Thought Lanzarote was just about buzzy beach resorts and cool lunar-type landscapes? Think again! Thanks to its terrain, it’s actually home to a unique, centuries-old wine making tradition that’s well worth checking out. And as volcanic vinos are having a moment in the wine world, there’s no better time to uncork Lanzarote’s wonderful Rutas del Vino – or Wine Route – along its LZ-30 highway. Let’s go through bodega by bodega (more on that next!)…

A quick glossary…

Before we get started, let’s swat up on the local wine-making lingo in Lanzarote:

Bodega: this is a Spanish word meaning wine shop or cellar – you’ll usually find them attached to the wineries that produce the wine.

La Geria: the island’s main wine-growing region, where unique black ash vineyards sit at the foothills of Mount Timanfaya. And a big part of the Wine Route.

Masdache: La Geria’s wine-producing neighbour.

Zoco: these are the small stone walls that are built around vines to protect them from the wind.

Picón: coarse volcanic ash that acts as a natural fertiliser and adds a deep, unique mineral flavour to the grapes.

Malvasia Volcanica: this white grape is Lanzarote’s most commonly grown.

Listan Negro: the island’s flagship red grape variety.

Bodegas La Florida

First stop is this charming farmhouse, complete with cute gardens, vintage press and casks. Pop in for a tasting here and you can try red, white, pink and a sweet moscatel. Don’t forget to say “hello” to the 270-year-old tree that watches over the vineyard. Oh, and prepare yourself for the panoramic views from the terrace… wow.

Bodega de Bermejos

A more under-the-radar option (and a little more off the beaten track) than some of its well-known neighbours, this place is a fairly young winery. Although it’s actually one of the largest on the island. The signature wine to sup here is the smoky, full bodied Listan Negro red. Fancy a zestier little number? The BrutNature sparkling is spot on. All the wines are great value too. It’s a reservation-only kinda place though so book before you go.

Bodegas El Grifo

Welcome to the Canary Islands’ oldest winery – and one of the ten oldest in Spain. This family-run business opened in 1775, so it knows a thing or two about wine making. There’s a dinky museum onsite if you want to learn more about its history, and at the entrance, there’s a sculpture of the griffin bird designed by local artist, César Manrique. Oh, and there’s even a cactus garden which will make a nice backdrop to your pics!

Bodegas STRATVS

This bodega is another one of the newer kids on the block compared to others, as it only opened in 2008. It’s been designed to blend with the landscape (much of it’s underground), so you’ll find the terraces, the atmosphere, the chill-out music are all about making the most of that too. The tour and tasting is a very slick operation here, so you can expect a first-class experience. Before you leave, swing by the gourmet shop to stock up on local produce like mojo sauce, cheese (try the bodega’s own Finca de Uga) and jam.

Bodegas Rubicón

Fancy a spot of tapas with your wine tasting? Wine not, we say. That’s where Bodegas Rubicón’s renowned restaurant comes in handy. Pull up a pew in the shade of a centuries-old eucalyptus tree on the terrace as you marvel at the mountain view over your meal. Total bliss. You can also tour the barrel cellar, exhibition area and old home (for free we might add), swing by the tasting rooms and then watch the sunset from the large wooden balcony on the upper floor.

Bodegas La Geria

Vineyards, vino, views – this local legend has the lot. It’s one of the island’s most visited bodegas and it produces a huge 300,000 bottles of wine every year! In 45 minutes, you can find out all about how the grapes go from ground to glass, then top off your tour with a top-notch tipple tasting. And all for just under €10. Cheers to that!

Top tip: As most of these bodegas are pretty close together along the wine route, it’s easy to visit a few in one go. Look out for our pre-bookable excursions, complete with expert guide, tastings and transfers included.