La Geria

La Geria is a viticultural district on the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Spain, known for an unusual vineyard landscape adapted to volcanic, arid conditions. The area is defined by rows of vines planted in pits in the dark volcanic ash and protected by low stone windbreaks.

The landscape contains dozens of small bodegas and tasting rooms and a network of vineyard plots that visitors explore by car or on local wine routes. The visual contrast of black ash, low stone walls and green vine rows is the main attraction for photography, scenic drives and wine tasting.

Farming techniques used here were developed to cope with the island’s dry, windy, volcanic setting and to capture scarce moisture from the soil. The style of cultivation remains the defining feature of the landscape and continues to be used by family-run wineries.

La Geria sits in central-southern Lanzarote in the island’s volcanic zone, adjacent to other volcanic sites and within easy driving distance of Timanfaya-style terrain and the island’s main towns.

• Picón: Volcanic ash locally called picón is spread around vine plants to retain moisture and reduce evaporation in Lanzarote's arid climate.
• Grapes and tastings: The island's main white grape, historically important in the area, is Malvasía and several local bodegas offer tastings and sales on-site.