Vineyard
The cultivation of wine on Lanzarote is something else, some might think impossible!
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 imposible. Instead, they pressed on, developing more traditional methods of cultivation.
Single vines are planted in ‘picon’ pits (crushed volcanic stone) 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 protected 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 which is used to make dessert wine.
Wine at Finca Malvasia
Finca Malvasia is a thriving, working vineyard of 20,000 square metres in the heart of the La Geria wine region. Finca Malvasia produces on average 6,000 kilos of grapes per year. The grapes grown here are sold to the local Bermejo bodega - possibly the finest wine producer on the island. Each of our private apartments comes with a complimentary bottle of Bermejo and additional bottles are available for purchase from the honesty bar.
Harvest time takes place in early August, it's a labour intensive time as all the grapes are hand picked.
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 - enjoy!
While, Finca Malvasia is a working vineyard you are welcome to take a relaxing stroll across the vineyard to the orchard on the far side where here you will find an abundance of fig trees. Within the vineyard you will also locate hammocks, provided for guests comfort and relaxation. With the dramatic volcanic backdrop it's the ultimate place to chill-out with a book and unwind.
