Returning to the Canary Islands for a day in port was a perfect opportunity to visit Tenerife wineries. Before arriving in port at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, I had booked a reservation for us at Bodegas Monje. The Monje family has been dedicated to winemaking since 1750. The winery was founded in 1956, and is located in El Sauzal, in an area called La Hollera. The winery, at 600 metres above sea level, has a panoramic view of vineyards, mountains, and sea. That February day after we landed in port we took a half hour taxi ride to the winery.
After eight days at sea, from Rio to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we enjoyed our taxi ride from the cruise port to Bodegas Monje.
Bodegas Monje, Tenerife© Spaswinefood
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| Old Vines, Bodegas Monje Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
Our wine tasting on the patio allowed us to take in awesome vineyard and sea views.
The wines produced from the traditional grape varieties grown at Bodegas Monje are also influenced by the volcanic terroir where they grow. Bodegas Monje produces mostly red wines. Their wines have been described as having attractive colors, mineral and fruity aromas, fresh, full, full of life. In short, they showcase their sense of place. We enjoyed being introduced to Bodegas Monje wines, which are produced from grape varieties native to the region.
I have read that their distinctive red, rosé wines pair beautifully with the rich gastronomy of the Canary Islands. During our tasting the four wines were paired with four different local cheeses.
Later, when we toured the bottling area there was a display of the wines produced by Bodegas Monje.
Bodegas Monje Wines © Spaswinefood
Touring Bodegas Monje
After the wine tasting we did a tour of the winery. The tour began outside where the the old vines are planted. We were told that these specific vines were over 200 years old.
After a quick look at the old vines in the vineyards, it was an overview of the winery's history.
Next, we were given an overview of today's operations which included the following:
1. Fermentation Area
2. Wine Aging
3. Bottling Area
All too soon our visit was over and it was time to return to Santa Cruz. Off we went in taxi to the cruise port. We had the most delightful visit to Bodegas Monte near Tacotonte. Most Tenerife wineries are located in the north of the island, around Tacoronte, La Orotava, and Icod de los Vinos. Join me in the sharing of wine adventures from Canary Islands and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
Cheers
Last year, 2025, when we visited Tenerife and I wrote the following two posts:
2. Our stop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands included some wine exploration
