If Santa Úrsula can boast of anything, it is having one of the most impressive natural and agricultural landscapes on the island of Tenerife, with one of the most unique eno-gastronomic offerings in the archipelago.
From the natural reserve of the Coast of Acentejo to the pine-forest covered highlands, we find that agriculture is a notable trait of the midland areas. It is in this environment where we can see the surprising layout of the terraces – furrowed by hand – which produce more than 750,000 litres of wine from more than 1,100 tons of grapes cultivated on more than 325 hectares.
Wines that have been recognized throughout Tenerife and beyond since 1587, so much so that in 1768 Viera y Clavijo refers to Santa Úrsula as a “healthy, happy territory with many vineyards”.
This is the origin of a long tradition, which is is the source of production of young red wines, as well as dry, semi-dry and fruity whites of both the red and white Listán variety, as well as Tintilla or Negramoll. All wines possess fruity aromas with floral tones in the reds and balsamic in the whites, along with mineral and volcanic notes in both types.
Santa Úrsula, where traditional, modern and creative gastronomy has always been accompanied by good wine, which can be found throughout the local geography of our “guachinches” and wine bars. They are a hallmark of our identity.
Santa Úrsula: Land of wine and crops
From Sugar Cane to Vineyards
The downturn of the sugar trade, caused by the competition from the Antillean colonies, soon sets the stage for the rise in the planting of vineyards. Moreover, it can be said that during the seventeenth century and much of the eighteenth, Santa Úrsula resembles an immense winery, whose valued wines provided the town with most of its economic income.
These plantations were affected by competition. Landowners and nobles from mainland Spain were critical and limited the large volume of exports. This resulted in pressure to restrict products form the island.
However, this problem did not prevent the crops of the island’s companies from continuing to be cultivated and keep giving rise to wineries throughout the 18th and 19th century, where the grapes were processed obtaining must and wine prepared with the different varieties, which spread throughout the municipality.
Grape Varieties:
Source: “Guía Enogastronómica de Santa Úrsula” (1st edition), edited by the Department of Agriculture of the City Council of Santa Úrsula.
‘Guachinches’: Voyage to past, present and future
From Guachinche to Wine Bar
You have entered the heart of Santa Úrsula, its guachinches and wine bars. A trip to the past in the present and with longings for a future.
Guachinches that are the main economic engine of this town. Private houses that began by selling home-grown wines to friends and relatives, but over time have contributed to forming a gastronomical industry, because all winemakers’ houses had a space reserved for trying the new wines, accompanied by a good traditional meal.
Today they are a hallmark because hospitality made them open their doors and welcome not only acquaintances, but also foreigners.
Currently, Santa Úrsula is a leading destination for food and wine in Tenerife, where you can choose from a whole list of guachinches and wine bars detailed below.
