Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A winery visit in Tenerife is a guided tour of a specific winery, usually taking in the vineyard and the winemaking area, and ending with a tasting of its wines, sometimes accompanied by local produce. It usualland thests one to two hours and is booked directly or through a provider.
It is the right format if you want to get to know one winery in depth without doing a full-day route. This page helps you choose an area and a winery, and know what to check before you go.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Guided winery visit with a tasting |
| Duration | About 1–2 hours. Depends on the winery |
| Booking | Usually required; many wineries do not open without an appointment |
| Transport | On your own, unless booked separately |
| Areas | Five denominations of origin; many wineries open to visitors in the north |
| Includes | Visit and tasting; sometimes local produce to go with it |
| Age | Tasting for adults only |
| Price | Depends on the winery, the number of wines and the accompaniments |
Where to start: the Casa del Vino
If you want a first introduction to the island’s wines, the Casa del Vino de Tenerife in El Sauzal is a good starting point. It is owned by the Cabildo and run by the Fundación Tenerife Rural, according to Turismo de Tenerife.
It occupies a 17th-century Canarian hacienda and brings together the Museum of the Vine and Wine (Museo de la Vid y el Vino), a vine garden and a tasting room where you can try wines from Tenerife’s five denominations of origin and from the DO Islas Canarias. According to El Sauzal Town Council, entry to the museum is free. Check the opening times before you go, because the published sources do not agree.
What a winery visit includes
- Welcome and an explanation of the winery’s history.
- Walk through the vineyard, if the winery has one next to the estate.
- Winemaking and ageing area.
- Guided tasting of several wines.
- Shop, with the chance to buy.
Formats
| Format | What sets it apart | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Standard visit | Tour and basic tasting | First introduction |
| Extended or premium tasting | More wines or premium wines | Enthusiasts |
| Tasting with food pairing | Wines with local produce | You are interested in food |
| Harvest visit | Activities during the harvest | Your dates coincide |
| Route with several wineries | Transport included | See the Tenerife wine route |
How to choose a winery
- By area: the north (Tacoronte-Acentejo and Valle de La Orotava) has many wineries open to visitors. The south (Abona) offers high-altitude vineyards.
- By style: small family wineries or larger wineries with visitor facilities.
- By variety: some wineries work with little-known local grapes, such as Marmajuelo, Gual or Vijariego.
Who it suits
- Wine lovers who prefer to get to know one winery in depth.
- Travellers with a car who want a one- or two-hour activity.
- Couples looking for a relaxed plan.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone who is driving: if you are going to taste, someone must drive without drinking, or you need to book transport. If you all want to taste, see the wine route with transport.
- Under-18s: they cannot take part in tastings.
- Anyone without a booking: many wineries only open by appointment.
How to choose well
- Do you need to book? How far in advance?
- In which language is the visit?
- How many wines are tasted?
- Does it include produce to go with the wine?
- Do you visit the vineyard?
- Is there an alcohol-free alternative for the driver?
- Can wine be shipped if you are flying?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Guided visit | Included | Language |
| Tasting | Included | Number of wines |
| Local produce | In some | What it includes |
| Transport | Not included | How to get there |
| Buying wine | Extra | Shipping |
Safety
- Do not drive after a tasting.
- Comfortable shoes if there is a walk through the vineyard.
- Allergies or intolerances: mention them if there is food pairing.
Time of year
- The grape harvest in Tenerife is long because of the difference in altitude between vineyards; some wineries organise activities during those weeks.
- Many wineries close on one day of the week or on public holidays.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure: each winery sets its own rate depending on the number of wines and the accompaniments.
- Number and type of wines.
- Pairing.
- Private or group visit.
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes.
- A light jacket in the north.
- A driver who does not drink, or booked transport.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Several wineries without driving | Tenerife wine route |
| Tasting at your accommodation | Private Canarian wine tasting |
| La Laguna and a winery on the same day | La Laguna excursion with a winery visit |
| Home cooking with this year’s wine | Guachinche route |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book to visit a winery?
At most, yes. Many wineries only open by prior appointment.
What is the Casa del Vino de Tenerife?
A Cabildo venue in El Sauzal with a wine museum, a vine garden and a tasting room for wines from all over the island.
How long does a visit last?
Between one and two hours, depending on the winery.
Can I go by car?
Yes, but whoever drives should not taste.
Can children come?
They can come along at many wineries, but cannot take part in the tasting.
Can you buy wine?
Yes, almost all wineries have a shop.