The major volcanic eruptions which took place around the 1730 's had a major impact on the agricultural ways of Lanzarote life. Grain production had been the main staple of the island agricultural production but with at least a third of the island now covered in lava, the farmers had to look for new ways to cultivate the land.

They turned their attention to wine cultivation. Many thought it would be impossible. Instead, they pressed on, developing more unique and now traditional methods of cultivation.

Single vines are planted in ‘picon’ pits (crushed volcanic ash) about four to five metres wide and one to two metres deep, semi-circular stone walls are placed around each pit. These are called Zocos and can be witnessed across the La Geria wine region. The two main varieties grown on the island are Malvasia, a small sweet green grape and Moscatel, which is the larger of the two and used to make beautiful sweet dessert wine. Across the island, the wine production industry employs around 1,500 people and collectively Lanzarote produces an average of 1.5 million litres of wine annually. Many of the Bodegas along the main La Geria road invite you in to sample the fruits of their labour.

Wine at Finca Malvasia

Finca Malvasia is a working vineyard of 20,000 square metres in the heart of the La Geria wine region. Finca Malvasia produces on average 7,000 kilos of grapes per year. The grapes grown here are sold to the local Vega De Yuco bodega - one of the finest wine producers on the island. Bottles of Vega De Yuco can be ordered for guests to enjoy on arrival. Harvest time takes place in early August, it's a labour intensive time as all the grapes are hand picked.