Best weather in Gran Canaria for a wine tour

Best weather in Gran Canaria for a wine tour

12 June, 2023

Gran Canaria weather is very popular for the amazing spring temperature the island has all year round. However, It’s very unknown for most people the varieties of climates all over the island. It’s hard to believe in such a territory you can be sunbathing while is snowing on the top of its mountains.  

Talking about the weather in Gran Canaria is very like talking about grapes varieties or local wines. We have so many different temperatures and weathers as wines. Yes, to be amazed. Finally Autumn is here, and where Europe is starting to get colder temperatures, ours remains above 20 plus. However, the weather in Gran Canaria starts changing at the end of autumn and mostly in the altitude of the island and north. Yes, as you drive up in the mountains those 20 degrees starting to drop down. Some people wouldn’t believe that we get snow on the summit, while tourists are sunbathing in the south of the island at the same time, just one hour driving distance from top to bottom.

Experiencing the weather on a tour

Last January, my dear customers Hans and his lovely wife Esther, called me again for a private custom tour. From Playa del Inglés I drove them to Tejeda, we took the road from Mogán through La Presa de las niñas. The road is scary, super winding and gorgeous. If you are highsick I wouldn’t recommend it. My dearest clients are from Switzerland, but they do trust me when I tell them, it’s going to be cold. To be honest, you never know on the top of the island. Even the summit has south orientation and north. The mountains are high enough to get stuck at north of the island, leaving the south clear. However, that wasn’t the case. That day we got cold, foggy, a bit of sunny a load of rainbows. It was so much fun, and cold and intrepid. We visited a cave at 1300m above the ocean level, a cave winery, with the most stunning views of Tejeda crater. In such an altitude the grapes get very extreme temperatures, both summer and winter.

To give you a quick idea of that marvelous day we had, We left Playa del Inglés with 21ºC to arrive in Tejeda with 6ºC. Again, only one hour driving distance. One of my favourite things are the constant changing of the sceneries, something very unexpected in such a small territory and again, this is the result of the amazing weather in Gran Canaria. And to finish our tour we drove towards Las Palmas through San Mateo Village. Las Palmas had 19ºC in the afternoon when we drove by. Now, picture those details in wine making. Some of our temperatures can get so hot or cold, extreme altitude or volcanic soil, that not all varieties get adapted to. Some of those vineyards in Gran Canaria are located in highest regions of Spain. Those views, those grapes, what a wines!. This way, the hard adaptation of our varieties for more than 400 years, makes excellent wine qualities. However, as the territory is limited, so are the vineyards with small productions. The most important for Gran Canaria Winemakers is to produce the finest wines.

One of our favorite wineries in Gran Canaria. It’s a cave winery, facing southern with 10 ours of sun light in Spring & Summer and up to cero degrees in winter. One of a kind winery and unique altitude wines. 

Recommendation: where to stay in Gran Canaria

So if you are primary running away from your country weather, my recommendation to assure sun and warm climate, you should stay at East coast and south, all the way to Mogán (best weather in Europe), and the best weather of the Canary Islands. That’s why Gran Canaria is the best weather for a wine tasting. The best weather in Gran Canaria is always in the south, and if you want to get impressed by different weathers and landscapes all over the island, take a wine tour. From slope to slope, you won’t believe the sceneries are so diverse among each others, you’ll love our artisan wines, the experience of meeting our kind winemakers, and above all, Gran Canaria will always surprise. You won’t believe such a small island can be so magically surprising.

Gran Canaria is a hidden gem in the world of wine tourism, offering stunning landscapes, unique wines, and a rich history of winemaking. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, a trip to Gran Canaria is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Be sure to visit some of the island’s top wineries, try the local food pairings, and take in the beauty of the vineyards. And don’t forget to book your tours in advance to make the most of your wine tourism experience in Gran Canaria and forget about everything else but enjoying your wine adventure.

Further info about our wine adventures

Handmade tours have been running wine and gastronomy trips since 2014. 

Check our amazing itineraries, and when you find your perfect wine match, contact us for further information. 

Now you know, Gran Canaria is also a destination to drink and eat until you have to go. 

Ready to find your wine tour?

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Wine tourism in Gran Canaria

Wine tourism in Gran Canaria

31 May, 2023

Welcome to the world of wine tourism, where sipping and swirling your way through vineyards is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of a destination. And when it comes to wine tourism, Gran Canaria might not be the first place that comes to mind, but believe us, this hidden gem in the Canary Islands is a wine lover’s paradise. From the rugged landscapes to the lush green vineyards, Gran Canaria offers a unique and unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts. This island has a long and fascinating history of winemaking, dating back to the 15th century, and today, it’s home to some of the most impressive vineyards in Spain. So, get ready to explore this wine region, taste the unique flavors of the local wines, and get lost in the stunning vineyards of Gran Canaria. Join us as we take a journey through the wineries and vineyards of this beautiful island, and discover why Gran Canaria should be on every wine lover’s bucket list.

The History of Winemaking in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has a long and fascinating history of winemaking, dating back to the 15th century when the Spanish conquerors introduced grapevines to the island. The unique climate, with its hot and dry summers and mild winters, combined with the volcanic soil, creates the perfect conditions for growing grapes. The winemaking tradition on the island has been passed down from generation to generation, and today, it’s still a vital part of Gran Canaria’s cultural heritage.

In the 19th century, Europe was hit by a phylloxera epidemic that devastated the vineyards in the whole continent, and it wasn’t until the 20th century that the industry began to recover. Due to its amazing volcanic soil, the Canary Islands never suffered phyloxera. We grow  many varieties that disappears in Europe during the epidemic. That’s the reason why Gran Canaria grow ungrafted vines. This could help to understand the character of our Atlantic Ocean volcanic wines. There are around 11,000 hectares of vineyards on the island, and the wines produced here are known for their unique flavor and character. 

Vineyards of Gran Canaria

The vineyards of Gran Canaria are scattered throughout the island, from the rugged mountains to the coastal regions. The most famous wine region on the island is the Monte Lentiscal, located in the northeast of the island, where you’ll find some of the best vineyards and wineries. The region is home to several grape varieties, including Listan Negro, Tintilla, and Listán blanco, which are used to produce some of the island’s most famous wines.

In the south of the island, you’ll find the region of Santa Lucía, known for its stunning landscapes and unique wine production. The vineyards here are planted on steep slopes, and the grapes are grown using traditional methods, without the use of chemicals or pesticides. This region of old basalt terroir is known for its white wines in altitude, which has a distinct aroma and flavor.

Wine Tasting Experiences in Gran Canaria

Wine tasting in Gran Canaria is a unique and unforgettable experience. The island’s wineries and vineyards offer a variety of tours and tastings, where you can learn about the winemaking process and taste some of the local wines. Most wineries require reservations in advance, so be sure to book your tour ahead of time.

One of the most popular wineries in Gran Canaria is Bodega Las Tirajanas, located in the mountains of Gran Canaria above 1000m from sea level. The winery offers stunning views of the island and a range of wines to taste. 

Gran Canaria presents many microclimates, soil or altitude, giving as a results so many spectacular wines and overwhelming landscapes. Every vineyard is a different bottle of wine. 

Food Pairings with Gran Canarian Wines

Gran Canarian wines are known for their unique flavors and aromas, and they pair well with a variety of foods. One of the most popular dishes to pair with Gran Canarian wines is the local goat cheese, which has a tangy flavor that complements the wine’s acidity. Another popular pairing is the traditional Canarian dish of papas arrugadas, which are small, salted potatoes served with a spicy mojo sauce.

If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, many of the island’s wineries offer food pairing menus, where you can taste a range of wines paired with local dishes. These menus are a great way to experience the unique flavors of Gran Canarian cuisine and wine.

Gran Canaria is a hidden gem in the world of wine tourism, offering stunning landscapes, unique wines, and a rich history of winemaking. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, a trip to Gran Canaria is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Be sure to visit some of the island’s top wineries, try the local food pairings, and take in the beauty of the vineyards. And don’t forget to book your tours in advance to make the most of your wine tourism experience in Gran Canaria and forget about everything else but enjoying your wine adventure.

Further info about our wine adventures

Handmade tours have been running wine and gastronomy trips since 2014. 

Check our amazing itineraries, and when you find your perfect wine match, contact us for further information. 

Now you know, Gran Canaria is also a destination to drink and eat until you have to go. 

Ready to find your wine tour?

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by | Apr 6, 2020 | Wine tourism

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When making cheese is part of your gastronomy tour.

When making cheese is part of your gastronomy tour.

The best way to understand how hard is to make homemade cheese, you have to put the gloves on and press the rennet. Something so simple as pressing cheese it can turn in bad pain in your wrist and back.

Cheese pressing
Cheese maker pressing rennet

As you are not trained as our wonderful cheese makers, you are going to feel pain after a few minutes pressing. These amazing cheese makers have been helping their families since they are kids. Cheese making have been in their families since they can remember and it goes back to four generation and some cases even more.

Joana is using knees and hands to press two cheeses at the time. She’s making cheese since she was 8 years old

Gran Canaria has 80 different artisans cheese maker and a lot of international recognition. Last November 2018 Gran Canaria sent 21 different cheeses samples to participate at the World Cheese Awards and won 15 medals. We didn’t need anyone to let us know we have the best cheeses but it’s good to be appreciate and promoted 😉

 
 
https://www.quesosdegrancanaria.com

We know our cheeses and that is why Canary Islands population are the largest cheeses consumer in Spain and we have the largest goat cheese production in our country too. It’s no joke we have the best cheeses… 🙂

So again, if you are looking for things to do in Gran Canaria while visiting, come with the sun for a few hours and get lost in our amazing country side and gastronomy. Don’t you dare to leave Gran Canaria without tasting it a bit before. Buen provecho.

Making homemade cheese

And remember, by visiting local productions and business, you are collaborating to diversify mass tourism located in touristic areas towards local areas and you are also helping our local economy. Among others you are being responsible with the impact of your visit. Thank you! Sustainable tourism is an option.

Source: Noticias desde wordpress.com

WINE MAKING: CRAZY ROMANTICISM

WINE MAKING: CRAZY ROMANTICISM

After a few years learning about wine making, I’m certainly sure winemakers are crazy. More I learn, stronger I believe it. If you would briefly know how much effort is involved in your bottle of wine, we would all make a ceremony before we open them. Do not take me wrong, I’m fascinated by winemakers. What I like most about this craziness Is that It’s absolutely bonded with romanticism. All related to winemaking is love. They talk about the vines, the grapes, their vineyards and even the bottles with pure feelings, as they were all human beings, as they were alive… Well, they are! 🙂

It is already winter and this is the time pruning takes place. Pruning is the most important in winemaking. Why? Simple, they are preparing their babies for next harvest. Each variety, every territory or climate are some of the things they have in mind when making their vines a new cut. Yes, as they were at the hairdresser. Do not think they just cut and go? NO NO NO! Each variety is different and they have different necessities, as all of us. We should know which haircut fits us better, right? 

When cutting a brunch they are making a stronger, wealthier, healthier and richer quality future vine among others. As a summary a better wine.

In the Canary Islands at some regions, the weather is warmer and that confuse our vines. In response the plants start growing and they don’t “fall asleep”, as the winemakers refer to the autumn season. You see? the vines fall asleep, isn’t that romantic? And that is also why winemakers wait until winter to prune it.

During autumn the vines “fall asleep”, that means the salvia goes back to the trunk and routes. So the brunches are getting ready to be cut and they won’t suffer or lose energy. That is why in our archipelago our vines “cry” more. Again, they say their vines cry when the brunches tear salvia, RO.MAN.TIC!

Once I watched in a wine documentary, a winemaker who said, that he had been involved in wine making for 50 years, and he knew he would die not knowing all about it. And that got under my skin! And after six years of my amazing wine tours I understand what he meant and also their romanticism. I also hope they are as romantic in their life as they are in the field!! 😉 

So I hope to keep entertaining you all with all these stories about the Canary Islands wine and make you as addicted to them as I am. So do not forget to be conscious when opening and drinking your wine and please, keep drinking local wine wherever you are! And as soon as you land in Gran Canaria and start your searching in things to do in Gran Canaria while visiting, do not hesitate to visit our local wineries and try some wine tour, wine tasting and get the best of your local experience. 

Long live to such a craziness.
Salud amigos!

And remember, by visiting local productions and business, you are collaborating to diversify mass tourism located in touristic areas towards local areas and you are also helping our local economy. Among others you are being responsible with the impact of your visit. Thank you!

Sustainable tourism is an option.

Source: Noticias desde wordpress.com