Lanzarote is a destination that attracts thousands of tourists every year, thanks to its volcanic landscapes which could easily be from another planet. One of its regions is particularly fascinating: La Geria.
This area is special both for the unique flavour of its wines and for its notable way of cultivating vines, which makes it one of the most unique wine-growing areas in the world. In fact, some of its wineries are pioneers in Lanzarote's viticulture, combining traditional methods with more modern techniques to produce wines that have conquered international palates.
However, there is much more to see and do in La Geria than just visiting wineries and attending wine tastings. Today, at Hotel Elba, we invite you to enjoy a tour to discover not only its vineyards and wineries, but also the surrounding area and other attractions that this fascinating volcanic valley has in store for you.
La Geria in Lanzarote: a unique wine-producing landscape
Located in the centre of southern Lanzarote, La Geria is a volcanic valley that occupies part of the municipalities of Yaiza, Tías, Tinajo, San Bartolomé and Teguise. Nowadays, it is one of the most photographed tourist attractions on the island due to its spectacular contrast between the black volcanic soil and the green vines.
Considered an Agricultural Heritage Site, its lava fields give it an almost extraterrestrial appearance, and also define the character and quality of the region's viticulture.
But La Geria is also remarkable for its ingenious cultivation system, perfected by the winegrowers over the centuries. The vines are planted in holes dug into the ground. Then they are covered with lava stones that protect the plants from the intense trade winds and, in so doing, are able to retain humidity, an essential resource in an environment where rainfall is scarce.
Wineries in La Geria and their wines: varieties and flavours
The wines of La Geria Lanzarote reflect the extreme conditions in which the grapes are grown, offering a variety of flavours that are unique in the world, some of which are internationally recognised.
Types of grapes
At La Geria, the vineyards are the protagonists and, of all the grape varieties grown, the undisputed star is the Malvasía Volcánica, a native grape which is perfectly adapted to the terrain.
It is used to make an aromatic wine, characterised by its excellent balance between sweetness and acidity, which is used as a base for many of the region's white wines.
Other varieties are also grown, such as Listán Negra, used for red and rosé wines, and Negramoll, which is used to produce fruity and light red wines.
Recognition and awards
The wineries of La Geria are not only popular with tourists, but have also received prestigious international awards. These include:
- Esencia Yaiza 2023, from Vega de Yuco
- Vulcano Malvasía Volcánica Seco 2023, from the Bodega Vulcano de Lanzarote S.L.
- Canari y Malvasía Lías 2018, from Bodega El Grifo.
Emblematic wines from the area
One of the most iconic wines from La Geria Lanzarote is ‘Vega de Yuco’, produced by Bodega Vega de Yuco. It is the winner of many awards and is considered a benchmark in Lanzarote's viticulture. Other wines such as ‘El Grifo’ and ‘Bermejo’ are also worth mentioning.
Recommended activities and things to see in La Geria
As well as enjoying wine tastings and visits to wineries in La Geria, there are plenty of things to do for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Nearby tourist attractions
One of the major natural attractions of La Geria Lanzarote is the Timanfaya National Park and from the Mirador del Río viewing platform you can admire spectacular views of La Geria, the sea and the neighbouring islands.
If you are interested in cultural exhibitions, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Museo del Campesino, where you will learn more about the island's agricultural tradition.
Hiking routes
La Geria Lanzarote is the ideal place for hiking enthusiasts, with several routes through its vineyards. One of the most popular is the one that connects La Geria with the Parque Natural de los Volcanes and it offers a unique perspective of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Photography
If you are a photography enthusiast, La Geria is the ideal location for capturing stunning images. The contrast between the black volcanic soil, the greenery of the vineyards and the blue of the sky creates a spectacular palette of colours, especially at sunset.
Local events and festivals
There are also local festivals in La Geria related to the island's winemaking tradition. During the Fiesta del Vino in September, visitors can enjoy music, dancing and tasting of the region's best wines.
If you are planning a trip to Lanzarote, don't miss the opportunity to visit La Geria. It's a real gem in the heart of the island.
