A New Chapter in Fuerteventura’s Wine Scene: The Inauguration of Bodegas Conatvs
On May 9, 2025, a milestone was achieved in the world of wine on the island of Fuerteventura with the inauguration of Bodegas Conatvs. This event saw notable figures in attendance, including the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo; the Regional Minister for the Primary Sector, Narvay Quintero; and Lola García, the leader of the Majorera municipality. Together, they celebrated the vision of winemaker Pedro Antonio Martín Hernández, who has made significant strides in establishing the first wineries in Fuerteventura recognized by the Denomination of Origin Protected (DOP) status of the Canary Islands.
A Vision Realized in Lajares
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Lajares, within the municipality of La Oliva, Bodegas Conatvs comprises impressive underground facilities housing oak wine barrels, alongside newly designed areas like an event hall, two terraces, a wine bar, and a boutique shop. These spaces are aimed at enhancing enotourism experiences, offering visitors opportunities for tastings, guided tours, and educational events about the local wine culture.
Pedro Martín, a graduate from the hospitality sector, initiated his dream of winemaking in the late 1990s on the land inherited from his parents. It is noteworthy that he has achieved an impressive production of 15,000 liters in the most recent harvest. The name “Conatvs” derives from the Latin word meaning “effort,” which aptly reflects the hard work and dedication poured into every bottle produced.
Embracing Indigenous Varietals
One of the unique attributes of Bodegas Conatvs is its commitment to cultivating indigenous grape varieties. Among the grapes thriving in the region are:
- Diego and Malvasía Volcánica from Lanzarote
- Hoja Moral
- Listán Negro
- Listán Prieto
- Vijariego de El Hierro
- Listán Majorera
Each varietal brings its own character to the wines produced, enriching Fuerteventura’s vinicultural landscape. This commitment is not just about taste; it speaks volumes about preserving local heritage and promoting biodiversity within the region.
Acknowledgment of Quality and Distinction
The wines from Bodegas Conatvs have been met with warm acclaim, evidenced by several prestigious awards. Notably, the Baboso Negro 2023, recognized with a grand gold medal at the 32nd edition of Mondial des Vins Extrêmes, exemplifies the exceptional quality being produced. Additionally, the Airam wine has garnered the Bacchus de Plata 2024 award, further cementing the winery’s reputation in the competitive wine market.
Regional Support for Viticulture
During the inaugural ceremony, President Clavijo announced a new regional aid program of 2.05 million euros aimed at combating the challenges posed by drought, benefiting over 2,033 grape growers across the Canary Islands. This support builds upon a direct subsidy initiative launched in 2024 and illustrates the government’s commitment to sustaining and revitalizing the local viticulture sector, providing crucial assistance to growers as they navigate the impacts of climate change.
A Dream Realized for a Family Legacy
Lola García, the president of the Majorera municipality, described Bodegas Conatvs as a “dream come true.” Her heartfelt remarks emphasized the continuous efforts and dedication of the family behind the winery. She celebrated how the establishment of the bodega symbolizes the potential and talent present in the region, reminding attendees of the cultural and economic importance of local agriculture.
García expressed gratitude to the Martín family, particularly Pedro, for reminding everyone that dreams require nurturing, and ultimately lead to fruitful outcomes that can be savored and celebrated.
With the inauguration of Bodegas Conatvs, Fuerteventura is stepping into a vibrant new era of winemaking, fostering pride in local products and creating opportunities for enotourism that showcase the unique beauty and flavors of the island. The future looks promising as this new venture not only embraces tradition but also encourages innovative practices within the grape-growing community.
