Vines Grown from Fire and Ash: What are Volcanic Wines?
Volcanic wines are a unique category of wines made from grapes grown in volcanic soils—rich, mineral-laden earth formed by ancient eruptions. These wines often have a distinct character that sets them apart. You’ll find standout volcanic wine regions scattered around the globe, from the rugged slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily and the windswept Canary Islands, to Santorini in Greece. The list could go on, but here is our explanation of the regions and wines you should know about.
Effects of volcanic land
Volcanic soil can give wine a unique edge, adding complexity and a distinct mineral character that wine lovers often describe as smoky, flinty, or even slightly salty. Because this type of soil is rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, it tends to produce grapes with good acidity and structure. The result is often a vibrant, well-balanced wine with depth and a bit of earthy intrigue
Mount Etna’s terroir is truly one-of-a-kind, shaped by its active volcano, high elevations, and dramatic shifts in climate and soil. Add to that the cooler temperatures from the mountain’s altitude and the influence of the Mediterranean, and you get grapes that ripen slowly, building layered flavours and fresh acidity. The result? Wines that are elegant, vibrant, and full of character—totally unique to this wild and beautiful part of Sicily.
The Masseria Del Pino Caravan Petrol White 2021 is a lively, characterful white wine from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. It’s made mostly from Carricante, a local grape that thrives in the island’s mineral-rich soils. This wine is fresh, zesty, and just a little wild — with citrus, herbs, and a hint of salty sea breeze. It's a great example of how Etna wines manage to be both rugged and refined, echoing the energy of the volcano and the region's uniqueness. A little offbeat, a lot delicious.
Santorini
Santorini’s terroir is one-of-a-kind, shaped by its volcanic origins, intense sunlight, strong winds, and dry climate. The island's soil is mostly made up of volcanic ash, pumice, and lava, which gives the wines a distinct mineral character and natural acidity. Because it rarely rains, the vines dig deep to find moisture, and the traditional kouloura vine training (basket shape) protects grapes from wind and heat. All of this comes together to create bold, crisp wines—especially Assyrtiko—that are full of personality and truly reflect the island’s rugged beauty.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have some of the most unique wine terroirs in the world, thanks to their volcanic soils, high altitudes, and dramatic microclimates. Each island offers something a little different—Lanzarote has vines growing in black ash pits, while Tenerife boasts steep, terraced vineyards that catch cool ocean breezes. The combination of mineral-rich soil, intense sun, and Atlantic winds gives the wines a distinctive character: often bright, saline, and bursting with personality. Plus, many vineyards here grow pre-phylloxera vines, meaning the grapes are some of the oldest and most original in Europe. It's a wine lover's dream with a serious sense of place.
The Envínate Benje Blanco 2023. Made primarily from Listán Blanco (aka Palomino), it’s zesty, mineral-driven, and just a bit smoky — a nod to the island’s volcanic terroir. You get citrus, a bit of white peach, salty ocean air, and that cool tension that only mountain-grown grapes seem to offer. It’s a great example of how the Canary Islands punch way above their weight when it comes to distinctive, character-rich wines. If you're curious about what makes this region special, this bottle is a pretty delicious place to start.
Anjou
Many regions continue to benefit from the ancient land of long-dormant volcanoes, one of these being Anjou. nestled in France’s Loire Valley, is known for its distinctive terroir, especially the ancient volcanic bedrock found in its western part around areas like Savennières. This rocky, schist-based soil drains well and forces vines to dig deep for nutrients, which stresses them just enough to produce intensely flavoured, mineral-driven wines. The contrast between this volcanic land and the more chalky soils further east gives Anjou wines—especially Chenin Blancs—a striking complexity and energy. It’s this unique mix of old earth and cool climate that makes Anjou wines stand out with freshness, tension, and character.
The Château De Plaisance Ronceray Anjou Blanc 2021 is a vibrant and elegant white wine that really shows off what the Anjou region in the Loire Valley does best. Made from Chenin Blanc, it's got that perfect balance of ripe orchard fruit, zippy acidity, and a touch of minerality that makes it super food-friendly and easy to sip. What makes it especially cool is how it captures the essence of Anjou—sun-soaked days, schist-rich soils, and a tradition of organic, expressive winemaking. It's fresh but structured, classic but not boring—a great snapshot of Loire terroir in a glass.
The world has an array of regions benefiting from its active or dormant volcanic landscape. Interested in learning more? Then take a look at our website.