Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A wine route in Tenerife is a guided excursion, with transport included, that visits several wineries in one or more of the island’s wine regions, with tastings and an explanation of the local varieties. It lets you taste wines from different areas without having to drive afterwards.
Tenerife has five denominations of origin on a single island, with vineyards from close to the sea up to high mountain. This page helps you choose a region and a route, and know what to check before booking.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Guided route with transport to several wineries |
| Duration | Half day or full day. Depends on the provider |
| Wineries visited | Usually two or three |
| Most common area | North of the island (Tacoronte-Acentejo and Valle de La Orotava) |
| Includes | Transport, visits and tastings; sometimes a meal or food pairing |
| Transport | Essential if you are drinking: do not drive after a tasting |
| Age | Adults only for the tasting |
| Price | Depends on the number of wineries, tastings and the meal |
Tenerife’s five denominations of origin
| Denomination | Area | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tacoronte-Acentejo | North-east | The first DO in the Canary Islands (1992) and the largest on the island; vineyards between about 100 and 1,000 m |
| Valle de La Orotava | North | Vineyards between about 400 and 800 m, according to the Cabildo; a wide range of white and red grapes |
| Ycoden-Daute-Isora | North-west | Between the north and south of the island; vineyards from close to the sea up to mid-mountain |
| Abona | South | Some of the highest vineyards in Europe, at high altitude in the south |
| Valle de GüÃmar | South-east | Vineyards on the slopes of the GüÃmar valley |
According to the Spanish Wine Interprofessional (Interprofesional del Vino de España), Tenerife’s five denominations account for around 60% of grape production in the Canary Islands.
Which grapes you will taste
The most common varieties are Listán Blanco and Listán Negro. According to the Cabildo, the Valle de La Orotava DO also grows, among others, MalvasÃa, Gual, Marmajuelo, Verdello and Vijariego for whites, and Negramoll, Tintilla and Vijariego Negro for reds.
Many of these grapes are little known outside the Canary Islands, which is one of the attractions of tasting on the island.
What a route involves
- Pick-up in your area.
- First winery: a visit to the vineyard or the winemaking area, and a tasting.
- Second and third wineries, often in another region.
- Meal or food pairing, on some routes.
- Return.
Some routes include a stop at the Casa del Vino de Tenerife in El Sauzal, a Cabildo venue devoted to the island’s wine culture.
Formats
| Format | What sets it apart | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Shared route | Group with other people | You are travelling as a couple or alone |
| Private route | Your group only, wineries to suit you | Enthusiasts with specific interests |
| Route with food pairing | Includes a meal with the wines | You are interested in food |
| A single winery | One-off visit, own arrival | See the winery visit and tasting |
| Tasting at your accommodation | Without travelling | See the private Canarian wine tasting |
Who it suits
- Wine lovers who want to discover local varieties.
- Couples and groups looking for a relaxed, food-focused plan.
- Travellers staying in the south who want to discover the wine-growing north without driving.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Under-18s: cannot take part in tastings. Ask whether they can come along.
- Pregnant women or people who do not drink alcohol: ask whether there is an alcohol-free alternative.
- Anyone wanting a lot of variety in a short time: with the transfers, two or three wineries is usually the reasonable maximum in a day.
How to choose well
- Which wineries and which denominations of origin does it visit?
- How many wines are tasted at each winery?
- Does it include a vineyard visit or only the winery?
- Does it include a meal or food pairing?
- Is the guide a sommelier or wine specialist?
- Transport from your area, and return time?
- Can you buy wine at the wineries? Can it be shipped?
- Cancellation policy?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Included | Pick-up area |
| Winery visits | Included | Number and names |
| Tastings | Included | Number of wines |
| Meal or food pairing | On some routes | Menu and dietary needs |
| Buying wine | Extra | Shipping or luggage |
Safety and health
- Do not drive after the tasting; that is the main reason to book a route with transport.
- Drink water and eat something between tastings.
- Allergies: let them know if you have an intolerance to sulphites or anything else.
Time of year
- Grape harvest: in Tenerife it is very long because the vineyards are at very different altitudes; it can run from summer to autumn. Some wineries offer activities at that time.
- Opening times: many wineries have closing days; the route adapts.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure: routes differ in the number of wineries, tastings and meals.
The price depends on:
- Number of wineries and wines tasted.
- Meal or food pairing.
- Shared or private format.
- Pick-up area.
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes if the vineyard is visited.
- A light jacket for the north.
- Water.
- Room in your suitcase if you plan to buy wine.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| A single winery on your own | Winery visit and wine tasting |
| A tasting at your villa or hotel | Private Canarian wine tasting |
| La Laguna and a winery in one day | La Laguna excursion with a winery visit |
| Canarian produce beyond wine | Tenerife food tour |
| Home cooking in the north | Guachinche route |
Frequently asked questions
How many denominations of origin does Tenerife have?
Five: Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de La Orotava, Ycoden-Daute-Isora, Abona and Valle de GüÃmar.
Which grapes are typical of Tenerife?
Above all Listán Blanco and Listán Negro, alongside varieties such as MalvasÃa, Gual, Marmajuelo, Negramoll and Tintilla.
How many wineries are visited?
Usually two or three in a day.
Is transport included?
Yes, on guided routes. It is the way to taste without having to drive.
Can children come?
It depends on the provider; they cannot take part in tastings in any case.
What is the best area for a route?
The north (Tacoronte-Acentejo and La Orotava) has many wineries open to visitors. The south offers high-altitude vineyards.
Can I buy wine?
At most wineries, yes. Ask about shipping if you are flying.