There are numerous ways to experience a destination, but few allow you to truly feel it. Touring Gran Canaria through its wine offers a unique sensory experience that leads directly to the natural heart of the island. Therefore, the wine route should not be missed on your next vacation.
Spanish wines are renowned worldwide and are widely available in Israel. They are distinguished by their quality, variety, and naturalness, and can be experienced firsthand by touring the different corners of the country. However, a unique and exotic option has recently emerged in Spain: the new Gran Canarian Wine Route.
This route offers a wine that cannot be found anywhere else and is grown in a unique morphological and landscape composition. Vines are cultivated in plains, mountains, and ravines in protected areas and “Biosphere Reserves”. But that’s not all. This unique vacation offers the opportunity to directly experience the diverse nature of the island and the traditions of its people through wine. It is a true alternative for tourism.
Each winery and vineyard in Gran Canaria is synonymous with family legacy. The owners, from several generations, harvest and serve the wine to their visitors. This allows tourists to experience the local culture and take a journey through time with a refined taste told in first person.
Álvaro J. González Santana, manager of the Gran Canaria Wine Route, states that there are currently twelve certified wineries in the tourist circuit, with an additional five in the process of joining. The wineries have plantations ranging from eighty to 1,500 meters above sea level, resulting in a diverse range of grapes and flavors. Additionally, all wineries in Gran Canaria follow the same cultivation and elaboration process that has been used for five hundred years. This process involves minimal intervention, which helps to maintain the naturalness and quality of the wines.
Due to its small size, Gran Canaria has limited export capacity. As a result, tourists have the privilege of enjoying Gran Canarian wine exclusively in the land where it is produced. Additionally, the same area produces at least twelve varieties of reds, rosés, and whites, all of which are certified for quality by the Gran Canaria Protected Designation of Origin (Denominación de Origen).
Red wines are known for their aromas of red fruits, lavender, violet, and spices such as aniseed. Varieties such as Listán Negro, Negramoll, Tintilla, and Malvasía Rosada exhibit these characteristics. In contrast, white wines have aromas of flowers, white fruits, citrus, and tropical fruits, with a touch of aniseed that gives them a fresh and light character. These wines are typically young and have a good aromatic intensity. The white grape varieties used in Gran Canarian wines include Malvasía Volcánica, Listán blanco, Gual, Vijariego, and Moscatel de Alejandría.
To experience the best of these wines, travelers can select a set of wineries to visit in a day based on the area of the island they are in (north, center, or south). Private vehicles or tour operators, some of which have wine experts on staff, can be used for transportation.
Additionally, some wineries provide rural accommodations in restored estates that have been transformed into hotels. Guests can wake up next to the vineyards and enjoy delicious typical dishes paired with the best local wines at one of the many restaurants in Gran Canaria.
The Gran Canaria wine route offers tourists a complete vacation experience, showcasing the incredible nature and culture of the region. Visitors can enjoy unique gastronomy and wines in a one-of-a-kind location. Come and discover this amazing destination!