One of Tenerife’s most unique vineyard traditions is now a step closer to receiving official cultural protection…
And honestly, it’s about time.
A Vineyard System Found Nowhere Else
The traditional braided cordon vine system used in the La Orotava Valley could soon be officially recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) — the highest level of heritage protection in Spain.
The cultivation method has been used in the valley for more than:
🍇 300 years
And is considered one of the most distinctive vineyard systems in the world.
Strong Support for Recognition
The Cultural Heritage Council of the Canary Islands Government has now issued a favourable opinion supporting the recognition process.
This marks one of the final stages before official approval.
The initiative was originally promoted by:
📍 La Orotava
📍 Los Realejos
📍 Puerto de la Cruz
With support from the:
🍷 D.O. Valle de La Orotava
A Process Decades in the Making
Efforts to protect the braided cordon system actually began over twenty years ago.
Research and documentation included:
- Interviews with local farmers
- Vineyard studies across the valley
- Historical and agricultural analysis
- Collaboration with winemakers and agricultural specialists
All aimed at preserving a technique passed down through generations.
What Makes the System So Special?
Unlike standard vineyard methods, the vines are trained into long braided formations raised above the ground.
The branches are intertwined together using traditional materials such as:
🌿 Banana fibre
🌾 Reed
🪢 Natural raffia
🧵 Cotton
The result creates the dramatic vineyard landscapes the valley is famous for.
And if you’ve ever driven through La Orotava’s wine region…
You’ve probably noticed they look completely different from vineyards anywhere else.
More Than Agriculture
The braided cordon system isn’t just about wine production.
It’s also considered:
🇮🇨 Part of Tenerife’s cultural identity
🌄 A defining landscape feature
👨🌾 A living agricultural tradition
Still used in more than 70% of active vineyards in the valley today.
A Tradition Under Pressure
Despite its cultural value, the system has faced increasing pressure in recent years from:
- Easier modern cultivation methods
- Rising labour costs
- Land use changes
Which is partly why local institutions pushed for protected heritage status.
Worth Knowing
Some traditions survive because they’re efficient.
Others survive because people refuse to let them disappear.
The braided vineyards of La Orotava probably fall into the second category.