Rarely does a specialized publication capture the essence of our work with such sensitivity as MiVino magazine has in its extensive feature on El Grifo, commemorating our 250th anniversary. Entitled “250 Years of Improbable Lives,” the article reviews our history, our present, and the future of this winery, founded in 1775, which, since then, has listened to the pulse of an island as unique as Lanzarote.
The publication describes in detail our heroic viticulture , marked by the pits dug in the volcanic ash and protected by traditional stone walls. It highlights how this seemingly impossible cultivation has given rise to unique wines, born from lava and wind, and how our winery has become a benchmark for resilient and sustainable adaptation. As our winemaker, Elisa Ludeña, states in the article: “Without that ash, which retains water and nourishes the vines, we would be nothing.”
The article also recalls that El Grifo has been a pioneer since its beginnings: the first to bottle in the Canary Islands, promoters of regenerative viticulture to recover soil biodiversity, and innovators with unique projects such as the winter harvest.
MiVino highlights the heritage we safeguard in our Wine Museum , from the foundation stone to historic Malvasia barrels dating back to 1881, and commemorates how Fermín and Juan José Otamendi represent the fourth generation of the family at the helm of the winery. Furthermore, it gives voice to our winegrowers, the unsung heroes of this legacy, and to the wine tourism experiences that invite you to discover the soul of Lanzarote: from the oenological library to our newly opened Hotel El Grifo , which embodies the spirit of slow living.
The report also highlights the winery's connection with art and culture , evoking the legacy of César Manrique —author of the logo that has accompanied us for decades— and of artists and writers who have visited our house, such as José Hierro or Saramago.
For the entire El Grifo team, seeing ourselves featured in a publication like MiVino , which reaches half a million wine-loving readers, confirms that our story of “improbable lives” is still alive and resonating. This 250th anniversary is not only a celebration of the past, but also a commitment to the future: to continue caring for the land, innovating in the vineyard, and sharing Lanzarote’s unique identity with the world.
