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Twenty-five minutes from Famara, in the middle of the island, the landscape turns into something you will not see anywhere else: thousands of hollows dug into black volcanic ash, each with a single vine and a half-moon stone wall against the wind. This is La Geria, Lanzarote’s wine country — and one of our favourite ways to spend a flat day.
Why the vines grow in holes
The eruptions of the 1730s buried the fertile centre of the island under a thick layer of lapilli, the light volcanic gravel locals call picón. Farmers found that if they dug down through it to the old soil and planted a vine at the bottom, the picón acted as a sponge: it catches the night dew and humidity carried by the trade wind and keeps it from evaporating. Each hollow is sheltered by a low curved wall of stones (a zoco), because the wind here never really stops. The result is a protected landscape — the Paisaje Protegido de La Geria — of black slopes dotted with green, which looks especially striking in the low light of late afternoon.
What to taste
Lanzarote’s wines carry their own designation of origin, and the island grape is Malvasía volcánica. A few styles are worth knowing before you arrive:
| Wine | Style | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Malvasía volcánica | dry or semi-sweet white | the island’s signature: fresh, mineral, slightly salty — try it dry |
| Moscatel | sweet white | the traditional dessert wine; good with bienmesabe |
| Listán Negro | light red and rosé | easy, fruity reds for grilled fish or goat |
| Diego (Vijariego) | dry white | a local rarity; ask for it at smaller bodegas |
How to visit on your own
The LZ-30 road between Uga and Masdache runs straight through the heart of La Geria, with bodegas on both sides that open for tastings and sell bottles at the door. El Grifo, founded in 1775 and one of the oldest wineries in the Canary Islands, has a small wine museum; others are family-run and simpler. Plan two or three stops, eat something with the wine (local goat’s cheese is the classic pairing) and, obviously, choose a driver who does not drink. Opening hours change with the season, so check before you go.
Or let someone else drive: Wine Tours Lanzarote
If you would rather taste properly and not think about the car, our friends at Wine Tours Lanzarote run small-group tours of no more than eight guests, led by WSET-qualified guides. The classic tour walks through three vineyards, explains how the volcanic cultivation works and includes six tastings with local goat’s cheese, with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. They also run tours in the north of the island and a craft beer and wine combination. Places are limited, so book a few days ahead.
Combine it with
La Geria sits between Famara and Timanfaya, so it fits naturally into a day with the national park and El Golfo, or into an afternoon after a morning surf. Our list of the best plans in Lanzarote has driving times for all of them, and things to do in Lanzarote covers the rest of the island. Back in Famara, finish with the sunset over the cliffs and dinner from our guide to Lanzarote food and drinks. And if you have not tried it yet, a beginner surf lesson in the morning makes the glass of Malvasía taste even better.
La Geria — FAQ
What is La Geria in Lanzarote?
La Geria is the wine-growing area in the centre of Lanzarote, between Uga and Masdache, where vines are planted in hollows dug into volcanic ash and protected from the wind by small stone walls. It is a protected landscape.
What wine is Lanzarote known for?
Malvasía volcánica, usually made as a dry, fresh and mineral white. Moscatel dessert wines and light Listán Negro reds are also common.
Can you visit the wineries in La Geria without a tour?
Yes. Many bodegas along the LZ-30 road open for tastings and sales. Check opening hours in advance and make sure the driver does not drink — or join a guided tour with transport.
How far is La Geria from Famara?
About 25 minutes by car. It is easy to combine with Timanfaya National Park or with an afternoon after a surf lesson.
