Tenerife Wine Industry Sees Recovery After Drought as Harvest Begins

Tenerife’s wine industry is feeling optimistic this season, thanks to a welcome boost in water supplies after seven years of drought. Recent reports show that last winter’s rainfall has revitalized the vines, promising not only a better harvest this year but also stronger growth leading up to 2027.

Results vary significantly depending on the region and grape variety. The southern part of the island is seeing a major rebound, with production in the Abona region expected to jump by up to 60% and significant gains in the Güímar Valley. In the north, however, the picture is mixed. While some wineries, like Viñátigo, expect to double their output, others, such as El Lomo in Tacoronte-Acentejo, are reporting losses in red grape production. This variety is typical for Tenerife, where diverse microclimates and altitudes mean the harvest must be staggered from August through October to suit each plot.

Beyond the weather, managing vine health remains a priority. Following the discovery of phylloxera in Tacoronte-Acentejo last summer, safety protocols remain in place. While winery managers say the situation is under control, they remain concerned about long-term challenges, specifically the lack of new farmers and the abandonment of agricultural land. Producers warn that because viticulture on the island is still largely manual and artisanal, the shortage of skilled labor threatens the industry's future.

Water management has also become a key topic of debate. Cooperatives are calling for better storage infrastructure, such as the El Río dam, to capture more rainfall and prevent it from being lost to the sea. Meanwhile, the harvest is already underway for sparkling and frizzante wines, which use early-picked grapes with lower alcohol content. The industry is hopeful that favorable weather will continue through the summer, marking the start of a much-needed recovery for Tenerife’s winemakers.