At kilometre four on the Los Loros road, in the municipality of Arafo, stands the Bodega Comarcal Valle de Güímar. This winery proudly displays over 30 medals annually, a testament to its craftsmanship, consistently earning accolades over recent years. Last year, they received recognition for Brumas de Ayosa; this year, it’s Pico Cho Marcial. This achievement acknowledges the dedicated work of the more than one hundred viticulturists associated with the winery, underscoring the adage: without them, there would be no wine.
Upon entering the facilities, a plaque commemorates the inauguration of this wine temple in the Valle de Güímar: 6th July 1998, the date of its opening, presided over by the late Manuel Hermoso, former President of the Canary Islands, and the entity’s head, Marcial Gómez.
Eight Agrocanarias Awards and International Recognition
This regional winery is celebrating after receiving eight awards in the latest Agrocanarias Wine Competition, organised by the Canarian Institute of Agro-food Quality, alongside recognition for its production both nationally and internationally. This was highlighted during a visit on Tuesday morning by the regional Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, Narvay Quintero, who was welcomed by the entity’s president, José Bruno Albertos, in the presence of Arafo’s mayor, Juan Ramón Martín, Güímar’s mayor, Carmen Luisa Castro, and Candelaria’s councillor for Rural Development and Fisheries, Natural Environment, and Education, Maeva Tendero.
Pedro Lorenzo, Guardian of the Secret
Among those responsible for this success, Pedro Lorenzo has spent nearly 30 years with the Bodega Comarcal Valle de Güímar and has been part of the entity’s history since its early days, when it began in temporary facilities in Chacona, near the Pyramids of Güímar. Hailing from the neighbourhood of El Rincón, he inherited the passion for viticulture and respect for the land from his grandparents.
The Challenge of Generational Transition
José Bruno Albertos (Arafo, 65 years) has been the president of the Bodega Comarcal Valle de Güímar since 2011. A winemaker by family tradition, he took over from his father in the vineyards while also working in transport and messaging. Born and raised in the municipality, he has consolidated an entity that encompasses around a hundred members from Arafo, Güímar, and Candelaria. He notes that «one of the major challenges facing the sector is the generational transition; my children don’t even know where I keep the containers».
Among the delegation of politicians commending the winery directors is the mayor of Arafo, Juan Ramón Martín, who is well acquainted with this activity since he financed his history degree by working summers at the winery. He raises a toast for a prosperous future for the Valle de Güímar.
