Volcanic wine starts with a short walk. At El Grifo on Lanzarote, you get a guided circuit through centenary vineyards, a modern cellar, and the original wine cellar dating to 1775, finished with a tasting of three award-winning wines.

I especially like the three-wine tasting with guide-led explanation. It’s not just sip-and-go; you learn what makes the wines and the island’s volcanic vines tick. I also enjoy the contrast between the modern wine cell and the older cellar—two different eras, explained in one smooth route.

The main catch is time: with only 1.5 hours, the vineyard portion moves at a comfortable pace, but it’s not long if you want extra wandering.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Centenary vineyards walk with context on Lanzarote’s original viticulture
• Modern cellar tour explaining El Grifo’s more innovative wine-making approach
• Original 1775 wine cellar that gives the brand real historical weight
• Three award-winning wines tasted with on-the-spot guidance
• Red wine inclusion like Syrah (when offered in the tasting lineup) for fans who don’t want to stick to white
• English/Spanish live guide with the tour flow built around conversation, not a lecture

Why El Grifo’s 1.5-Hour Wine Cellar Tour Makes Sense

If you’re short on time but still want a real Lanzarote wine experience, this is a smart fit. You’re not just seeing buildings—you’re walking century-old vineyards, then connecting that heritage to how the wines are made in today’s facilities.

At a price point of about $28 per person for roughly 1.5 hours, the value comes from two things: the guided vineyard + cellar context, and the fact that the tasting is included (three wines). For many people, that’s the difference between a quick stop and a tour you actually remember.

Also, the brand has a strong reputation score: a 4.8 average rating (based on 59 ratings). That’s not a guarantee, but it does suggest the experience lands well for most visitors.

Start in the Centenary Vineyards (Volcanic Vines, Practical Perspective)

The tour kicks off with a walk through century-old vineyards, where your guide explains what made Lanzarote’s early growing methods distinctive. This part is worth paying attention to because it’s where the island’s wine logic becomes clear.

Lanzarote’s vines are famous for being shaped by a tough environment, and your guide ties that into the bigger story: these aren’t generic grapes planted in a neat row. The route is meant to show how long-term farming in volcanic conditions leads to a particular style of wine-making.

What I like here is that you’re not stuck indoors first. You get outside, you move at a human pace, and you can actually see how the vineyards fit into the story. The review snippets you’ll likely hear from others often focus on the walking element—people tend to enjoy the chance to be in the vineyard rather than watching everything through a window.

One practical note: wear comfortable shoes. This is a stroll, but it’s still a vineyard setting, and the ground can be uneven.

The Modern Wine Cellar: How Today’s Techniques Follow Old Roots

After the vineyards, you shift into the modern wine cellar. This is where the tour becomes less about the past and more about the “how.” Your guide points out the key to El Grifo’s innovative elaboration of its wines.

Think of this as the bridge between two worlds. In the vineyard segment, you learn the conditions and the origins. In the modern cellar, you learn how winemaking choices respond to those conditions. You start to understand why certain flavors and styles show up the way they do.

This is also where a good guide really matters. Based on guide feedback (including an energetic guide named Jacky, mentioned for strong energy and passion), the best sessions don’t treat the cellar like a checklist. They explain what you’re seeing, then connect it back to what you’ll taste later.

If you’re hoping for hands-on stuff like pressing grapes or bottling—don’t assume that. The tour is described as a guided route with explanations and tasting, so it’s more “learn and taste” than “work the machinery.”

Visiting the Original Winery Founded in 1775

Then you go to the standout historical stop: the original wine cellar founded in 1775. This part gives the whole outing more weight. You’re not only learning how wine is made—you’re standing somewhere with a long timeline behind it.

Why it’s valuable: when a winery has a named origin that far back, it changes the feel of the tour. Instead of treating wine culture as a modern trend, you see it as something grown, adapted, and preserved. The 1775 cellar works like a time marker in the route, and your guide’s explanation helps you connect the old methods and the long relationship between the people of Lanzarote and their vines.

I also like that the tour doesn’t freeze in history. It uses history to make the tasting more meaningful—because the wines you taste aren’t presented as random bottles. They’re framed as the result of both inherited conditions and ongoing choices.

The Three-Wine Tasting: What to Look for and How to Enjoy It

The tasting is the payoff. You get a tasting of three of El Grifo’s most awarded wines, guided by your host.

Here’s how to make this portion more enjoyable: treat it like a mini class with your senses. Don’t worry about getting everything “right.” Just listen for the guide’s explanation, then compare it to what you’re picking up in the glass.

From the information provided, the tour includes volcanic wines and includes red options in the lineup—one review specifically called out Syrah as part of the red wine tasting experience. If Syrah matters to you, I’d ask your guide during the session if it’s included in your particular tasting selection (since tasting lineups can vary by group and timing).

Also, pace yourself. Three wines sounds short, but it adds up quickly once aromas and explanations are part of the mix. If you’re planning a longer day, I’d keep that in mind and avoid scheduling anything intense right after.

The tasting isn’t described as paired with food, so the experience leans on wine alone. That’s fine. For many people, it keeps things simple and focused: you pay attention to the wines themselves instead of splitting your brain between snacks and sips.

Price, Duration, and Planning: Getting Value From 90 Minutes

Let’s talk practical value. At about $28 per person and around 1.5 hours, you’re buying a tight package: vineyard walk, modern cellar, original 1775 cellar, and tasting.

Is it “worth it” if you’ve only got a short window on Lanzarote? Yes, especially if you care about learning what you’re drinking. Without the guide, a cellar visit can turn into a quick photo stop. With the guided format, you get the “why” behind the vines and the winemaking choices, plus the three-wine tasting included.

The duration is the trade-off. You will not get a long, slow wander. You’re moving through multiple parts of the property—vineyard outdoors, then indoor cellar spaces—so the experience stays dynamic rather than leisurely.

Timing note: start times can vary, and you’ll want to check availability for what works best for your day. If you want to connect this tour to other Lanzarote experiences, try to schedule it when you’re not rushing from one thing to another immediately afterward.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Longer)

This is a strong pick for:

• Wine beginners who want context without getting stuck in technical jargon
• People who want a balanced mix of outdoor vineyards and cellar history
• Travelers who like guided pacing and a guided tasting format
• Fans of island wine styles, especially those curious about volcanic vine influences

You might look for a longer, slower wine experience instead if:

• You’re hoping for lots of free time roaming the vineyards on your own
• You want a deeper, multi-hour focus on cellar methods beyond what fits in a short tour
• You prefer tasting menus with food pairings (this experience is described as a three-wine tasting without adding extra components)

If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t sure about wine, this also works well because the route includes the vineyards and the historic cellar. It’s not only about the drink; it’s about place.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few small things make a noticeable difference.

• Wear comfortable shoes. The route includes vineyard walking.
• Plan on staying present during the explanation parts. The real value is the connection your guide makes between volcanic vines, winemaking choices, and what you taste.
• If you’re a red wine fan, remember that Syrah has been part of the tasting lineup in at least one tour experience. If that matters, ask.
• Don’t plan your next activity like you’re totally sober-sprinter mode. Three wines plus conversation can hit faster than you think.

Should You Book This El Grifo Wine Cellar Tour?

I’d book it if you want a focused Lanzarote wine experience in about 90 minutes—especially if you like the idea of combining centenary vineyards, the modern cellar, and the 1775 original cellar, then finishing with a guided three-wine tasting.

Skip it (or pair it with something else) if you’re the type who wants hours of independent vineyard wandering or a tasting that lasts much longer than three pours. In that case, you might still enjoy El Grifo, but you’d likely want a more extended format.

If your goal is simple—walk the vines, learn how the wines are made, and taste three award-winning examples with a live guide—this tour checks the boxes with solid value and an experience that stays lively from start to finish.

FAQ

How long is the El Grifo wine cellar tour with tasting?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

How many wines are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste three wines as part of the experience.

Is the tasting included in the price?

Yes. The experience includes a tasting of three wines.

What languages are the live guides available in?

The live guide is offered in English and Spanish.

Where does the tour take place?

It takes place at BODEGAS EL GRIFO SA in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes, since the tour includes walking through vineyard areas.

Are pets allowed?

No pets are allowed on this tour.

Are there different starting times?

Starting times can vary, so you’ll need to check availability to see what’s offered.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is reserve and pay later available?

Yes. You can reserve your spot and pay nothing today.