If you’re craving a Tenerife wine tasting that feels human-sized, this Bodegas Monje tour is a great fit. I like that it’s family-run and keeps things personal, with a guided stop at the production area before you taste. The setting helps too: you’re up in El Sauzal with big-sky views toward Teide and the Atlantic, so the tasting doesn’t feel trapped indoors.

Two things I really like are the 4-wine, 4-cheese pairing (not just random pours) and the small-group limit of 10 travelers, which makes questions actually land. One possible drawback: the experience is timed and focused on tasting plus tour, so if you want a long, relaxed wander through vineyards outside the building, you may find it a bit structured.

What makes this 90 minutes work so well

You’ll get a clear rhythm: guided winery time, then tasting in a setting that tends to be more pleasant than a basic bar. I also appreciate that the staff use both Spanish and English across visits, and English service has included guides like Irine, Sonya, and Claudia. Still, be aware that the tasting space can get busy depending on the day, and the pacing can feel quick if your goal is lots of extra chatting between pours.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Small group (max 10): better questions, less waiting around
• 4 Canarian wines + 4 artisanal cheeses: paired by island and style
• Terrace-style tasting vibe: views show up in a big way
• Family-run winery feel: production-focused tour, not a generic “sales stop”
• Weekend English timing matters: Saturday/Sunday options at set hours

Bodegas Monje in El Sauzal: why the views and the wines go together

Tenerife has plenty of wine experiences, but this one stands out because it pairs good storytelling with a location you can feel. You’re not just tasting labels; you’re tasting in the same region where these grapes and wine traditions have local character.

I like that Bodegas Monje keeps its tour format tight. You get a guided walk through the winery and then a focused tasting of four home-produced wines. It’s built for people who want to understand what’s in their glass without turning the day into a school lesson.

And yes, the views are part of the appeal. Expect big outlooks over the coast and volcanic scenery toward Teide. If the weather is clear, even a short winery visit becomes a proper moment in your Tenerife trip.

The 90-minute flow: terrace tasting, then guided production tour

Most people do this as a 1 hour 30 minutes activity, and it generally feels like a well-paced block of time rather than a rushed grab-and-go. The tour includes time in the winery plus a tasting sequence where each wine comes with a cheese pairing.

A key detail for planning: tours are pre-set, but the timing can shift slightly. The activity may take place before or after the scheduled tour time—for example, tastings at 12 noon with the tour at 1 pm. On weekends, the schedule is even more specific for English tours (more on that below).

What to wear: comfortable footwear matters because you’ll move around the winery space. The dress code is simply comfortable coat and footwear, which is helpful if you’re visiting when the breeze off the Atlantic bites.

The wines and cheeses: a Canaries island-to-glass match-up

This is the part you’ll remember when you’re back at your hotel. You’ll taste four wines, and each one is paired with a specific artisanal cheese from the Canaries. The pairing isn’t random, and that’s what makes the tasting feel intentional.

Here’s the lineup you can expect:

• Dragoblanco (young white wine) paired with fresh white goat cheese from Tenerife

This is a crisp start—fresh cheese plus a young white is the “reset button” before the reds.

• Hollera (red wine produced using carbonic maceration) paired with smoked goat cheese from La Palma

Carbonic maceration tends to bring a fruit-forward character, and the smoked cheese gives it something savory to balance.

• MonjeTradicional (young red wine) paired with semi-cured peppery goat cheese from Fuerteventura

Semi-cured cheeses tend to have more bite than fresh ones, and the pepper note is a nice match when the wine stays lively.

• Listán Negro (red aged in the barrel) paired with cured goat and sheep milk cheese from Gran Canaria

This is your deeper, more structured pairing. A barrel-aged red plus cured cheese is where you can start noticing texture—if you like that kind of slow-sip comparison.

If you’re the type who likes to compare wines side-by-side, this format helps. You taste four distinct styles (young white, young red, a carbonic-style red, and a barrel-aged red), so you can actually spot differences in production approach.

Why the family-run tour format feels personal (and what you’ll still want)

I like that you’re not stuck in a huge crowd. With maximum 10 travelers, guides can answer questions without turning them into a group game. That matters for wine tasting, because everyone picks up on different details—some people want grape facts, others just want to understand how to pair.

Guides you may encounter include Irine, Sonya, and Claudia (service has been reported in English by these names). Even if you don’t get one of them, the best part is the approach: you’ll get a guided explanation of the cellar and production setup, then tasting paired with cheeses.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour’s focus is wine + cheese + winery walkthrough, not an all-day vineyard hike. Some people expect outdoor vineyard roaming; what you’ll get is more production-centered time inside and around the winery areas.

The setting in Tenerife: terrace time, cellar time, and the sea in the background

This experience is built for your senses. The tasting often has a terrace or outdoor-feeling component, and the views down toward the sea plus the volcanic backdrop help the whole outing feel like more than a quick tasting flight.

When the day is comfortable, the terrace vibe makes a big difference. You’ll sip, you’ll look around, and you’ll feel like you’re seeing a real corner of Tenerife—not just stopping at a destination that could exist anywhere.

Even on cooler or cloudier days, you still get the important part: the winery tour and the tasting lineup, with views still playing a role (even if they’re muted by weather).

English tour timing: Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 5pm

Plan your timing carefully if you want the tour in English, especially on weekends. On Saturday and Sunday, English tours are at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.

There’s also a specific scheduling note to avoid confusion: if you book for 4:00 pm, the tasting happens first, and then the tour takes place at 5:00 pm. So your order flips compared with some other time slots.

Outside the weekend schedule rules, tour times are still pre-set, and the activity may shift slightly around the main tour time window. If your day has other timed plans, it’s worth leaving a bit of breathing room.

Value check: is $42.24 per person worth it?

At $42.24 per person (with the 7% IGIC tax included), this isn’t a budget tasting, but it also isn’t trying to be fancy-for-fancy’s sake. You’re paying for a guide-led winery visit plus a structured tasting.

What you’re getting in the price:

• Professional guide
• Wine tasting (4 wines)
• Food tasting with snacks
• Cheese pairings with each wine
• Alcoholic beverages as part of the tasting flow

Not included (but typically available to buy):

• Other alcoholic drinks
• Food and other items beyond what’s in the tasting
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

For me, the value comes from two spots: the pairing format and the small group. If you’re the type who usually tastes wine by guessing what goes with what, the fixed pairings help you learn fast. And if you’re traveling with someone who’s less wine-nerdy, this is an easier way to keep both people happy: food + views + short, guided education.

Getting there: El Sauzal is not right next to major ports

The meeting point is at Bodegas Monje, C. Cruz de Leandro, 36, 38360 El Sauzal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup.

That matters because this area can feel remote compared with cruise ports or the busiest tourist strips. If you’re arriving by taxi, it can cost more than you expect—some people have planned ahead by having the driver wait and then come back after the tour. If you’re using public transport, give yourself extra time and double-check schedules the day before.

This is one of those Tenerife outings where you’ll feel the trip is smoother if you plan transport in advance rather than hoping it sorts itself out.

Who should book this tour, and who might prefer something else

This tour is a great match if you want:

• A short, guided Tenerife wine tasting
• Real pairing—4 cheeses matched to 4 wines
• A small group with time for questions
• Scenic value without dedicating half a day

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a long outdoor vineyard walk rather than a winery-focused visit
• You’re sensitive to a louder shop or tasting environment on busier days
• You dislike structured pacing and prefer fully unhurried time

Also note: this activity is for adults 18+. If you’re visiting as a couple, it’s especially convenient because it fits neatly into an afternoon and keeps attention on the tasting experience.

Quick practical tips before you go

• Bring your questions. With a max 10 travelers, you’ll get better answers if you ask.
• If you have dietary needs, tell the operator when booking. A vegetarian option is available, and it’s best handled in advance.
• Wear comfortable footwear. The winery tour includes movement around production spaces.
• If you’re visiting around the weekend English slots, align your schedule with the 11am or 5pm options.

Should you book Bodegas Monje’s wine and cheese tour?

Yes—if your idea of a great Tenerife day is a guided winery visit, four distinct wines, and cheese pairings you can actually compare, this one fits nicely. The pricing makes sense when you treat it as a hosted tasting experience (not a quick “one glass” stop), and the small-group size plus views do a lot of heavy lifting.

I’d skip or reconsider if you want a very long vineyard-focused outing or you hate structured timelines. Otherwise, book it, show up ready to sip and ask questions, and enjoy the pairing game—because that’s where this tour earns its reputation.

FAQ

How long is the Bodegas Monje winery tour with wine and cheese tasting?

It’s estimated at about 1 hour 30 minutes.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, which keeps it small-group and more personal.

What wines and cheeses are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste four home-produced wines: Dragoblanco (white), Hollera (red made with carbonic maceration), MonjeTradicional (young red), and Listán Negro (red aged in the barrel). Each wine is paired with a specific Canarian cheese: fresh goat cheese from Tenerife, smoked goat cheese from La Palma, semi-cured peppery goat cheese from Fuerteventura, and cured goat and sheep milk cheese from Gran Canaria.

Are English tours available on weekends?

Yes. On Saturday and Sunday, English tours are at 11am and 5pm.

If I book the 4pm slot on the weekend, what happens?

If you book for 4pm, the tasting is first, followed by the winery tour at 5pm.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the operator at the time of booking.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at Bodegas Monje, C. Cruz de Leandro, 36, 38360 El Sauzal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t receive a refund.

What does the $42.24 price include?

The price includes a professional guide, food tasting, wine tasting, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. It also includes 7% IGIC tax. Additional drinks or food not specified in the tasting can be purchased separately.