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.
Bodegas Monje,Tenerife, Canary Islands © Spaswinefood
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© SpaswinefoodVineyard Across the Way © Spaswinefood
It was even easier to survey the vineyard at the winery. I took in some of the vineyard views before entering the winery.
Vineyard Entrance at Winery © Spaswinefood
Bodegas Monje is nestled in the stunning landscape of Tenerife, with breathtaking views of Mount Teide.
Views of Mount Teide (Top Left) © Spaswinefood
Vineyard's Old Vines © Spaswinefood
 |
| Old Vines, Bodegas Monje Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
A Closer Look: Old Vines © Spaswinefood
The day we visited was perfect for taking in the vineyard views, all the way to the ocean's edge.Taking in the Views: Bodegas Monje Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Those Vineyard Vines, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
Wine Tasting at Bodegas Monje
We did a wine tasting before touring the winery's operations. The Monje family proudly continues a five-generation legacy of winemaking. Their wines are made primarily from Listán Negro, Listán Blanco, Negramoll, Tintilla, Vijariego negra and Marmajuelo grapes. These varieties have unique characteristics that clearly define their wines. The winery also experiments with other grapes. All of grapes are pre-phylloxera, which make them an ancestral legacy.
On the patio overlooking the vineyard we tasted four wines.
Wine Tasting on the Patio © Spaswinefood
The first two wines introduced were a white and rosé (Bodegas Monje, Drago Bianco Seco & Bibano Rosado).Wine Time, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
Bodegas Monje Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood
Monje, Bibano Rosado, & Drago Bianco Seco, Isla Canarias DO
Bodegas Monje, Bibano Rosado & Drago Bianco Seco © Spaswinefood
Monje, Bibano Rosado, Isla Canarias DO © Spaswinefood
Drago Bianco Seco, Isla Canarias DOP © Spaswinefood
Monje, Bibano Rosado & Drago Bianco Seco, Isla Canarias DOP Wine & Sex, Monje: Rosado & Drago Bianco Seco Wines © Spaswinefood
Next, we tasted two Bodegas Monje red wines.
Monje, Listán Negro & Tradicional Tinto (Listan Negro), Isla Canarias DOP
Bodegas Monje, Listán Negro, Isla Canarias DOP © Spaswinefood
Monje, Listán Negro (backlabel)© Spaswinefood
Monje, Tradicional Tinto (Listan Negro) © Spaswinefood
Monje, Tradicional Tinto (Listan Negro) backlabel © Spaswinefood
It was a most delightful wine tasting.
Wine tasting, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
Our wine tasting on the patio allowed us to take in awesome vineyard and sea views.Vineyard & Sea Views, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
Wine Tasting, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
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.
Local Cheeses, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
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.
Ancient Vines, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
Explaining Bodegas Monje's Old Vines © Spaswinefood
After a quick look at the old vines in the vineyards, it was an overview of the winery's history.
Bodegas Monje's Old Barrels © Spaswinefood
Into to Wine History © Spaswinefood
Bodegas Monje's Old Wines © Spaswinefood
Next, we were given an overview of today's operations which included the following:
1. Fermentation Area
Fermentation Tanks, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
2. Wine Aging
Down to the Barrel Room © Spaswinefood
Barrel Room © Spaswinefood
Bodegas Monje's Wine Barrels © Spaswinefood
Bottling Area, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
4. New Project: Craft Beer
During our tour we were also introduced to their new project, making craft beer, which they started during the pandemic.
Bodegas Monje Craft Beer © Spaswinefood
5. Events Area
We concluded our tour in the Events Area. It must be fun to attend an event here.
Events Area, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
Exit from Events Area, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
Exit, Bodegas Monje © Spaswinefood
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
Sharon
February 2026
Tenerife, Canary Islands
© Spaswinefood
Onboard Views, Santa Cruz de la Tenerife, March 2025 © Spaswinefood
Bodegas Monje, February 23, 2026 © Spaswinefood
Follow me on Bluesky and Facebook
Bodegas Monje, Tenerife© Spaswinefood
No comments:
Post a Comment