Tenerife

 

We cruised overnight from Lanzarote to Tenerife. Shortly after breakfast we boarded a bus at the harbor in Santa Cruz and drove inland to La Laguna, the historic original capital of the island. Quick city walking tour, then back on the bus to Tacoronte for a photo stop, and then on to a wine cellar.

The Bodega was unassuming from outside. Inside, a long recess was lined with tables and stools for guests arriving in buses to sit as a group and sample the offered wines (red, white, rosé, and dessert) and consume some Tapas. There were enough tables for 4 or 5 busloads of tourists simultaneously. The walls were lined with musty old wine bottles and large dark wine casks.

Eve and I had a very similar experience on the Island of Madeira. Cynically, I imagine these Bodegas to be found in every Spanish/Portuguese tourist city. They are probably all owned by some conglomerate that provides the decor and food. Realistically, they are a part of the tourist experience here. We are thoroughly enjoying it.  

Salúd.