42 | GRAN CANARIA UNCORKED


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Gran Canaria Uncorked: A Journey Through the Island's Revolutionary Wine Scene


creating a truly unique terroir. As an artist first and winemaker second, Guerra infuses his wines with creativity and magic. “Two weeks,” he predicts while tasting a grape, pinpointing the perfect time for harvest. His El Convento 2024 is a masterpiece—a blend of Listán Negro and Castellana Negra that tantalizes the senses with violets,


bubblegum,


cherries, and a surprising creamy tang. It’s a wine that pushes the boundaries of what Gran Canaria’s terroir can offer. Another standout is Guerra’s Nubia, an orange wine rich in apricots, yogurt, and buttery caramel, perfectly paired with local aged cheeses. With production limited to just 1,500 to 2,000 bottles in a good year, Guerra’s wines are rare treasures.


Tradition Meets Innovation In


north-east,


The Winemakers of Gran Canaria: the


Mondalón Winemaker


Tamara Cruz is reviving the island’s winemaking legacy while pushing the limits of possibility. Passionate about local grape varieties,


Cruz uses


Tintilla, a small tannic grape, to create bold reds with smoky, berry flavors and a petrol-like sweetness. Her Albillo del Monte Lentiscal, a rare, near-extinct grape, is a testament to her dedication to preserving the island’s heritage. Cruz also crafts a remarkable Rhubarb Rosé, with a distinct custard note—a tribute to her British roots. Her


Winery


rests beneath the towering caldera of Gran Canaria’s volcanic heart, in the Monte Lentiscal region.


April/May 2026


meticulous attention to Gran Canaria’s ever-shifting microclimates allows her to produce exceptional wines, despite the challenges of climate change.


Cheese and Wine Pairings: Gran Canaria's Culinary Heritage Gran Canaria’s cheeses are as adventurous


as its wines. At


Cortijo de Caideros, Cristóbal Moreno produces Queso de Flor, an ancient cheese made with the pistils of purple cardoon flowers. The cheese’s bold, pungent flavor is similar to a ripe Tunworth,


and its


creamy texture pairs beautifully with Guerra’s natural wines. In the south, La Gloria offers semicurado goat cheeses with a mild, feta- like flavor, while their year-


aged Viejo brings a tangy kick, perfect for pairing with the island’s robust wines.


Conclusion: The Future of Gran Canaria’s Wine Scene


With its diverse microclimates, rare grape varieties, and commitment to sustainability,


Gran


Canaria is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Whether sipping Guerra’s El Convento or enjoying Cruz’s rare Albillo del Monte Lentiscal,


the island


offers a wine experience like no other. Gran Canaria


may be famous for its sun and sea, but it is increasingly becoming a frontier of taste—


and it’s only just beginning.


Gran Canaria, long celebrated for its sun- kissed beaches and rugged mountains, is quietly emerging as one of Europe’s most exciting new wine destinations. With a winemaking history that dates back to the 15th century, this Canary Island is blending ancient techniques with modern innovation to craft wines like nowhere else in the world. Let’s dive into the island’s flourishing wine culture, explore its top wineries, and savor the flavors that are putting Gran Canaria on the map.


Where to Stay: A Slice of Paradise Gran


Canaria’s appeal isn’t just in


stunning landscapes; it also offers intimate and unique accommodation options. For those seeking a rustic yet luxurious escape, Casa Rural Vega de Gáldar offers a peaceful retreat nestled among lush vineyards and the serene mountainside. For a more upscale experience, Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa provides breathtaking views of both the sea and surrounding mountains, along with world-class amenities ideal for those wanting to explore the island’s beauty in comfort.


Where to Eat: Culinary Delights at Every its Turn


The island’s food scene is as rich and diverse as its wines. Start your morning with fresh local pastries at La Dulcería in Las Palmas. For lunch or dinner, indulge in some of the island’s freshest seafood at El Novillo Precoz in the north, where local wines accompany the catch of the day. For a more exclusive experience, Aqua Ocean Club in the south offers an exquisite menu paired with Gran Canaria’s finest wines—a perfect choice for a romantic evening by the sea.


Wine and Food Review: Gran Canaria's Wine Revolution At Vega de Gáldar,


winemaker


Cristóbal Guerra is spearheading a quiet revolution in Gran Canaria’s winemaking scene. Known for his unconventional approach, walks


barefoot through his


Guerra vines,


allowing nature to thrive in the mineral-rich soil of the island’s north- western region. The soil here can reach scorching temperatures of up to 60°C, yet Guerra’s biodynamic techniques cool it to a bacteria-friendly 27°C,


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