arrecife - wine on Mars
It has been 15 days since we’ve set foot on land and I cannot wait to get out and explore!
The last few ports didn’t feel right to the point that vivid dreams visited twice to say, ‘Stay on board.’ Hard to ignore this internal advice.
Two weeks later we drift into the Canary Islands under a unique collection of clouds. The island of Lanzarote has a landscape that is Mars-like with fragments of greenery planted with purpose. Deep reds smudge into charcoal and generously paint the landscape, white buildings spread around like snow to the point of needing a double take. The air has a humidity deficit with a hint of cold and jackets that were long forgotten are now needed.
Wait - where did I put our jackets?
This afternoon lunch and a wine tasting are on the menu, joining us is a lovely couple who appreciate a similar cadence of life. We all pile into a taxi and head to Stratvs, the pinnacle of volcanic wineries. Chatting excitedly we take in other earthly surroundings. Our driver turns up the music to drown out our conversation, this only causes us to speak with more vigor!
We spill out at our destination and are greeted to a European-styled patio with lanterns strung through eucalyptus trees. Strolling the grounds reveals a very unique style of vineyard. Each vine has its own pit, protected from winds and excessive drying by a semicircular wall of volcanic stone. This sight beckons one to taste the fermented fruit from the land.
Our host seats us and we sample the flavors of grapes grown, from a crisp white to a full-bodied red carrying hints of blackcurrant. These are paired with wonderful conversation and laughter.
A favorite wine is selected and carries us to lunch on an outdoor terrace surrounded by lush green; a wild juxtaposition to the volcanic landscape. The wood fire in an outdoor kitchen brings a sense of relaxation punctuated with hunger. Everything on the menu is tempting.
Sections are made, wine is uncorked, and the afternoon stretches. Bird song mingles with the light ambient music and stories are traded between bites of roast aubergine, prosciutto, and volcanic egg.
One last cheers and we are returned to our ship from this island that feels like another planet.
Did we have wine on Mars?
Perhaps we did - I’m just glad I didn’t have the potatoes!
