Gran Canaria might not be the first place you think of when it comes to wine, but vines have been growing here since the Spanish colonised the island in the 15th century. Due to the island's distinctive microclimate and volcanic soils, grapes grow incredibly well, and the Canarian archipelago lays claim to 18 unique grape varieties, including the famous Malvasía Aromática — featured in some of Shakespeare’s famous works. Though red varieties make up about 70% of Gran Canaria's wine production, connoisseurs should keep an eye out for local white, rosé, sparkling and sweet wines, too. The best way to sample them? By taking to the trail on the Gran Canaria Wine Route — the only official wine route in the Canary Islands — which includes vineyards, bodegas, bars and restaurants that produce or serve local wines. Here are five of the best stops.

Gran Canaria’s vineyards can typically be found either in the low-lying north of the island or its mountainous centre. It doesn’t get more cloud-reaching than Bodegas Bentayga, which, at 4,232ft above sea level, is the island’s highest winery. It’s well worth traversing the twisting mountain roads for both the views and the vines. The winery here produces the renowned Agala red and white wines, the names of which correspond to the altitude at which the grapes were grown. Among these grape varieties are the interesting Vijariego Negro, used for their Tinto Barrica 1175 (featuring notes of cherry, cranberry and cassis), and Vijariego Blanco Diego, which goes into the fresh and fruity Blanco Altitud 1318 (with notes of green apple, lime and fennel).