Six Lanzarote wines, plus history you can taste. This small-group tour at El Grifo Bodega pairs a guided walkthrough with the head sommelier and a visit to the Wine Museum, housed in the old winery buildings that date back to 1775.

I like the small group setup (10 people max) because it turns into real conversation, not a lecture. I also love that the 6-wine tasting focuses on local grapes like malvasia, listán negro, and syrah, with local cheese snacks that keep the whole thing moving.

One consideration: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll want to plan how you’ll get to the bodega on your own.

Key points worth knowing

• Head sommelier-led tasting: you taste 6 wines with expert guidance
• Wine Museum in a winery from 1775: tools and production details from past centuries
• Local grapes explained clearly: malvasia, listán negro, and syrah from volcanic soils
• Pairing included: local cheese snacks make the flavors easier to catch
• Adult-only, small group: limited to 10 participants and 18+

First Stop: Why El Grifo Feels Different in Lanzarote

El Grifo is one of those Lanzarote wineries where the setting does part of the job for you. Volcanic ground and strong trade winds help shape the grapes, and the tour is built around showing you how that shows up in the glass.

What makes this experience interesting is the mix of places: you’re not just sampling wines, you’re also seeing where the winery’s story lived. The museum is in the older winery site, and that added context changes how you taste everything after.

Also, the tour style seems geared for real questions. Guides like Jacqueline, Minerva, Jacky, Alessandra, and Alexandra are repeatedly praised for answering every question and keeping the pacing friendly.

Meet the Head Sommelier and Get the Most From a 2-Hour Session

This tour runs about 2 hours, and it moves with purpose. You’ll have time for the bodega visit, a brief museum stop, and a guided tasting of 6 wines paired with snacks.

Because the group is limited to 10 people, you’re not stuck waiting your turn. I like that for wine tastings specifically, since the best part is asking why a grape tastes a certain way, or what trade winds do to growth and flavor.

You’ll also notice the guide does more than name flavors. Expect guidance on color, smell, and taste, with prompts that help you slow down and notice differences across the pours.

If you’re a wine novice, this is a good match. Several guides are praised for making wine approachable, with explanations that don’t assume you already know all the terms.

Touring the Bodega Grounds: What You Actually Walk Away With

The guided part focuses on the historic El Grifo operation, not just a quick photo stop. You learn how the winery works, how the grapes are grown, and why Lanzarote’s conditions matter so much.

A key theme is the connection between the island and the wine. The tour covers the role of trade winds and volcanic soils, and ties those factors to the character of malvasia, listán negro, and syrah grown on the family plot.

You’ll also get a clearer sense of what makes Lanzarote wines distinct in style. Even if you don’t consider yourself a wine person, this is the kind of context that helps you later when you’re choosing a bottle.

And from the way the tour is structured, it’s not just theory. You’ll see the winery surroundings as you go, so the story lands while you’re still there.

The Wine Museum in the 1775 Winery: History With Tools, Not Dust

The museum visit is short, but it’s one of the smartest parts of the tour. You’re stepping into the location of the old winery from 1775, described as the oldest of its type in the Canary Islands.

Inside, you learn about winemaking practices using tools and utensils from the 19th and 20th centuries. That matters because it turns wine history from trivia into a practical understanding of how winemaking changed over time.

The museum also explains the winery’s working life up to its closure in the 1990s. When you hear that timeline while you’re later tasting the current wines, it creates a stronger sense of continuity: old methods, new choices, same island fingerprints.

One nice detail for people who like real specifics: the museum context supports what the guide says about grapes and terroir. It’s not history floating by on its own.

Malvasia, Listán Negro, and Syrah: How the Island Shows Up in Flavor

This tour is built around Lanzarote’s main grape story. You’ll learn about the characteristics of malvasia, listán negro, and syrah, and you’ll hear how trade winds and volcanic soils affect their growth and quality.

Here’s the practical payoff for you: when you taste, you’re not guessing what you’re drinking. You’re tasting with a framework. For example, you can pay attention to how each grape reacts in aroma and flavor from glass to glass, while the guide helps you connect those sensory cues to the island conditions.

And since this tour is paired with cheese snacks, you get a second kind of feedback loop. Cheese can highlight differences and make it easier to notice whether a wine feels lighter, more structured, or more aromatic.

The guides are often praised for clearly explaining techniques and helping people understand how to enjoy different wines with food. That’s exactly what you want from a tasting: not just sipping, but learning how to taste better.

The 6-Wine Tasting Plus Cheese Pairing: A Friendly, Structured Method

The heart of this tour is the professional tasting of 6 wines produced onsite. You’ll sample them in a guided sequence designed to help you compare.

You can expect hands-on sensory prompts—colors, smells, flavors—so you’ll know what to focus on instead of wandering around the table. That turns a standard tasting into something more like guided practice.

Pairing is part of the value here. You get local cheese snacks to go with the wines, which is a huge help if you’re the type who tastes once and forgets everything. Cheese gives you contrast. It can soften sharp edges, bring out fruit tones, and make certain aromas pop.

From the feedback people share after this tour, the tasting portion often feels generous. Many describe the wines as delicious, and the overall samples as more than just tiny sips.

One small practical note: if you’re not drinking much, you can still enjoy the structure. The sensory guidance and pairing make it easier for non-experts to follow along without feeling lost.

What the Tour Includes (and What It Doesn’t)

Included is straightforward, and that helps you judge value fast:

• Guide
• Tasting of 6 wines
• Cheese tasting
• Discounts on shipping to European countries

Not included is also clear:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

That means the “real cost” isn’t just the ticket price. You should also think about transportation time getting to the winery. If you’re staying outside Lanzarote’s main tourist hubs, plan a taxi or other transfer option rather than hoping it’s simple last minute.

There’s also no mention of meals beyond the cheese snacks. So if you’re hungry beforehand, eat something light first, then let the tasting act as your mid-activity snack.

Price and Value: Is $57 a Fair Deal?

At $57 per person, the value depends on what you want from a wine tour. If you’re looking for scenery plus history plus actual tasting instruction, this price can be reasonable because you’re not paying only for wine.

You’re getting:

• 6 wines tasted as part of a guided session
• local cheese pairing snacks
• a bodega walkthrough
• a museum stop tied to the winery’s origin in 1775

A quick way to think about it: you’re essentially paying for guided time and context, and the tasting is part of that package. If you only wanted one glass and a quick look, you’d likely feel less satisfied. But if you want to learn why these grapes taste the way they do, the pricing starts to make sense.

Also, the small group matters. Limited to 10 participants, you’re more likely to get answers to your questions, and that “personal attention” is often where value is felt most in the moment.

And the included shipping discounts for European countries can add value if you plan to bring bottles home. Even if you don’t ship, the on-site shop is a natural place to buy your favorites after tasting.

Who Should Book This Wine Lovers Tour at El Grifo

I’d point you toward this tour if you want an experience that mixes wine with context. It’s a solid choice when you care about:

• local grapes and what makes them distinctive
• how volcanic soil and trade winds shape flavor
• a museum stop that explains the winery’s past
• tasting guidance that helps you pay attention

It also suits couples and small groups who want a calm, focused atmosphere. The adult-only policy (18+) keeps the vibe grown-up and relaxed.

If you’re with someone who isn’t that into wine, you still have a decent chance of keeping them engaged. The history, museum, and pairing setup help non-experts stay involved without feeling like they have to know everything.

Should You Book the El Grifo Wine Tasting Tour?

Book it if you want a guided, structured tasting of 6 wines with real background on Lanzarote grapes and the winery’s history. The museum in the 1775 winery adds something you don’t always get on standard tastings, and the small group size makes the experience feel more personal.

Skip it only if you can’t handle the logistics of getting there on your own. Since there’s no hotel pickup, you’ll want to be confident about transportation.

If you’re planning for a first Lanzarote wine visit, this is a strong pick. You’ll leave with more than bottles—you’ll leave knowing what to look for the next time you taste malvasia, listán negro, or syrah.

FAQ

How long is the El Grifo wine tasting tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability.

How many wines will I taste?

You’ll taste 6 wines produced onsite, guided by the head sommelier.

Is there food included?

Yes. You’ll have local cheese snacks as part of the tasting, paired with the wines.

Do we visit a museum during the tour?

Yes. There’s a brief visit to the Wine Museum, located in the old winery site from 1775.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the guide, tasting of 6 wines, cheese tasting, and discounts on shipping to European countries.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are available for the tour?

Tours are offered in Spanish and English.

Is it an adults-only tour?

Yes. It’s only for adults aged 18+.

How large is the group?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.