Tenerife Bodegas Monje Winery Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting

Bodegas Monje pairs a look inside a family-run winery with four pours and four Canarian cheeses, all in a setting above Tenerife’s coast. The tasting moves from young white wine to barrel-aged red, and the views toward the vineyards, Atlantic, and Mount Teide give the visit a sense of place beyond the glass.

I like the four distinct wine-and-cheese pairings and the small group limit of 10, which leaves more room for questions than a large tasting room would. One thing to plan around: the winery is in El Sauzal, and a taxi from the cruise port can add a noticeable cost.

• Four wines, four island cheeses: Each wine is matched with a cheese from Tenerife, La Palma, Fuerteventura, or Gran Canaria.
• An introduction to the winery: A guide shows you the production and cellar areas and explains the family-run operation.
• A small group: No more than 10 people take part, and tours are offered in English and Spanish.
• A scenic tasting setting: The winery has views over grape fields toward the coast and, in clear conditions, Mount Teide.
• Schedule details matter: Weekend English tours are at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. A 4 p.m. booking may begin with the tasting, followed by the tour at 5 p.m.
• A good-value short outing: The listed price is $42.24 per person and includes the guide, four wines, four cheeses, and tax.

A family winery above Tenerife’s coast

Bodegas Monje is in El Sauzal, at C. Cruz de Leandro, 36. The visit brings together two things that make a winery outing worthwhile: a look at how wine is made and a tasting that connects the wines with products from across the Canary Islands.

The tour is focused on the winery itself. You’ll see parts of the facility, including production equipment and cellar spaces, rather than taking a walk through the vineyard rows. That distinction matters if you’re picturing a vineyard stroll. The setting still gives you views across grape fields toward the Atlantic, but the guided portion is chiefly an indoor winery visit.

The winery has several levels, with cellar areas and art displayed in parts of the building. The facility’s design and the lower-level spaces add interest beyond a simple tasting counter. If you want a fuller outing, there is also a restaurant on site, though meals and drinks beyond those specified for the tasting are not included.

Four wines, matched with four island cheeses

The tasting is the heart of the experience. You’re served four home-produced wines, each with a Canarian cheese chosen to complement it. The sequence gives you a useful range of styles, rather than four similar glasses.

You begin with Dragoblanco, a young white wine, paired with fresh white goat’s cheese from Tenerife. This is the lightest pairing in the lineup and a good first taste before moving to the reds.

Next comes Hollera, a red made using carbonic maceration, alongside smoked goat’s cheese from La Palma. Then you try Monje Tradicional, a young red, with semi-cured peppery goat’s cheese from Fuerteventura. The final pour is Listán Negro, a red aged in barrel, served with cured goat and sheep’s-milk cheese from Gran Canaria.

The cheeses give the tasting a second thread to follow. You’re not just comparing wine styles; you’re sampling how different island cheeses bring out different flavors alongside them. If you enjoy trying local foods as much as regional wine, that cross-island pairing is a real part of the appeal.

All four wines are included, as are the cheeses and snacks specified for the tasting. Additional alcoholic drinks, food, and other beverages are available to buy separately. The tasting is designed around the listed pairings, so let the winery know about dietary requirements when you book. A vegetarian option is available by request.

What you’ll see on the guided tour

A professional guide leads the visit in English or Spanish. Expect an explanation of the winery’s history and production, with a look at equipment and places where wine is stored. The tour is short enough to fit into a day of sightseeing, but offers more context than simply ordering a local glass at a restaurant.

English-speaking guides have included Irene, Sonya, and Claudia, though you should not count on a particular person being assigned to your time. The quality of the experience can depend on the guide and the group’s pace. Some visitors have found the explanations lively and interactive; others have felt the tasting was rushed or the room was noisy. If you have questions about the wines or the process, ask them while the guide is with you.

The tour may also include a playful presentation about wine and sex. That material is not to everyone’s taste, so if you’re visiting with children, note that the activity is for adults aged 18 and over. The winery’s own events can vary, and this particular presentation is not the main focus of the wine-and-cheese tour.

Views, timing, and the tasting room

The views are one of the strongest reasons to make the trip out to El Sauzal. From the winery, you can look over grape fields toward the sea, with Mount Teide visible in favorable conditions. The tasting may take place on a terrace, though the precise setting can vary. A cloudy or cool day can change the feel of the view, so bring a comfortable coat as advised.

The advertised duration is about 90 minutes, but the activity details also give a two-hour estimate. The tour and tasting can happen in either order, and pre-set times may shift. Leave room in your schedule for up to two hours, especially if you have a connection or another timed activity afterward.

Weekend English tours are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you book a 4 p.m. slot, the tasting may come first, followed by the winery tour at 5 p.m. Confirm the exact arrangement for your chosen time rather than assuming every visit follows the same sequence.

The tasting space can affect your experience. A terrace with vineyard and coastal views makes a relaxed setting; a busier indoor area may feel louder, particularly if shop customers are nearby. If the ambience matters to you, it’s reasonable to ask where the tasting is planned when you confirm your visit.

Is $42.24 good value?

At $42.24 per person, the price covers a guide, a tour, four wine pours, four cheese pairings, snacks, and the 7% IGIC tax. For someone interested in both the winery and the food, that is a solid bundle for a short activity. The small group cap also makes the price easier to justify if you value a more personal setting.

The value depends on what you expect. This is not a long technical seminar or a visit to the vineyard rows, and the tour itself is brief. If your main goal is to taste local wine, four pours with island cheeses make a satisfying introduction. If you want an in-depth lesson on viticulture or a full-day wine-country excursion, this may feel light.

You can also buy other food and drinks on site, and the restaurant gives you the option of making a longer stop. Those extras are separate, so include them in your budget if you plan to stay for a meal or sample more wines.

Getting to Bodegas Monje

The meeting point is the winery itself in El Sauzal, and the activity ends back there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport. This is worth checking before you book, especially if you’re arriving by cruise ship: a taxi from the port has been described as expensive.

The winery is not presented as a stop right beside the port or a city-center tasting bar. Think of transport as part of the outing, not a small detail to settle at the last minute. A comfortable coat and footwear are recommended for the visit.

The experience is popular enough that it is booked, on average, about 11 days in advance. Availability is confirmed after booking, and your card is charged only once availability is confirmed. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this tasting most?

I’d choose this tour if you like wine, want a manageable introduction to Tenerife’s winery scene, and enjoy pairing regional food with a guided visit. The four distinct pours and island cheeses offer enough variety to keep the tasting interesting, while the coastal views make the setting part of the day.

It also suits couples and small groups looking for a short activity that doesn’t take over the whole day. With a maximum of 10 people, there is a better chance to ask questions than in a large group, though the pace and atmosphere can still vary by session.

I’d think twice if you expect to walk among the vines, need transport included, or want an extensive technical lesson. For a compact winery visit with a thoughtful tasting and a memorable view, Bodegas Monje is a sensible choice. Book it if that balance sounds right, and check the timing and transport before you commit.

FAQ

How long does the Bodegas Monje tour take?

Plan for about 90 minutes, though the activity may take up to two hours depending on the schedule and whether the tour or tasting comes first.

How many wines and cheeses are included?

The tasting includes four wines and four cheese pairings, with cheeses from Tenerife, La Palma, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. Visits are given in English and Spanish. Weekend English tours are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

What happens if I book the 4 p.m. time?

The tasting may take place first, followed by the winery tour at 5 p.m. Tour times and order can vary, so confirm the arrangement for your booking.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 people.

Is transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet at Bodegas Monje in El Sauzal and return to that point at the end.

Can I request a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available. Advise the winery of dietary requirements when booking.

What is the minimum age?

The activity is available to people aged 18 and over.