Lanzarote Volcanic Vineyards
Both the Azores and Canaries have developed a unique form of viticulture in a very inhospitable region. It’s hard to imagine that someone can grow anything but the most rugged crop in the rocky, volcanic soil. Grape vines were the last thing I expected to crisscross the region. However, ingenious vintners have done just that — they created an environment where grapes not only grow, but thrive. This form of deep-root horticulture called “arenado” is unique to Lanzarote. Small semi-circular walls called “zoco” are made from black lava stones that protect a single vine, providing a barrier against strong trade winds. It’s a labor-intensive form of cultivation as each crater holds one vine, making hand-picked grapes the only option for harvesting. I did not anticipate a wine-tasting on our mid-Atlantic stop, but it was delicious and historically fascinating.
An example of the unique horticulture that has developed in response to volcanic eruptions and the dramatic shift in the ground soil, Bodegas Rubicón, Lanzarote
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WINTER 2022
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