Lanzarote is one of the seven main Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and it is famous for its volcanoes, lava fields, and viticulture. Due to the volcanic and fruitful soil in the region, viticulture has long been established within the area. La Geria, also known as Lanzorate Wine Route, is the wine region of the island and is located in the south.
La Geria is essentially a funnel-shaped hollow that is several meters deep, going down into the volcanic soil.
The name of these hollows is ”geria”. Grape vines are planted in the center of the hollows, then a crescent-shaped lapilli wall is built to protect the plant against the wind. Lapilli, Latin for ”little stones”, is a droplet of molten that falls out of the air when a volcano erupts. The local farmers use this traditional cultivation method to protect the plant and to conserve the moisture in the soil.
The eruption of the Timanfaya in 1730 covered the soil with dried lava and changed the orography of the region forcing farmers to change their ways of cultivation. Since then, the wine has been produced in the region. The oldest working winery in the land dates back to 1775.
These lined-up gerias, together with the contrasting colors on the land, create a unique landscape that is special to Lanzarote. The vineyard is on the list of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
