La Geria, the “Land of the Funnel”, is one of the most famous wine-growing areas on the island of Lanzarote. The unique stretch of land was recognized as a total work of art by the Museum of Modern Art in New York in the 1960s and has long been known for its delicious wines. La Geria not only invites you to a variety of culinary adventures, but also offers beautiful scenery.
The wine-growing region of La Geria
The wine-growing region of La Geria extends over a length of about 15 kilometres inland and is located between the towns of Yaiza and San Bartolomé on the edge of the Timanfaya National Park. With a total area of 5255 hectares, it offers unique conditions that have been used by the locals for centuries for viticulture.
The secret of viticulture in La Geria lies in the use of volcanic ash. During two volcanic eruptions in the years 1730 to 1736, thick layers of volcanic ash, also known as lapilli layers, were deposited on the soils of La Geria. Over the next few decades, local farmers succeeded in developing a novel method for fertilizing the ash-covered soils. The farmers dug funnel-shaped hollows, planted individual vines and covered the roots again with volcanic ash. The thick layers of lapilli allowed the vines to grow in the dry conditions of the Canarian climate by storing water from the air and making it available to the plants throughout the day. Even today, the winegrowers in La Geria use this centuries-old method.
The landscape of La Geria is therefore characterized by numerous lush green vines, which are protected by the lava boulders arranged in a semicircle. This landscape creates an impressive and poignant atmosphere, especially on hot summer days.
Directions and travel tips
La Geria can be reached from various places on Lanzerote. However, it is advisable to start in the coastal town of Puerto del Carmen, a good ten kilometres away – there is a variety of accommodation for tourists here. From there, a scenic drive inland begins, gradually revealing the unique landscape of the La Geria wine-growing region. On the edge of the well-developed roads there are numerous “bodegas” (in German: wine cellars) where interested people from all over the world can taste the delicious wine of La Geria. Often, excellent traditional dishes are also served.
In addition, the region of La Geria also offers a wide range of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. La Geria has been a popular training area for decades, especially among cyclists: the picturesque roads and the hilly landscape offer ideal conditions to explore the limits of one’s own physical performance. But even less athletically inclined visitors get their money’s worth in La Geria: A hike through the beautiful vineyards of La Geria not only offers the perfect opportunity to get to know the unique wine-growing region in all its facets, but also allows you to really switch off.
Result:
La Geria, in Lanzarote , is a wine-growing area of exceptional beauty and cultural importance. Thanks to a unique cultivation method, local winegrowers have been able to make the most of the difficult conditions for viticulture for centuries. Visitors not only have the opportunity to taste the delicious wines in the many local bodegas, but also the opportunity to explore a diverse landscape. A trip to Lanzarote in the wine-growing region of La Geria is therefore definitely worth it!
