A volcanic landscape unique in the world
We find ourselves in the center of the Paisaje Protegido de La Geria, with in the municipality of Tias.
How can an island as dry as Lanzarote produce excellent white wines and sweet wines? The answer is the “geria”, a cone-shaped hollow excavated in natural layers of volcanic gravel several metres deep and in the centre of which a vine is planted, a wall in the shape of a half moon is then built around the vine in order to protect it from the wind. Row after row of these perfect hollows which are tinted green, ochre and black result in a most unique landscape and it helps to justify why Lanzarote has been included in The Unesco World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Wines and wineries recognised internationally
Fruit trees such as the fig tree are also grown in this way, but it is the vine that is the star of the “gerias”. In the Protected Landscape of La Geria are several wineries which sell international award winning wines, like some of the better known wines of the malvasia grape. Underneath these spectacular vineyards is another natural jewel, the cave of Los Naturalistas (Naturalists), which is about 1,600 metres long. Take great care when going into the cave and use a good torch to see the numerous small needles of lava which protrude from its roof.