The challenges of the Canary Islands’ wine sector and its implications: A longitudinal study.

Abstract

News and reports acknowledge the challenges that Spanish wine regions are facing, including the Canary Is- lands, where wine designations of origin (DOs) have existed for less than two decades. The present study extends from preliminary research conducted on the islands’ wine industry to delve into the developments that continue to unfold in the archipelago’s wine sector. Winery owners, wine makers and managers of 55 wineries located in the six wine producing islands participated in face-to-face and telephone interviews. The general view among participants is of serious concern, and there appear to be very few short-term solutions for current challenges. Different implications are drawn from the findings, including those concerning the future of the local wine sector, its wine culture, and tradition.

Keywords

• Wine
• Wine sector
• Winery operators
• Challenges
• Canary Islands