Enhancing the Wine Experience in La Geria
“Our aim is to improve every year despite the climatic challenges and everything that sometimes comes our way on the island.”
“The island’s climate suits white wines well; our primary effort has gone into improving red wines, allowing us to enjoy some delightful reds.”
“We have the advantage of being able to enjoy Lanzarote wines at home anywhere in Europe.”
“Visits are available every hour, seven days a week.”
“Canarian wine sells well in the Canaries; locals love our wines.”
“More and more people are coming as it’s becoming trendier to enjoy wine with the stunning views behind you.”
“It’s wonderful to take home the story and experience of La Geria and now enjoy the wine, tasting it and savouring it.”
Quality and Distinction
The oenologist of La Geria winery, Alejandro Besay Felipe Muñoz, emphasised in the programme “Crónicas en Hora” that the unique location provides a distinctive touch, allowing visitors to observe breathtaking landscapes while tasting high-quality wine. Alongside guided tours to discover the area’s history, tastings are offered, as well as a sales service for visitors infatuated with the wines to take them home across the Peninsula or abroad without any difficulty.
– What do you believe distinguishes La Geria wine from others, making it one of the most renowned and celebrated in Lanzarote?
– The virtue of La Geria winery lies in its location in the heart of La Geria. We are surrounded by pits, ancient vineyards, and stunning views, as everyone knows. The heart of La Geria also comprises the vintners we have. La Geria has its own farms and many long-standing vintners in the area. Furthermore, the qualities of viticulture in pit vineyards, centenary viticulture, are very well adapted to this region.
Striving for Excellence
– Do you believe that your wines have reached a level where they are among the best nationally?
– We always strive for improvement. Our goal is to get better every year despite the climatic challenges and occasional difficulties the island presents, given its very hostile climate. We produce various types of wine, including whites and reds. We have tremendous potential with the volcanic Malvasía variety, having achieved significant international awards. The island’s climate is beneficial for white wines, and we have also made great strides with our reds to enjoy some truly splendid selections. We have two brands; La Geria, which is slightly simpler and more traditional, made from 100% Listán Negro, and then Manto, which features Listán Negro and Tintilla, offering more body and structure. I am pleased with the progression of our La Geria and Manto wines, which have improved over the years, with new brands and wines emerging as well.
– This growth perhaps indicates that La Geria wine has expanded beyond national borders and reached other countries?
– There are always many opportunities for expansion. With so many visitors coming, including distributors from the United States, England, and other parts of the world, the possibilities are abundant. Additionally, we participate in fairs and send wines abroad. However, Canarian wine predominately sells within the Canaries. Locals love our wines, as do our visitors. There is substantial potential for wine sales within the Canaries. All of our wine is sold in the Canary Islands, and we also have a significant presence in Madrid. Many visitors find it difficult to take the wine back in their luggage, so we provide a service where they can order online and have it delivered to their homes within two days. Thus, we offer the advantage of enjoying Lanzarote wines at home anywhere in Europe.
Logistics and Shipping
– Are shipments focused on Madrid, or do you also ship to other areas?
– No, shipments within the Canaries are free. Wine is dispatched from the winery and arrives anywhere in the islands at no extra cost. However, there is a charge if you order from outside of the Canaries, such as in Sevilla or Cádiz, which may be around €15 for transport, whether it’s for a bottle or a six-bottle box.
From Product to Experience
– How do you view the evolution of wine from a mere product to a complete experience?
– That is the most beautiful aspect: having an experience and truly enjoying the wine, tasting it, and savouring it. Many people visit the winery from morning till evening, appreciating the beautiful light. They come to taste our wines; we also have guided tours throughout the day. Visits occur every hour from Monday to Sunday. A small eatery offers typical Lanzarote dishes such as caldo millo, goat meat, and occasionally chickpeas, with new items being introduced regularly. Visitors can enjoy wine on-site, along with cheese and some cured meats, either indoors or outdoors on the viewpoint, making the most of the afternoons and sunsets. More and more people are coming, as it’s becoming fashionable to enjoy wine alongside the views. Some even come to take photographs, attracting even more visitors. It is crucial to preserve the vineyard environment, which is sensitive and delicate; hence, we do not allow free access to the vineyard. Instead, we offer a guided tour explaining the history of La Geria, how the vineyards were created, and the stories behind them, including how many villages were buried by the last fault. It’s lovely to take home the story and experience of La Geria’s history.
