El Sauzal: Winery Tour and Mojo Sauce Workshop

If you’re visiting Tenerife and want to combine your love of wine with a taste of local cuisine, the El Sauzal Winery Tour and Mojo Sauce Workshop could be a perfect fit. Offered by Bodegas Monje, this experience promises a mix of cultural insights, hands-on culinary fun, and, of course, plenty of delicious samples. It’s a well-rated activity, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from 24 reviews, making it clear that many travelers find value in this half-day adventure.

What really stands out about this experience is how it seamlessly blends wine tasting with a culinary workshop, giving you a real feel for Canarian flavors. The chance to make your own mojo sauce under expert guidance and sample some of the islands’ best young wines is especially appealing. However, if you’re expecting a lengthy in-depth tour of the entire wine-making process, keep in mind that this experience lasts just two hours, so it’s more of a tasting and learning session than an extensive winery visit.

This tour is ideal for foodies, wine lovers, and curious travelers who enjoy interactive experiences and authentic tastes. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful introduction to Canarian gastronomy, this activity offers great value. Just remember to check the availability of start times, as the tour’s schedule varies, and book ahead to secure your spot.

Key Points

• Authentic Canarian Experience: Combines wine tasting with a hands-on mojo sauce workshop.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable staff, including an expert chef, lead the experience, enhancing the learning.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 6 participants, making it personal and engaging.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about the history of a traditional Canarian winery.
• Tasty Samples: Enjoy local wines, bread, cheese, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Winery Tour: A Glimpse into Canarian Wine

Starting at Calle Cruz de Leandro in El Sauzal, the experience begins with a walk around a traditional Canarian winery. The setting is intimate and welcoming, perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere. Guides, who speak both Spanish and English, take you through the vineyard and the wine production process, emphasizing what makes Canarian wines unique.

From what we gather, the guides are quite knowledgeable; one reviewer noted the “excellent wine and lovely venue,” and mentioned that the guides’ insights made the visit special. You’ll learn about the specific varieties of grapes grown here and how the climate and volcanic soil influence the wine’s character. While the tour isn’t a full-scale fermentation process, it offers enough context to appreciate the wines you’ll sample later.

Tasting the Best of Canary Islands Wines

The highlight for many is the chance to taste some of the finest young wines from the region. You’ll sample a selection that showcases the local terroir, perhaps with explanations from the guide about what to look for in each variety. The reviews praise the wine quality, with one mentioning “excellent wine” as a highlight.

Alongside the wines, you’ll enjoy typical island accompaniments like freshly baked bread, spreads, and cheese on toasted bread. Some reviewers noted that they would have liked a little more food to go along with the wine and mojo workshop, but overall, the tasting was considered very satisfying and worth the price.

Making Your Own Mojo Sauce: A Culinary Delight

The workshop segment is led by a local chef, who will teach you how to craft the famous mojo sauce—a staple of Canarian cuisine. This is where the experience really shines. You’ll get to mix ingredients such as coriander, parsley, or pumpkin, and learn the proper steps to achieve a flavorful, authentic sauce.

One reviewer highlighted that the chef shared “secrets” that helped them make a better mojo at home. It’s a fun, interactive part of the experience, especially for those who enjoy cooking or want to bring a taste of the islands back home. The workshop lasts around 30 minutes, giving ample time to learn, ask questions, and get hands-on.

Savoring the Flavors at the End

To round out the experience, you’ll sample some local culinary delights. The tasting plate includes freshly baked bread with spreads, slices of cheese, and Canarian potatoes topped with mojo sauce. The small group setting makes it easy to chat with guides and fellow travelers, which adds to the relaxed, friendly vibe.

Practical Details & Considerations

Duration & Group Size

This tour is just two hours long, which makes it perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule. The small group limit of six ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience, which many travelers appreciate. Guides speak both Spanish and English, making it accessible to international visitors.

Price & Value

At $51 per person, this experience offers good value considering the inclusions: a guided winery tour, a hands-on mojo workshop, tastings, and local snacks. When you consider the quality of the wines and the expert guidance, it’s a worthwhile investment for a half-day activity that’s both educational and delicious.

Accessibility & Booking

The experience is wheelchair accessible, which is important for travelers with mobility needs. Flexible booking options allow you to reserve your spot with no upfront payment, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Checking the available start times is advisable, as they can vary.

Location & Meeting Point

The activity begins at Calle Cruz de Leandro, 36, El Sauzal. This central location makes it easy to reach from most hotels on the island. The tour concludes back at the starting point, so you can continue exploring or head directly to your next adventure.

The Authenticity and Overall Experience

From reviews and our understanding, this isn’t just a superficial tasting—it’s an educational experience that genuinely connects you with Canarian traditions. The knowledgeable guides and chef sharing their expertise elevate the activity beyond a simple tasting. The fact that you can make your own mojo sauce, guided by an expert, adds a memorable, practical element.

While some guests wished for more food to pair with the wines, most seem happy with the overall value and authenticity. The venue’s lovely setting and the quality of the wines make it a highlight for anyone wanting a taste of local culture.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works best for travelers seeking an interactive, authentic taste of the Canary Islands. It’s perfect for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and curious explorers who enjoy learning about local culture through hands-on activities. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful, flavorful experience, this tour offers a great introduction.

It’s also suitable for small groups or couples looking for a more personalized, intimate activity. If you have dietary restrictions or prefer larger group tours, you might want to explore other options, but for those wanting a cozy, well-guided experience, this ticks many boxes.

Final Thoughts

The El Sauzal Winery Tour and Mojo Sauce Workshop provides a well-rounded introduction to Canarian culinary traditions, combining wine tasting with a fun, educational cooking activity. The guides’ expertise, combined with the intimate setting, makes it a memorable way to spend a couple of hours on Tenerife. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or simply curious about local flavors, this experience offers genuine value.

The small group size and flexible booking make it accessible and personalized, and the lovely venue adds to the overall charm. While some might wish for slightly more food during the tasting, the quality of the wines and the interactive mojo workshop make up for it. For anyone looking to connect with the local culture in a relaxed, friendly environment, this tour is a top pick.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day.

What is included in the price?
You get a guided winery tour, a hands-on mojo sauce workshop, wine tastings, and some local snacks like bread, cheese, and potatoes with mojo sauce.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, allowing for inclusive participation.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s advisable to reserve your spot ahead of time. You can book with the option to pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication.

Where does the activity start?
The meeting point is at Calle Cruz de Leandro, 36 in El Sauzal, which is easy to reach from most parts of Tenerife.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.

Is the experience good for families or groups?
While the tour is small and personal, it’s most suited for adult travelers or families with older children interested in food and wine.