It’s impossible to visit Lanzarote without discovering its wines and the techniques used to successfully grow grapes on this arid volcanic land!
One of our favorite places on the island to discover this process is Bodega El Grifo.
Here are our practical tips for planning your visit to the El Grifo museum in Lanzarote.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Is a visit to the El Grifo museum worthwhile?
Yes, the El Grifo vineyard museum is well worth a visit.
We loved the mix of beautiful vines in front of the volcano, the museum with explanations of the different stages, the little cactus garden, and of course the tasting…
You can also book a guided tour with a tasting to learn more – see program and notices (in Spanish, English and Italian).
This is one of Lanzarote’s must-sees.
What you can see
Admire the vineyards and the volcano
The best-known vineyard in Lanzarote is La Geria, but we fell in love with El Grifo. The vines are a little less in circles, so typical of the island of Lanzarote, but the place is magnificent.
We love the volcano at the top of the slope with its red color. It was so photogenic!
In the photo above, you can clearly see the two wall techniques used to protect against the wind: in-line and circular.
This is one of the most beautiful vineyards on Lanzarote, in our opinion.
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El Grifo winery
El Grifo is the oldest winery in the Canary Islands and one of the 10 oldest in Spain.
It’s part of the large protected La Geria Natural Park, but not in the center, where the most visited vineyards are located.
The current owners bought it in 1880. Today, the fifth generation is at the helm.
We love their logo and the way they’ve placed metallic versions of it against the white walls of traditional buildings.
César Manrique created the El Grifo winery logo: a griffin, a mythological animal half eagle, half lion.
He also designed the label for the semi-sweet wine because it was his favorite.
The museum and its facilities
The museum is housed in the old cellars. The buildings are typical of Lanzarote, with thick walls of volcanic rock covered in white lime.
The ceilings have wide beams salvaged from beached ships.
In the museum, you can discover the many machines and equipment used in wine-making, including different models of wine presses.
These are the same as on mainland Europe, but as the island was isolated, they were used later and better preserved.
The museum continues with different types of tools and equipment used in wine-making.
It’s a good way of showing how techniques have evolved over time.
Outdoor tour
You then leave the buildings (watch out for the beating sun!) to explore a path that leads you to discover the installation of vines on the lava rock.
It’s really impressive.
Volcanic cones can already be seen all around.
Next, we see huge slabs of dried lava. We love this view, it’s always impressive, and a post-apocalypse effect.
Follow the white stone path…
You’ll discover different structures on the 60 ha of land: semi-circular walls, straight walls and some larger circular structures.
As the Phylloxera parasite has never reached the island, some Muscat plants are between 100 and 200 years old.
Production is low: around 1000 kg per hectare.
The cactus garden
And, right next to the buildings, a small cactus garden has also been laid out. It’s not quite as impressive as Lanzarote’s famous cactus garden(see photos), but it’s still very pleasant, with some fun species.
We never miss a chance to admire cacti!
Wine tastings at Bodega El Grifo
El Grifo wine bottles are beautiful and their products excellent.
Emmanuel, the family wine lover, was really surprised and impressed.
There’s plenty of choice for you.
You can simply visit the store and some of the products, or you can pay to enter the museum and do some tasting.
They offer different entry prices depending on the number of wines you wish to taste.
And best of all, they’ve created different areas for you to sit and enjoy the tasting. It’s very pleasant and not a tourist machine.
You can also book a guided tour with a tasting to learn more – see program and notices (in Spanish, English and Italian).
Bodega El Grifo in Lanzarote: how to get there
Where to find El Grifo
- In the heart of the island of Lanzarote
- Puerto del Carmen to El Grifo = 15min drive
- Playa Blanca to El Grifo = 30min drive
- Costa Teguise to El Grifo = 22min drive
Access by car and parking
Easy access by car along the main road in the center of the island: TZ-30.
La Bodega is well indicated.
There’s a good-sized tarmac parking lot.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
Access by public transport or organized tour
The location is not easily accessible by public transport.
We didn’t find any organized tours from the coastal towns.
Visiting difficulties
The tour is fairly easy, mainly on one level with no particular difficulties.
Practical tips for visiting the El Grifo museum
Schedules and prices
Open daily from 10am to 5:30pm.
Museum price: 5 euros or more with tastings.
They offer complete experiences with tasting and oenology lessons.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow at least 1 hour
Best moment
The museum is a good place to visit when it’s too hot to get away from it all.
Don’t drink and drive!
Direction of visit
Follow the museum’s directions or book one of their guided tours.
See options.
Visiting with children
It’s not a child-friendly activity.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities
- Dolphin watching
- Buggy / Quad
- Kayak excursion
- But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, Parasailing
Eating out
There is no restaurant on site. Just wine tasting.
Discover our selection of the best restaurants in Lanzarote.
Hotels
There are no hotels at the Bodega. You’re right in the heart of the island, and most accommodations are along the west coast.
Here are our recommendations:
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Our favorite: Hotel Cala Lanzarote – See prices, photos and availability
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