamburg. The islands' strategic location as the last port before the Atlantic crossing further boosted demand. Canarian wines gained renown across Europe, even earning mentions in William Shakespeare's works, such as "Twelfth Night," highlighting their widespread appeal. By the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, these wines were among the most sought-after in the world.
However, in the 18th century, geopolitical shifts—most notably the 1703 Treaty of Methuen between Portugal and England—devastated the Canarian wine trade. Changing tastes and increased competition led to a decline, and the region entered a dark age lasting nearly three centuries, with many vineyards abandoned or destroyed.
The late 20th century marked a modern renaissance for Canarian wines. A new generation of winemakers has recognized the islands' unique advantages: phylloxera-free soils that preserve ancient vine genetics, extreme terroir that produces distinctive wines, and a growing international appetite for authentic, artisanal products. Additionally, many grape varieties from the Canary Islands had been introduced to South America by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, spreading the region's viticultural legacy across the Atlantic and enriching global wine culture.
The Canarias wine region stands at an inflection point. Climate change challenges traditional viticulture globally, but these volcanic islands – with their extreme elevation ranges and adapted varieties – may prove remarkably resilient. The combination of ancient genetics, innovative techniques, and unwavering commitment to quality positions the Canarias as not just a curiosity but as a serious player in the global wine conversation.
Like a perfectly aged Malvasia, this region rewards patience and attention. For wine enthusiasts eager to drink something authentic, the Canarias offer exactly that: wines that truly taste of their place, shaped by fire, wind, and the relentless creativity of vignerons who refuse to accept limitations.
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