Casa del Vino Tenerife wins Repsol Solete 2026 in El Sauzal

There are places that simply feel good the moment you step inside. La Casa del Vino in El Sauzal is exactly that kind of place. Tucked away in the lush green north of Tenerife, just off the TF-5 motorway at kilometre 21, this old Canarian country house has been quietly doing things right for years. Now the Repsol Guide has made it official: the hacienda has been awarded a Solete, a distinction that celebrates informal, welcoming spots with quality and good workmanship.

If you have never heard of a Solete before, think of it as the friendly little sibling of the famous Repsol Suns. While the Suns are all about high-end gastronomy, the Soletes are for places that feel like a happy discovery. They are bars, tascas, terraces, cafés and wine shops where the atmosphere is relaxed, the food and drink are honest, and you immediately want to come back. The Repsol Guide itself describes them as places "you make your own". And that fits La Casa del Vino perfectly.

What is La Casa del Vino exactly?

La Casa del Vino is not just one thing. It is a lovingly restored 17th-century hacienda that now serves as the island's wine headquarters. The main attraction is the Museo Insular de la Vid y el Vino, a museum dedicated entirely to Tenerife's winemaking heritage. You can wander through old presses, learn about the unique volcanic soils and discover why the island's wines have been famous since Shakespeare's time.

But the museum is only the beginning. Right next to it, you will find a tasting room where you can sample wines from all five of Tenerife's Designations of Origin, plus the broader DOP Islas Canarias. The staff will guide you through the different varieties, and you can pair your glass with local honey, artisan cheeses, roasted pork leg or the island's famous mojo sauces. It is an unpretentious, delicious introduction to the flavours of the island.

More than just wine

One of the surprises for many visitors is just how much there is to see on the estate. The complex also houses a Honey Museum, where you can learn about Tenerife's beekeeping traditions and taste different local honeys. There is an Interpretation Centre for Agrodiversity, which tells the story of the island's unique crops and farming methods. You can also visit the Sala de los Medianeros, a space dedicated to the sharecroppers who historically worked the land, and the small but beautiful chapel of San Simón.

After all that exploring, the restaurant and tasca are waiting for you. The kitchen serves up Canarian classics with a focus on local ingredients, and the sunny terrace is the perfect spot to linger over a glass of crisp Listán Blanco. The official restaurant hours vary by day, so it is always a good idea to check the Casa del Vino website or call ahead if you are planning a meal. The museum itself is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00. Mondays the museum is closed, though the office operates Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:30.

Why this Solete matters

The Repsol Solete is not a star. It is not about white tablecloths or tasting menus. It is about authenticity, warmth and a job well done. For La Casa del Vino, this recognition highlights something that locals have known for years: this is a place where Tenerife's wine culture is alive and accessible. You do not need to be a wine expert to enjoy it. You just need to be curious and a little bit hungry.

The award also puts a spotlight on El Sauzal, a charming municipality on the north coast that often gets overlooked by visitors heading straight to the beaches in the south. With its dramatic cliffs, viewpoints over the Atlantic and a growing reputation for good food and wine, El Sauzal is quietly becoming one of Tenerife's most rewarding detours. La Casa del Vino, with its new Solete, is the perfect reason to point the car north.

Planning your visit

Getting to La Casa del Vino is straightforward. It sits in the area known as La Baranda, right next to the TF-5 motorway. If you are driving from Santa Cruz, it takes about 20 minutes. From Puerto de la Cruz, it is roughly 15 minutes. There is parking available on site, and the address is Calle San Simón, number 49, in El Sauzal.

Once you are there, take your time. The wine shop is a great place to pick up bottles you have tasted, along with local honeys, mojos and other artisan products. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to help you choose. Whether you come for an hour or stay for an entire afternoon, the Casa del Vino has a way of making you feel unhurried and welcome. That, in the end, is exactly what a Solete is all about.