Lanzarote Wines Win International Recognition at the Virtus Awards 2026
Lanzarote’s volcanic wines are once again making headlines on the international stage after receiving major honours at the prestigious International Awards Virtus 2026. The awards were announced this week following the competition held in La Rábida, Huelva, at the end of April 2026.
For wine lovers visiting the Canary Islands, this is another reminder that Lanzarote is far more than just beaches and sunshine, it is one of Europe’s most unique wine destinations.
What Happened?
Two wines from the winery Lágrima de Malvasía Volcánica received top honours at the 2026 International Awards Virtus:
- Lágrima de Malvasía Volcánica won the Grand Gold Medal in the white wine category.
- Lágrima de Listán Negro received a Gold Medal in the red wine category.
The awards are considered highly respected within the international wine industry and attract sommeliers, wine critics, journalists and tasting experts from around the world.
Why Lanzarote Wines Are So Special
What makes Lanzarote wine different is its extraordinary volcanic landscape.
Unlike vineyards in mainland Europe, Lanzarote’s vines are grown individually in deep hollows dug into volcanic ash, known locally as picón. Each vine is protected from Atlantic winds by semi-circular stone walls. This unusual cultivation method developed after the Timanfaya volcanic eruptions of the 1700s and has become one of the island’s defining images.
The volcanic soil naturally retains moisture overnight, allowing grapes to grow in Lanzarote’s dry climate without traditional irrigation. The result is wines with distinctive minerality, freshness and intense aromas that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere.
A Boost for Wine Tourism in Lanzarote
The recognition comes at an ideal time for Lanzarote’s growing wine tourism sector.
Wine tourism — or enotourism — has become increasingly popular among visitors looking for authentic island experiences beyond the resorts. Areas such as La Geria attract thousands of visitors each year who come to tour wineries, enjoy tastings and experience the island’s dramatic volcanic scenery.
The Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) Vinos de Lanzarote has also recently highlighted the importance of wine tourism for supporting rural communities and preserving traditional agriculture on the island.
Events such as the annual Lanzarote Wine Run, which combines sport, gastronomy and wine culture through the vineyards of La Geria, continue to grow in popularity with international tourists.
The Rise of Lanzarote as a Premium Wine Destination
These latest awards add to a growing list of international successes for Lanzarote wineries in recent years.
Local producers have increasingly gained recognition in competitions across Europe, helping position Lanzarote alongside some of Spain’s most interesting boutique wine regions.
For tourists, this means visiting Lanzarote is no longer only about volcanic landscapes and year-round sunshine, it is also an opportunity to discover award-winning wines found nowhere else in the world.
Best Places for Tourists to Experience Lanzarote Wine
Visitors interested in Lanzarote wine experiences should consider:
- Touring the vineyards of La Geria
- Visiting traditional bodegas for tastings
- Trying Malvasía Volcánica wines with local seafood
- Joining guided wine tours and vineyard excursions
- Visiting during local wine festivals and harvest events
We recommend sunset wine tastings overlooking the volcanic landscape.
