Having lived and worked in Lanzarote for a number of years now, I have come to know and love the small but thriving wine culture in this beautiful country. Whether you are a wine enthusiast like myself, or simply looking for something to do that is a bit different during your trip, this article will introduce you to some of the key wine regions and vineyards that are well worth seeing.
Lanzarote Wine is Unique
This beautiful island has its own Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines, but if you have ever visited Lanzarote before, you will be familiar with its reputation of having a very dry climate and a tendency for being rather windy. Not only can these weather conditions be challenging for tourists at the beach (hold onto your hats!) but they can also be a farmer’s nightmare for growing crops.
On top of the challenging climate, the volcanic eruption that took place in Lanzarote during the 1700s has rendered the centre of the island incapable of any growth, due to the landscape of solidified black lava. However, the edges that surround this volcanic area provide ideal conditions for vines because of the layer of volcanic ash, which means rain is easily absorbed and soil temperature remains constant.
Combatting the Forces of Wind and Volcanoes
Despite the island’s unusual climate and challenging landscape, its vineyards flourish when treated correctly. One fundamental step in the process of producing wine is to make sure the vines are planted deep into holes so that the roots will be able to reach the soil under the thick surface of volcanic ash. Another key step to combat the island’s elements is to build a stone wall around the newly planted vine to protect it from the harsh wind.
A perfect example of this unique cultivation method can be found in the famous wine valley, La Geria, which is Lanzarote’s largest wine-growing region – inhabiting a whopping 52 square kilometres and producing the majority of the island’s wines. This is not just a vineyard, but a work of historical landscape art: with over 10,000 hollows, each one protected by unusual semi-circular stone walls, this popular tourist attraction is well worth a visit if you want to experience the real wine culture of Lanzarote!
Getting to the Vineyards
There are several options available when travelling to Lanzarote, but the most affordable, comfortable, and efficient way is always by plane. You can fly directly from London Gatwick, Stansted or Luton to Lanzarote Airport (also known as Arrecife), for as little as £35.49 (easyJet) depending on the time of year. To make things even easier for you, my team at Shuttle Direct can provide you with pre-booked private or shared Lanzarote airport transfers, helping you get to your final destination without any hassle or unnecessary stress.
We just want you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey with our first-class drivers who can give you more top tips on the best vineyards!
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable Lanzarote airport transfer, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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