Volcanic vineyard

VOLCANIC VINEYARD Centuries ago, erupting volcanoes covered the Spanish island of Lanzarote in ash, ending traditional farming but creating a unique environment for grapevines. Although it may not look it, the volcanic ash in the wine-making region of La Geria is very fertile. This nutrition-rich soil combined with warm days and cold nights make this an ideal region for growing grapes.

There is not much rain on Lanzarote, but in La Geria’s vineyards, an ingenious method of cultivating vines ensures that every available drop of moisture reaches the growing plants. Each young vine is placed in a shallow individual pit. Any rainfall or overnight dew is channeled down the sloping walls of the pit to reach the roots of the vine nestling at the bottom. The low, surrounding semicircular stone walls protect the vines from the wind and help prevent the ground from drying out. This technique has been used successfully for many years. Around 10,000 vines grow in the La Geria valley, producing red and white wines. The area is recognized as a Protected Landscape.