Güímar Council Boosts Grape Growers With 0.40 Euro Per Kilo Subsidy

The Güímar City Council has introduced a new financial aid program for local grape growers. They will receive a fixed payment of 0.40 euros for every kilogram of grapes used to make quality wine. This initiative aims to help growers who supplied their grapes to the Regulatory Council during a challenging year. This season, a total of 123,000 kilograms of grapes were registered.

In past years, around 21,000 euros from similar aid funds were returned to the council. Initially, the plan was to offer about 36 cents per kilogram, but the council decided to increase this amount to provide better support for the growers. Raquel Díaz Castro, the Councilor for Local Product, explained that the goal of changing these aid programs is to ensure that any surplus funds benefit the grape growers directly, rather than returning to the city council. She also mentioned that the council reviewed the initial figures to ensure the maximum possible amount was distributed to the farmers.

A total of 45,000 euros has been allocated for this grant program, which supports grape production for wines under the Denomination of Origin Valle de Güímar. The councilor confirmed that despite phylloxera affecting other parts of the island, no vineyards in Güímar have been impacted. The nearest outbreak was in Candelaria and did not spread to local farms. However, she noted that the sector has faced challenges due to logistical issues and a general decrease in the harvest.

Díaz Castro emphasized the significance of grape growing to Güímar's identity, stating that "the wine sector is our essence." She highlighted the high quality of grapes from areas like Los Pelados and Las Dehesas, attributing this to the unique conditions of the municipality and underscoring the need for institutional support.

The City Council also announced the upcoming Descorche del Valle de Güímar (Güímar Valley Uncorking) event, scheduled for November 22nd. This event, organized in partnership with the Regulatory Council, will include guided tastings and a sales area featuring four wineries, along with Bodegas Calius and Bodega El Silencio. During the event, the first Raíces y Barrica Award will be presented to recognize the work of the wine sector in the valley.