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I boarded a small van with a
group of strangers. We exchanged
pleasantries and discovered that we were all
in Tenerife on the Canary Islands for different
reasons, some for pleasure others for business
and me for a little of both. But it was our shared
love of wine that was the reason for our paths
crossing on this impromptu tour.
We set out toward the Sauzal region of Northern
Tenerife, and the views were breathtaking, at
times you could see the snow-capped peak of
the Teide peering through the clouds. When we
reached la Casa del Vino (the House of Wine)
and I stepped onto the cobbled streets of this
quiet village I felt like I had flown back to Europe
— even the climate had changed.
In between the lush forest only mere pops
of color from neighboring villas could
be seen, whether from their terracotta
roofs or from the laundry that waved
on traditional clotheslines.
THE CORD THAT
CONNECTS US
Through the doors of the 17th
century finca (farmhouse) we
entered and were welcomed
warmly. It was the perfect
start of the day, as this
vinoteca-cum-museum
does a wonderful job
in telling the story
of Canarian wines.
Tenerife is little known for
its vineyards on Spain’s
mainland, let alone across
the world. Yet, wine has been
grown throughout the island
for centuries. Tenerife’s fertile
soil nourishes several varieties of
grape, including the popular Listán
variety, and the island is home to no
less than five Denominacion de Origen
(D.O.) areas. Our group also learned that
Tenerife developed its own signature viticulture
by creating a system of horizontal braided grapevines,
called el cordon trenzado (the braided cord), which are
on display at Casa del Vino for a closer look.
We made our way to the tasting room, where local wines
are deliciously paired with cheeses. And by the time we
were done looking, tasting and shopping, we had all
congregated at the outdoor terrace, where the sounds
of laughter echoed off the courtyard. Needless to say,
our guide had no problem finding us when it was time
to board the van toward our next location.
FOR THE LOVE OF WHITE WINE
The day was long and the roads were winding, but
the company grew warmer. We visited the Bodega
el Lomo in the region of Tegueste. The winery is
located in the middle of a seven-acre vineyard that
was originally intended for personal consumption.
As you can imagine, our group of jokers had
a field day with this fun fact.
B Y MARI D E ARMAS
“...good
company,
good wine,
good welcome,
can make
good people.”
(Henry VIII, 1.4.6-7)
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