Tacoronte: Guided Winery Tour with Wine and Cheese Tastings

Discover Authentic Canary Wines and Cheeses on a Guided Tour at Bodegas Monje

If you’re visiting Tenerife and craving a taste of the island’s wine culture, the Tacoronte winery tour with wine and cheese tastings offers an excellent introduction. For around $39 per person, you’ll get a 2-hour journey through a family-run vineyard with a knowledgeable guide, tasting four unique Canary wines paired with artisan cheeses. The tour begins at Bodegas Monje in El Sauzal, a charming winery that has been producing wine since 1750, offering plenty of history along with your tastings.

What we really love about this experience are the stunning views over the coast—a perfect backdrop for wine tasting—and the chance to sample wines made from volcanic soil grapes that you won’t find anywhere else. The pairing of local cheeses makes each sip of wine even more memorable. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour moves fairly quickly, so if you’re keen on a deep dive into vineyard fields or detailed technical explanations, this might feel a little rushed.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy authentic, hands-on experiences with a mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and delicious tastings. Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious about Canary Island traditions, you’ll find this tour engaging and worthwhile.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Historic Family Winery: One of the oldest wineries in Tenerife, operating since 1750.
• Unique Canary Grapes: Learn about the volcanic soil influence on local grape varieties.
• Delicious Pairings: Four wines paired with four artisan cheeses from the Canary Islands.
• Stunning Coastal Views: Enjoy the scenic vistas during your visit.
• Informative Guides: Guides are knowledgeable and make the experience engaging.
• Accessible & Flexible: Wheelchair accessible and free cancellation options.

An In-Depth Look at the Bodegas Monje Winery Tour

Setting the Scene: A Family-Run Winery with a Long History

Starting at Bodegas Monje in El Sauzal, the tour welcomes you into a setting that combines tradition with natural beauty. The family-owned winery has a history stretching back over 250 years, and guides share stories that connect you to the land, the vines, and the family legacy. As you walk through the estate, you’ll notice the lush vineyards perched above the coast, offering picturesque views that make the wine-tasting experience all the more enjoyable.

Many reviews highlight the charm of the location—“The location, tour, and service was amazing”—and the sense that you’re experiencing something genuinely authentic. The owners’ pride in their craft is evident, making it clear that these wines are more than just beverages; they’re a piece of Tenerife’s identity.

Exploring Canary Wine: What Makes It Special

One of the main attractions of this tour is learning what makes Canary wines unique. The volcanic soil of the island lends a distinctive minerality and character to the grapes. Guides often emphasize how grapes like Listán Negro, used in the barrel-aged wine you’ll sample, are adapted to the island’s terrain, resulting in flavors you might not find elsewhere.

Reviews consistently mention the “carbonaceous wine Hollera” as a highlight—an unusual wine made through carbonic maceration process, which imparts a fresh, sappy flavor. As Noora states, “the view and the location was so nice that I stayed for lunch also”, showing how the setting can turn a simple tasting into a full experience.

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The Tasting Experience: Four Wines Paired with Artisan Cheeses

The core of the tour is a guided tasting of four local wines, each paired with a different type of artisan goat cheese from the Canary Islands. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Dragoblanco: A young, white wine paired with fresh goat cheese from Tenerife, offering a crisp, light start.
• Hollera: A red wine made via carbonic maceration, complemented by smoked goat cheese from La Palma. Many reviewers, like Luis, mention how “the best goat cheeses I’ve ever tasted” made the pairing stand out.
• Monje Tradicional: A semi-cured, peppery red wine matched with goat cheese from Fuerteventura, balancing fruitiness and spice.
• Listán Negro: A barrel-aged red wine paired with cured goat and sheep milk cheeses from Gran Canaria, showcasing the depth and aging potential of island reds.

Reviews praise the deliciousness of the pairings, often noting how well the cheeses complement each wine. Many visitors comment on the “really nice” wine choices and how the tasting elevates their appreciation of Canary wines.

The Guided Tour: Educational and Entertaining

The guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enrich the experience by sharing stories about the family history, vineyard practices, and winemaking techniques. Several reviews mention Caleb, who is described as “so knowledgeable” and makes the tour both fun and informative.

While some reviewers wish for a bit more detail about each wine or a walk through the vineyard, the overall consensus is positive. The tour’s duration of around 2 hours strikes a good balance—enough time to learn and taste without feeling rushed.

The Scenic View and Atmosphere

One of the real perks of this experience is the setting. The winery’s balcony or terrace views overlook the coast, making it an ideal place to relax after the tastings. Several reviews mention sticking around for lunch or just soaking in the scenery.

On a clear day, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas that make each sip of wine taste even better. It’s a reminder that good wine is about more than just the flavors—it’s about the environment and the experience.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers live guides in Spanish and English, making it manageable for most visitors. It starts at 11:00 AM or 4:00 PM on weekends, with other days potentially having different times—always check availability in advance.

The cost of $39 per person is quite reasonable given the quality of the wines, the beautiful setting, and the insightful guides. The experience includes wine and cheese tastings, but note that additional food or drinks are not included, so you might want to plan for a meal afterward.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wine enthusiasts, lovers of local cuisine, and those seeking scenic, authentic experiences. If you appreciate stories about family-run businesses, enjoy learning about wine production, or simply want a relaxing afternoon with beautiful views, this tour will appeal. It also suits those who value guided insights—many reviews mention how guides make the experience lively and educational.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?

For a modest price, the Bodegas Monje winery tour offers a well-rounded taste of Tenerife’s viticultural heritage. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of what makes Canary wines special—thanks to the volcanic soil and unique grape varieties—and a full belly of artisan cheeses that complement each sip.

The scenic beauty and friendly guides make this a memorable part of any Tenerife itinerary. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for an approachable, authentic, and flavorful experience that combines education, culture, and spectacular views.

If you’re a lover of wine, cheese, or simply a traveler who enjoys learning about local traditions in an inviting setting, this tour will definitely hit the spot. Just remember, it’s a fairly light tour—perfect for a relaxed afternoon, not a deep dive into vineyard management.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time to enjoy the tasting and learn about the winery without feeling rushed.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides are available in both Spanish and English, with live commentary that’s engaging and easy to follow.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the winery is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for travelers with mobility needs.

What is included in the price?
The price covers wine and cheese tastings. Additional food or drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you want a full meal afterward.

Are there specific tasting wines I should expect?
Yes, you’ll taste four wines: a young white (Dragoblanco), a carbonic maceration red (Hollera), a semi-cured red (Monje Tradicional), and a barrel-aged red (Listán Negro).

Can I visit the vineyards themselves?
While the tour primarily focuses on the winery and tasting areas, some reviews mention wishing for a walk through the vineyards, which might be optional or available in other tours.

Is this tour suitable for groups?
Yes, it works well for individual travelers, couples, or small groups. The intimate size and friendly guides make it a comfortable experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended if you want to explore the winery grounds or enjoy the scenic views afterward. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for photos.

Final Verdict

This guided winery tour at Bodegas Monje strikes a lovely balance between cultural insight, scenic beauty, and delicious local flavors. It’s accessible, reasonably priced, and offers genuine stories and tastings that will enhance your Tenerife visit. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about Canary Island traditions, this experience is likely to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the land, its grapes, and its cheeses. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon or a highlight of your trip, it’s definitely worth considering if you want a taste of the island’s authentic character.

You can check availability for your dates here: