The Lanzarote Designation of Origin is approaching the final stages of the 2026 grape harvest with optimism, reporting that efforts throughout the year are paying off in the vineyards and wineries. While the harvest is still in progress, predictions suggest a yield exceeding three million kilograms of grapes. This news is particularly uplifting following two previous seasons that underperformed.
Beyond the figures, the Regulatory Council highlights the excellent condition of the grapes and the quality of this year’s crop, which inspires excitement for the production of this vintage. This positive outlook provides a boost for winemakers and vineyard owners, who are key players in a sector that’s showing resilience and continued growth without compromising on quality.
This year has been particularly intense for the Designation of Origin, with training, promotion, and sector support remaining high on the Regulatory Council’s agenda. A practical viticulture training program led by experts Julio Prieto and Emilio Peiró has been implemented, allowing participants to directly apply theoretical knowledge in the vineyards.
The training covered various topics, including respectful pruning, pest management, and efficient irrigation techniques, with hands-on sessions hosted on the island’s farms. Participants gained first-hand experience with the growth of the vines and the results of different practices throughout the growing season.
This training effort included another significant initiative led by winemaker Xabier Kamio, focusing on the Listán Negro grape, a key variety in the region. Attendees learned about its unique traits, and the associated wine tasting featured a range of styles, showcasing the variety’s versatility.
The calendar also included hiking tours to explore Lanzarote’s wine heritage. Three guided routes highlighted the island’s stunning landscapes and the hard work involved in cultivating vineyards under challenging conditions, concluding each hike with tastings from local wineries.
Gastronomy played a significant role too, with the Enogastronomic Experience showcasing four wines from the Designation of Origin, paired with carefully selected local dishes, highlighting the harmony between Lanzarote’s wines and its culinary offerings.
In summer, the much-anticipated event “Once Upon a Vine, Stories Paired with Our Wines” returned. Storyteller Isabel Cabrera took attendees on a nostalgic journey through early 20th century Lanzarote at Bodegas El Grifo, the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, sharing tales of local life and traditions alongside tastings.
In addition to educational and promotional activities, the Regulatory Council continues to support the wine industry through quality control and certification and by assisting wineries and grape growers in accessing aid and regulatory processes to enhance competitiveness.
The council is also active in promoting Lanzarote’s wines both locally and internationally, aiming to establish the island’s winemaking in new markets and maintain its recognition among consumers and professionals.
Moreover, a new initiative, launched in June in collaboration with the Lanzarote Cabildo, aims to strengthen inspections and monitoring for phylloxera, which will enhance the protection of the island’s vital agricultural heritage.
As the grape harvest nears its conclusion with positive results from the year’s activities, the Lanzarote Designation of Origin is preparing for its next major public event.
From 3 to 8 November, the twelfth edition of Malvasía Week will take place, celebrating Lanzarote’s wines through a programme that combines culture, gastronomy, tradition, leisure, and experiences centred around one of the island’s hallmark products.
This event offers a fresh opportunity to connect the public with the wines and highlight the efforts of a sector that, with the dedication of grape growers, winemakers, and institutions, continues to sustain one of the world’s most unique agricultural landscapes, reflecting Lanzarote’s identity in every bottle.
