Wine Tasting at Bodegas Teneguia
La Palma, one of the lesser-known gems of the Canary Islands, is home to stunning landscapes, rugged coastlines, and an incredibly rich winemaking tradition. With its volcanic soil and unique climate, the island produces wines with distinctive flavors that are well worth exploring.
During our extended stay on La Palma, we knew we had to experience the local winemaking culture firsthand. So, when our wine-loving friend Thomas visited us in March 2021, we decided it was the perfect moment to tour Bodegas Teneguía. This visit turned into an unforgettable experience of storytelling, history, and of course tasting delicious wines.
Bodegas Teneguia: A winery with History
Located in the village of Fuencaliente, at the southern tip of La Palma, Bodegas Teneguía boasts over 70 years of history. It is one of the island’s most renowned wineries, producing a variety of wines that capture the essence of La Palma’s unique terroir. With around 20 different wines available for tasting, this place is a paradise for wine lovers.
We had already come across Bodegas Teneguía during our stay, having purchased a few bottles from their store. That first encounter led us to a friendly chat with Diego Barrera, who organizes the tours and tastings. His enthusiasm and knowledge left a lasting impression, making it an easy decision to return for a proper guided tour. Plus, the winery was conveniently located near our accommodation.
Booking a wine tour at Bodegas Teneguia
In March 2021, due to Covid restrictions, tours at Bodegas Teneguia were only available by appointment. We booked our spot for Monday, March 15, and ended up in a small group of seven people, including the three of us. The tour, priced at just 10 euros per person, included:
- A walk to a nearby vineyard
- A tour of the wine production facilities
- A tasting session featuring multiple wines
For such a well-rounded experience, the price was an absolute bargain.
Wine tasting at Bodegas Teneguia
Ofcourse we did not leave the premises without some good bottles
Exploring the vineyards of Fuencaliente
The tour began with a short but scenic walk to one of the nearby vineyards, nestled on the southwestern slopes of the San Antonio volcano. This area is where the grapes for Malvasía wine, one of Bodegas Teneguía’s specialties, are cultivated. The volcanic soil, combined with the altitude and sun exposure, creates the perfect conditions for high-quality, naturally sweet wines.
As we stood overlooking the vineyards, Diego explained the significance of Malvasía. This grape variety is cherished for its late harvest, which results in a high sugar content and balanced acidity. The conditions here, dry sunny days and cool nights, allow the grapes to develop a rich, aromatic complexity. According to Thomas, our self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, the Malvasía wine at Bodegas Teneguía is one of the finest he has tasted. To us, it was simply delicious, golden, slightly amber, and full of fruity notes.
Understanding La Palma’s wine regions
Before heading into the winery, Diego gave us a broader perspective on La Palma’s winemaking industry. Using nothing but a stick and the dry volcanic soil, he drew a rough map of the island, pointing out the three main wine-producing regions:
- Fuencaliente (South) – Known for its Malvasía and Listán Prieto grapes
- Mazo (East) – Producing a mix of red and white wines
- Garafía (Northwest) – Home to some of the island’s oldest vineyards
Many wines on La Palma are blends of grapes from different regions, as winemakers often collaborate to produce the best possible results. It was fascinating to see how these small vineyards, scattered across the island, come together to create such a diverse selection of wines.
Bodegas Teneguia
The process of wine making
Inside the winery: From grape to bottle
After our walk, we stepped inside the winery to witness the wine production process. The tour took us through various stages of winemaking:
- Harvesting & Pressing: The freshly picked grapes are carefully sorted and pressed to extract their juice.
- Fermentation: The juice is left to ferment, transforming its sugars into alcohol.
- Aging: Some wines are aged in oak barrels, allowing them to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Bottling & Labeling: The final step before the wine is ready for sale and enjoyment.
We were particularly drawn to the aging room, where rows of wooden barrels held wines that were quietly maturing, soaking in the subtle flavors of oak.
The Grand Finale: Wine tasting at Bodegas Teneguia
Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for: the wine tasting. Diego guided us through the selection, sharing the story behind each bottle. We had the chance to sample several wines, from the classic house red, white, and rosé wines to the more unique varieties, including:
- Los Tabaqueros (White) – A crisp, refreshing wine with citrusy notes
- Listán Prieto (Red) – Made from the island’s historic Mission grape
- Zeus (Sweet Red Wine) – This one became an instant favorite for Ella!
Each wine had its own personality, reflecting the island’s rugged terrain and winemaking heritage. We spent over an hour savoring the different flavors, enjoying Diego’s entertaining anecdotes, and simply soaking in the experience. Of course, we didn’t leave empty-handed, our final bill included far more bottles than we had originally planned.
Why you should visit Bodegas Teneguia
If you find yourself on La Palma, we highly recommend visiting Bodegas Teneguía. The combination of history, scenery, and, most importantly, excellent wine, makes it a fantastic activity on the island. Whether you are a wine expert like Thomas or just someone who enjoys a good glass of red or white, this tour offers something for everyone.
And let’s be honest, what better souvenir to take home than a few bottles of delicious, locally-produced wine?
For more photos and behind-the-scenes moments from our visit, check out our Instagram post and our Polarsteps page! And should you have any questions, let us know here!
Cheers!
The Booming Journey | 21 March 2025 | ©all rights reserved