The Cabildo of Lanzarote, through the Department of Commerce led by Armando Santana, and in collaboration with SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote, has successfully completed the rollout of the "Emerging Wines of Lanzarote" program, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the international presence of the island's small wineries and opening new commercial channels in highly competitive markets such as Germany and Switzerland.
The initiative has counted on the participation of the renowned German critic David Schwartzwälder, one of the most influential figures in the dissemination of Spanish wine in Central Europe.
His visit, which took place on November 25, 26, and 27, included professional tastings, direct meetings at the wineries, and the collection of material that will now be disseminated in the main specialized media outlets with which he collaborates, guaranteeing a direct impact on influencers, importers, and wine lovers.
In the words of the Councilor for Commerce, Armando Santana, this program "allows for a real boost to the external commercialization of Lanzarote wine, especially for small wineries that require institutional support to access competitive markets."
Santana highlighted that this action is part of the Area's commitment to generating new business opportunities for wine projects that, despite their recent track record, already have outstanding ratings in international guides and produce wines of great quality and uniqueness.
The president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, has underscored the strategic importance of the program, as Lanzarote possesses "a wine product unique in the world, the result of the effort, tradition, and innovation of our wineries. Initiatives like this are fundamental to positioning that value in foreign markets and consolidating the Lanzarote brand as a benchmark of quality".
Betancort added that the institution will continue to support the sector to stimulate its competitiveness and export capacity
Schwartzwälder, a key ally
The prestige of David Schwartzwälder, correspondent in Spain for the German wine press for 35 years, author of the first Spanish wine guide in German, instructor at sommelier institutes, and professor at Geisenheim University, makes his participation an exceptional opportunity for the promotion of Lanzarote wine.
Your collaboration with media outlets such as Vinum, Weinwirtschaft Markt, Meiningers Sommelier, Feinschmecker, or Vinum Switzerland ensures high-impact dissemination in strategic markets.
As a final touch, Schwartzwälder gave a motivational talk in Arrecife where he shared his tasting conclusions, positioning recommendations for Germany and Switzerland, analysis of each project's potential, and keys to strengthening the storytelling and commercial strategy of their wines with the participating wineries.
The selection of wineries was based on criteria of size, youth of the project, and high scores in international guides, including Tim Atkin's report. Participants included: Titerok Akaet (97-95 points), La Verea (95 points), Jable del Tao (95 points), David Fernández (94 points), Bodega Cohimbrillo – Parcela Tinasoria (94 points), Althai (Enrique Spínola. 94 points), Erupción (93 points), La Florida (93 points), Guiguan (92 points), and Volcano (92 points).