You might not immediately think of Tenerife and fine wine in the same sentence if you’ve only ever visited the south for a week of sun and a few cold beers.
But the truth is, the island has been producing wine for centuries…long before the first all-inclusive hotel ever opened its doors.
And recently those wines had their moment in the spotlight.
At the 11th Macarfi Guide Gala in Madrid, Tenerife wines were given centre stage at one of Spain’s most respected gastronomic events. The gala took place at the Círculo de Bellas Artes and attracted around 500 guests, including more than 200 chefs, along with restaurant owners, food journalists and various big names from the Spanish food world.
Not a bad audience to impress.
According to Valentín González, the Island Council’s Councillor for the Primary Sector, Wines of Tenerife had their own tasting and exhibition space during the event. More than 25 different wines from wineries across the island were presented, representing all of Tenerife’s official designations of origin.
In other words…a proper showcase of what the island can actually produce.
Now, if you’ve never tried Tenerife wine, it’s a little different from what you might be used to. The island’s volcanic soil, changing microclimates and native grape varieties give the wines a character that’s pretty unique. Some of them are excellent…some are a bit unusual… but that’s part of the charm.
And that uniqueness is exactly what caught the attention of the chefs and experts attending the gala.
The Macarfi Guide itself has become one of the most influential restaurant guides in Spain. It relies on the independent opinions of thousands of food experts and has gradually built a reputation as a trusted reference for both professionals and serious food lovers.
Interestingly, from 2026 the guide will also begin covering the Canary Islands, starting with Tenerife.
Which makes the island’s appearance at the gala even more relevant.
According to González, events like this help position Tenerife as more than just a holiday destination. The aim is to strengthen the island’s reputation as a serious gastronomic destination, where the product, the territory and the people behind it all come together.
In simple terms…good food, good wine and a bit of volcanic magic.
And if that gets more people discovering Tenerife wines, I’d say that’s no bad thing.
In simple terms…good food, good wine and a bit of volcanic magic…Cheers 🍷
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