The University of La Laguna held yesterday, Wednesday, May 14, in San Bartolomé on the island of Lanzarote, the awards ceremony for the twelfth edition of its Enogastrotourism Awards, which recognize the excellence and innovation of companies, initiatives and professionals that contribute to the development and promotion of activities linked to gastronomy, oenology and tourism in the archipelago.
The event was attended by the Rector of the University of La Laguna, Francisco Javier García Rodríguez; the Mayor of San Bartolomé, Isidoro Hernández; the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty of the Government of the Canary Islands, Alejandro Narvay Quintero Castañeda; and the Minister of Economic Promotion of the Lanzarote Island Council, Nori Machín Barrios; along with other academic, civil, military authorities and numerous representatives of the food and wine sector.
The rector highlighted the importance of these awards for the preservation and promotion of the Canary Islands' cultural and economic heritage and emphasized the crucial connection between tourism and the primary sector: “The great challenge for the Canary Islands' economy lies in raising its productivity level. To achieve this, we must focus on becoming more productive and increasing the added value of our food and wine sector. Strengthening this sector is not only vital for its present, but also ensures a decent future for new generations who wish to dedicate themselves to it. While the tourism sector is fundamental for the Canary Islands, it is essential that it actively integrate the primary sector into its value proposition.”.
The mayor of San Bartolomé extended his congratulations to the award winners, highlighting the importance of food and wine tourism as a key driver of local development. “Initiatives like these awards from the University of La Laguna are crucial for showcasing the effort and high quality of our producers and those dedicated to promoting our products and our region. Food and wine tourism not only attracts visitors but also strengthens our identity and our local economy, while also serving as a gateway to the unique wine-growing landscape of La Geria.”.
For his part, the Canary Islands Government Minister, Alejandro Narvay Quintero Castañeda, pointed out that the wine and gastronomy tourism sector offers local primary sector producers a global showcase that should be leveraged both for its potential as a strategy to boost the economy and for preserving our traditions and rural landscapes. «Through the ‘Growing Together’ project and various initiatives, such as the collaboration with the university through the Chair of Agritourism and Wine Tourism, or the awards presented today, the Canary Islands Government is committed to this increasingly conscious and responsible tourism model, as well as to distinguishing the destination through experiences that, due to the unique characteristics of our local products, only the archipelago can offer,» he added.
Finally, the Lanzarote Island Council member added her perspective on the impact of food and wine tourism on the islands' economic diversification: “From Lanzarote, we see how the pairing of our unique viticulture and our volcanic gastronomy attracts a type of visitor increasingly interested in authentic and sustainable experiences. We strongly support these initiatives that highlight our local products and enrich the Canary Islands' tourism offerings.”.
The awards
Diego Reverón.
Diego Reverón, owner of Bodegas Reverón, has been awarded the 2025 Enogastronomy Tourism Prize from the University of La Laguna in the Business Initiative category. This award recognizes his tireless work in support of sustainable viticulture and his unwavering commitment to the cultural identity of the Canary Islands. Founded in 1947 in the heart of Los Quemados, Bodegas Reverón represents the exemplary union of family tradition and a vision for the future. Under Diego Reverón's leadership, the winery has consolidated its organic farming practices, achieving high standards of excellence, and marked a milestone by joining the Abona Wines Protected Designation of Origin in 2002. Beyond the quality of its wines, Bodegas Reverón has become a driving force for local economic development, contributing to the preservation of the rural environment and promoting responsible tourism. This award highlights an inspiring trajectory that combines innovation, heritage, and a love for the land, projecting a model that transcends generations and borders.
José Manuel Garrido.
In the Promotional Action category, the 2025 Wine and Gastronomy Tourism Award was given to the Tenerife Wine House, managed by the Tenerife Rural Foundation. José Manuel Garrido García, vice president of the foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The award recognizes the Wine House's outstanding work in promoting the Canary Islands' wine heritage and its strong commitment to wine tourism innovation. Located in a 17th-century estate in El Sauzal, the Wine House has successfully integrated past and present through a multidisciplinary approach that includes an ethnographic museum, a wine shop with over 300 Canarian wines, gardens of native species, and a rich cultural program. Its ability to adapt to changing times, through online bookings, self-guided tours, and the quality of its culinary offerings, positions it as a leading destination on the islands. This award recognizes its firm commitment to sustainability, culture, and the promotion of Canarian wine as a symbol of identity.
Elena Batista.
For her part, oenologist and researcher María Elena Batista Herrera received the Rafael Armas Benítez Award in recognition of her brilliant professional career in the Canary Islands wine sector. With a PhD in Chemical Sciences and a Master's degree in Viticulture and Oenology, she has over 25 years of experience and has successfully combined scientific rigor with a deep understanding of the land. Her leadership at Bodegas Viñátigo has been key to the recovery and enhancement of native grape varieties, contributing to the preservation of a unique winemaking heritage. Previously awarded the ENOMAQ Oenologist Prize, María Elena Batista is known for her commitment to sustainability, viticultural diversity, and scientific outreach, and is now an undisputed leader in the evolution of Canary Island wine.
Sandra Armas.
The runner-up prize in the 2025 Wine and Gastronomy Tourism Awards was awarded to the Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin for Wines “Gran Canaria”. The certificate was accepted by board member Sandra Armas Juez, who shared heartfelt words of gratitude, highlighting the Council's collective work and its commitment to the quality, identity, and promotion of Gran Canaria wine.
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