The Old Wine Press

[FrankMi]

I was fascinated at how they make wine with grapes grown on the side of a volcano and almost no rainfall on the island of Lanzarote.

They dig a pit in the volcanic ash to get down to more acceptable soil, plant the grape vines, then carefully cover the soil with the volcanic ash. The ash holds the heat of the day through the night and the extremely high humidity in the morning collects as dew just below the ash layer and waters the vine.

Because there is a strong continuous North-East trade wind, they have to build semicircular walls out of volcanic rock to protect the plants from the wind.

La Geria, a protected area, is the most prestigious wine growing area on the island and produces between 5 and 6 million kilos of grapes per year.

Not too shabby for an island of volcanic origin that has created a landscape with more than 300 volcanoes!

This is one of the antique wine presses with the grape vine pits in the background.

[pnodrog]

Interesting and informative. Bit of a contrast to the photographs we normally see from a wine making area. A good clear illustrative photo.

[Donald]

Interesting and informative.

Indeed. Even for someone who thinks of himself as a bit of a wine enthusiast. I've never heard about or seen this previously.

[Colin Southern]

Indeed. Even fro soemone who thinks of himself as a bit of a wine enthusiast. I've never heard about or seen this previously.

Clearly you'll need to research this further - personally! Bill will come too I'm sure!

[Bobobird]

Interesting story more so because I have never heard of it before. Thanks.

As for pic - what do you want me to say? What can I say?

Btw, have you ever considered doing a book or writing for travel magazines?

[John 2]

You live and learn. Thanks for posting.

[Shadowman]

Nice, especially with the background.

[IzzieK]

Very nice shot and with a story too...thanks.

[bnnrcn]

You are again very informative Frank ,thank you very much And thanks for the photo,It seems nice to me..

[FrankMi]

Thank you one and all for taking an interest in this image and for the many comments!

There seems to be a lot of interest in the grape growing and wine making process?

For those that would like to tip a glass or two, here is some additional background information:

http://www.bodegaspanishwine.com/201...ejo-lanzarote/

http://www.lanzarotetaxi.com/en/ruta...arote_taxi.php

It might be worth picking up some for the 'special occasion'?

[FrankMi]

Interesting story more so because I have never heard of it before. Thanks.

As for pic - what do you want me to say? What can I say?

Btw, have you ever considered doing a book or writing for travel magazines?

I don't think the book idea would work so well Bobo, as my writing skills aren't up to it.

Usually when I make posts like these I am, for the most part, quoting from the research I've done to ensure that I get the facts presented accurately.

[Bobobird]

Your writing skill is fine.