Malvasía, lava and Atlantic salt – Canarian wines on La Graciosa
Lanzarote is less than 30 minutes away by ferry – and Lanzarote produces some amazing wines. The Malvasíawhich thrives on volcanic lapilli soils, has a mineral character that pairs with the fresh Atlantic fish from La Graciosa just as well as mojo rojo goes with vieja.
Lanzarote: the neighbouring wine region
Viticulture on volcanic ash
Lapilli – the porous volcanic ash from the Timanfaya eruption of 1730–36 – covers large parts of Lanzarote. It retains moisture and protects the soil from evaporation. The winegrowers have developed a unique method to work with this: planting vines in funnel-shaped pits to protect them from the wind. The result: wines with minerality, salty notes and a character found nowhere else in the world.
| Lanzarote wine – facts | |
|---|---|
| Main white grape variety | Malvasía Volcánica – Lanzarote’s flagship variety |
| Character | Dry, mineral, hints of salt, fresh and acidic |
| Other varieties | Diego, Moscatel, Listán Blanco |
| Red wine | Less common – Listán Negro, Negramoll |
| Best-known winery | Bodega La Geria – Lanzarote’s best-known winery |
| DOC | Denominación de Origen Lanzarote |
Which wine goes with which dish?
White – Malvasía – the all-rounder
Malvasía Dry Malvasía is the ideal accompaniment to all that the sea has to offer: Vieja, Sama, Lapas, Arroz Caldoso. The wine’s minerality reflects the salt of the Atlantic. Serve well chilled (8–10 degrees).
Moscatel – sweet and complex
Moscatel de Alejandría from Lanzarote: semi-sweet to sweet, with intense notes of peach and honey. Ideal as an aperitif or with desserts such as bienmesabe (almond cream) or cheese.
Red wine – rare, but good
Lanzarote red wines made from Listán Negro are rare and often out of stock. When available: an interesting discovery to pair with conejo en salmorejo (rabbit) or grilled meat.
Where to get wine on La Graciosa
In almost all restaurants in Caleta del Sebo you can find Lanzarote wines – often only a limited selection, but reliably available. Rosa La Graciosa has the best wine list. El Marinero und Restaurante Enriqueta have a solid selection.
Practical tips
- Always ask: Which Lanzarote wines are currently available?
- Dry Malvasía: the safe first choice with fish
- Take a bottle with you: buy it on Lanzarote, enjoy it on La Graciosa
- Bodega La Geria: open to visitors on Lanzarote if you’re planning a day trip
No – there is no wine-growing on La Graciosa. The wines come from Lanzarote, and occasionally from other Canary Islands.
Conclusion
- Lanzarote Malvasía is the perfect accompaniment to fresh Atlantic fish on La Graciosa.
- Mineral, salty, fresh: a wine that reflects the character of the islands.
- Rosa La Graciosa has the best wine list – ask for the house recommendation there.
This article is based on on-site research by the go-la-graciosa.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026
