La Geria is one of the most unusual wine regions in the world and one of the most distinctive landscapes on Lanzarote. Located between volcanic hills and lava fields in the centre of the island, the region is famous for its vineyards planted directly into black volcanic ash. The contrast between the dark landscape, green vines and whitewashed wineries creates scenery found nowhere else in Europe.
The vineyards of La Geria were developed after the devastating volcanic eruptions of the eighteenth century which covered large areas of Lanzarote in lava and ash. At first the eruptions appeared to destroy farming completely, but local growers eventually discovered that the porous volcanic ash, known locally as picón, helped trap moisture from dew and protected the soil from evaporation in Lanzarote’s dry climate.
To protect each vine from strong Atlantic winds, farmers dug deep circular hollows into the volcanic ash and built curved stone walls around them. Thousands of these small semicircular walls spread across the landscape creating one of Lanzarote’s most recognisable views. The result is both practical and visually extraordinary, transforming the volcanic terrain into a productive wine-growing region.
The Malvasía grape is particularly associated with Lanzarote wine and produces fresh white wines that are popular across the Canary Islands. Many wineries in La Geria offer tastings where visitors can sample local wines while overlooking the volcanic vineyards. Several bodegas also contain small museums explaining the region’s history and traditional agricultural methods.
Driving through La Geria is one of the highlights of visiting Lanzarote. Roads pass between volcanic cones, lava fields and vineyards with regular viewpoints across the dramatic landscape. The area also reflects the influence of the artist and architect César Manrique, who strongly supported preserving Lanzarote’s traditional architecture and natural scenery.
For many visitors, La Geria represents the ingenuity of Lanzarote’s inhabitants — transforming one of Europe’s harshest volcanic landscapes into a unique and surprisingly beautiful wine-producing region.
Website of Wines Tours Lanzarote (tour company):
https://winetourslanzarote.com
Google map (La Geria wine region)
Google map – Bodeguita Vega Volcán 4.9/5
Google map – La Bodeguita del Tablero 4.8/5
Google map – Bodega Los Bermejos 4.6/5
Google map – Bodega La Geria 4.3/5
Google map – Bodegas El Grifo 4.3/5