Tacoronte: Guided Winery Tour with Wine and Cheese Tastings

Canary wine has its own rules, and this tour teaches them fast. At Bodegas Monje in El Sauzal (north Tenerife), you’ll meet a family-run winery whose operation traces back to 1750, then taste four locally made wines paired with four styles of artisan cheese from across the islands.

What I like most is how the tasting feels tied to place, not just poured-and-go. You get clear context on the wines and vineyards, including how volcanic soil shapes what grows here, then you taste pairings that actually make sense on your palate.

One thing to consider: the tour is short, so if you want a long walk through the fields or extra time to ask deep technical questions, you may wish it stretched a bit more.

Key points to know before you go

• Family legacy since 1750 at Bodegas Monje, with history explained during the visit
• Volcanic-soil Canary wine context, so the tastings land better
• Four wine and four cheese pairings across Tenerife and other Canary Islands
• Carbonic maceration Hollera and smoked goat cheese pairing are a standout contrast
• Saturday and Sunday English timing is set at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM
• Views in El Sauzal add a scenic pause when you’re done tasting

Entering Bodegas Monje in El Sauzal, not some generic tasting room

This tour meets at Bodegas Monje in El Sauzal, Tenerife. From the start, the setting does part of the work for you: the winery environment is scenic, and it gives you a quick sense of why people come to north Tenerife for food and wine experiences.

You’re not just ticking a box. The visit is designed as a guided experience that starts with how the winery and vineyards operate, then moves into a focused tasting. It’s a good pace for people who want something richer than a quick drink stop, without committing to a full half day.

Also, you’ll have a live guide in Spanish or English. Some groups have been led by guides like Natalia or Caleb, both praised for storytelling and keeping things light while still explaining the wine.

The 1750 family story: what it means for your tasting

A key part of this experience is the history you hear while you tour the winery grounds and production areas. Bodegas Monje is family-run, and the operation has been running since 1750, which matters because you taste the result of generations of decisions, not just one season’s experiment.

You’ll also get a real sense of what makes Canary wine distinct. The tour emphasizes local grapes and how volcanic soil influences the character of the wines. Even if you’re not a wine geek, that context helps you notice differences instead of just ranking flavors.

One practical note: the visit includes vineyard and production viewpoints, but it’s not presented as a strenuous hike. Think balcony views and winery spaces, with a smooth flow into the tasting.

Canary wine basics you’ll actually use during tastings

This is the part I’d call the translator for non-experts. You’re told enough about how Canary wines are made and what to look for that your glass won’t feel like mystery juice.

Expect discussion around:

• Local grape varieties and how they perform in Canary conditions
• Volcanic soil and why it changes how grapes behave
• The family’s approach to making wine over time

If you’re someone who usually feels lost in wine tours, you’re in the right place. One of the most repeated themes is that the staff explain well, and that the tour format is approachable even if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. One reviewer did flag that English commentary can be quick at times, so if you like slower pacing, ask follow-up questions in the moment.

The four wine tastings, paired with four island cheeses

The best part of the tour is the tasting set. You’ll sample four wines paired with four types of artisan cheese, and the pairings are chosen to highlight contrasts you can taste right away.

Here’s the lineup, in the order you’ll experience it:

1) Dragoblanco with fresh goat cheese (Tenerife)

You start with a young Dragoblanco paired with fresh goat cheese from Tenerife. This pairing is the “set the baseline” moment. Fresh goat cheese tends to stay light and tangy, which helps you notice the wine’s structure without heavy flavors crowding it.

For many people, this is the easiest glass to like immediately because it’s crisp, clean, and not trying to overpower your palate.

2) Hollera red, carbonic maceration, with smoked goat cheese (La Palma)

Next comes Hollera, described in the tour context as going through a carbonic maceration process. It’s paired with smoked goat cheese from La Palma.

This is a fun pairing because you get two very different flavor directions at once:

• the wine’s fruit-forward, expressive texture
• the cheese’s smoky intensity

If you enjoy contrast, this is where your taste buds pay attention. It’s also a great example of why the tour’s pairing style works, because each cheese choice is meant to show you something, not just fill space on a plate.

3) Monje Tradicional young red with semi-cured peppery goat cheese (Fuerteventura)

Then you move to a young red Monje Tradicional, paired with semi-cured peppery goat cheese from Fuerteventura. Semi-cured goat cheese often brings more depth and a slightly firmer bite, while pepper notes add a warm edge.

This pairing tends to feel more “serious” than the first one. It’s a step up in complexity, and it helps you understand how aging style in cheese changes the way wine tastes.

4) Barrel-aged Listán Negro with cured goat and sheep cheese (Gran Canaria)

The tour finishes with a red, barrel-aged Listán Negro, paired with cured goat and sheep milk cheese from Gran Canaria. Barrel-aged reds generally bring more weight and rounded flavors, and cured cheeses add salt, depth, and a lingering finish.

This final pairing is designed to leave you with a strong last impression. If you’re deciding what to buy later in the shop, this is the glass where your preferences usually lock in.

Views and pacing: why the location matters as much as the tasting

A lot of the value here is that the tasting is attached to the environment. This is not a sterile room. People keep calling out the stunning location and the views, and you can see why once you’re there.

The pacing also works. Reviews and guest comments often describe it as short and focused, including balcony viewpoints and winery spaces rather than a long outdoor walk. You get the key parts of the story, then you move into the tastings without feeling delayed.

One practical upside for day plans: it’s 2 hours, so it fits into a Tenerife itinerary without forcing you to rearrange everything else.

And yes, weather can happen. One group mentioned it rained, and they still enjoyed it. That’s a sign the format isn’t totally dependent on perfect sunshine.

Price and value: is $41 worth it?

At $41 per person for a 2-hour guided winery tour with wine and cheese tastings, the value is mostly about what you actually receive.

You’re paying for:

• a guided visit to a working family winery
• the vineyard and production context (so the tastings mean something)
• a tasting lineup of four wines and four paired cheeses

Also, this is one of those experiences where the included food part is real. Additional food and drinks are not included, but the tasting set is the core of the activity, and it’s substantial enough to feel like a meal-adjacent experience.

If you were planning to do a simple wine stop plus buy cheese separately, this can come out more efficient. It’s especially good if you want a structured tasting rather than wandering the shelves yourself.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want something longer)

This is a strong pick if:

• you’re new to Canary wines and want guided context
• you like tastings with actual pairing logic
• you want a short, scenic winery experience without a big fitness demand
• you’re traveling solo or in a small group and want something easy to schedule

You might want a different option if:

• you want extended time walking through grapevines or taking lots of photos outside in a long loop
• you prefer slower, deeper explanations and you don’t like when the guide moves quickly
• you’re looking for a big change of theme, like a beer pairing or a wider spread beyond what’s listed

Still, the consistency of the feedback is clear: people often come for the views and tastings, and they leave feeling it was worth the time.

A couple of practical tips so your visit goes smoothly

Even a good tour can go sideways if you ignore logistics. Here are the details I’d plan around:

Save time for the wine shop if you like what you taste. Several guests ended up buying bottles after the tasting, and it makes sense because you’ve just experienced the wines in a guided context.

If you plan lunch, reserve ahead. One reviewer specifically warned the restaurant can get busy if you want to stay. If you’re hungry after the tasting, I’d treat lunch as something to plan, not something to wing.

From a cruise port, taxi planning matters. One visitor reported paying about €45 for a taxi from the port and said a return was easily organized by winery staff. Your exact cost will vary, but the takeaway is useful: ask staff for help lining up your return timing rather than stressing yourself out.

Bring a light layer. Tenerife can feel comfortable, but winery settings near coastal views can shift as the day changes. A simple jacket can make waiting time feel better.

Should you book this Bodegas Monje wine and cheese tour?

If you want a 2-hour, guided introduction to Canary wine paired with four thoughtfully matched artisan cheeses, this is an easy yes. The value is strongest when you care about context, pairing, and a scenic north Tenerife setting rather than a long hike or a super technical lecture.

Book it especially if you’re the type who enjoys tasting your way through local specialties, and you want to leave with at least a few wines you can name and remember. If you’re the type who needs lots of field time or super slow pacing, consider adding something else to your day so you’re not relying on this alone for all your outdoor exploration.

If you’re deciding today, I’d choose this one as your first winery experience on Tenerife. It gives you the basics, the island flavors, and a finish that makes you want to keep tasting after the tour ends.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The tour meets at Bodegas Monje – El Sauzal – Tenerife.

How long is the guided winery tour?

The experience runs for 2 hours.

What does the tour include?

It includes wine and cheese tastings.

Are additional food and drinks included?

No. Additional food and drinks are not included.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish and English.

Are there specific English tour times on weekends?

Yes. On Saturdays and Sundays, English tours run at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What is the price per person?

The price is $41 per person.

Is cancellation allowed, and how far in advance?

There is free cancellation if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.