Tenerife Showcases Unique Island Wines at International Summit
The Island Wine Summit Tenerife 2025 took place yesterday at the Mencey Hotel in Santa Cruz, bringing together wine experts from around the world to celebrate the distinctiveness of island wines. This prestigious event highlighted the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that define wines produced in island regions, with a particular focus on the unique offerings from Tenerife itself.
Event Highlights and Venue Change
Originally scheduled to be held at the Casa del Vino, the summit was relocated due to the impending threat of Storm Claudia. This change did not dampen the spirits of the attendees, as the event, organized by Madrid Fusión, served as a vital platform for winemakers, sommeliers, journalists, and wine critics to engage in meaningful discussions about island wines. The summit is particularly significant as it precedes the World Islands Wine Congress, which is set to occur in Tenerife in 2026, further establishing the island as a key player in the global wine industry.
Benjamín Lana, the director of Madrid Fusión, opened the event by emphasizing its uniqueness, stating that it marks the first occasion where the focus is solely on wines produced on islands. This singular focus allows for a deeper exploration of the characteristics that make island wines distinct, from their terroir to their production methods.
Enhancing Tenerife’s Global Wine Identity
Lope Afonso, Vice President of the Cabildo and Tourism Counsellor of Tenerife, expressed that hosting this significant global meeting enhances the island’s international promotion strategy. He noted that wine acts as an ambassador for Tenerife’s identity, contributing to the diversification of its tourism offerings through quality experiences. Afonso highlighted the event’s role in positioning Tenerife at the forefront of global discussions regarding island wines, reinforcing the island’s commitment to quality tourism based on authenticity and sustainability.
The summit not only showcases the wines but also serves as a reminder of the cultural heritage and history intertwined with the winemaking process on the island. Afonso’s remarks underscored the importance of wine as a cultural artifact that tells the story of Tenerife’s past and present.
Exploring the Rich Heritage of Island Wines
Dimple Melwani, Chief Executive of Tenerife Tourism, remarked that discussing the island’s wines is synonymous with discussing its history and identity. She pointed out that the wines reflect the hard work of generations who have transformed the volcanic land into a unique expression of flavor and culture. The summit aims to highlight the wines produced under the unique conditions found on islands, with Tenerife taking the lead in gathering global experts.
Melwani’s insights into the historical context of the wines served to deepen the appreciation of attendees for the craftsmanship involved in their production. The volcanic soil, combined with the island’s climate, creates an environment that is conducive to producing wines with distinctive characteristics that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Engaging Tasting Sessions
The event featured four tasting sessions that showcased the diverse personalities of wines from various island regions. The morning began with a presentation by Fernando Mora, a Master of Wine since 2017, who discussed the distinct characteristics of volcanic wines in his session titled “Volcanoes and Sea: The Deep Origin of Tenerife Wines.” Mora’s expertise provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how the island’s geological features influence the flavor profiles of its wines.
Following this, Tenerife sommelier Rodrigo González led a tasting session focused on high-altitude wines from the island, featuring notable selections such as Envínate Táganan, Paraje San Ignacio, and La Solana, among others. He was accompanied by the producers of the wines being tasted, allowing for an interactive experience where attendees could ask questions and gain insights directly from the creators.
The highlight of the morning was the “Grand International Tasting of Island Wines,” conducted by Luis Gutiérrez, a prominent figure in the wine industry and correspondent for The Wine Advocate. He explored wines from various islands, including well-known regions like La Palma, Mallorca, and Madeira, as well as lesser-known areas such as El Hierro and Pico. Gutiérrez’s session was particularly well-received, as it offered a comparative perspective on the diverse styles and qualities of island wines.
Aromatics and Gastronomy of the Islands
In the afternoon, François Chartier introduced the “aromatic and gastronomic DNA” of Tenerife, presenting a sensory map that connects the island’s wines with its culinary culture. His presentation, titled “Insularity Aromatic Pairings,” offered a unique interpretation based on the dominant aromatic molecules that define Tenerife’s identity, using five emblematic wines from different Designations of Origin. This innovative approach highlighted the synergy between the island’s wines and its rich culinary traditions, showcasing how they complement each other.
Lastly, Bernat Voraviu, founder of ITHACA Wines and Soulwines, shared a selection of Mediterranean wines, providing attendees with a taste of the regions influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. Voraviu’s contribution added an additional layer to the summit, illustrating the interconnectedness of wine cultures across different islands and regions.
Key points
- The Island Wine Summit Tenerife 2025 was held at the Mencey Hotel in Santa Cruz.
- The event was relocated from the Casa del Vino due to Storm Claudia.
- Organized by Madrid Fusión, the summit focuses on island wines.
- Lope Afonso emphasized the importance of wine in promoting Tenerife’s identity.
- The summit precedes the World Islands Wine Congress scheduled for 2026.
- Fernando Mora and Luis Gutiérrez led notable tasting sessions during the event.
- François Chartier presented the aromatic identity of Tenerife wines.
