KevinWillTravel
19 Sep 2022
There were a couple of incidents at the lunch stage of the excursion, at our final bodega stop which was Bodega Lagar de Chasna which I have to outline unfortunately.
We were a tour group of 4 couples and the tour guide. A younger couple not from the UK (I would guess in their 30s), and 2 older couples who didn’t know each other (I would guess both being in their 60s).
We had just sat down for the first wine and were introduced to the owner of the bodega. He made clear sexual innuendo/comment over the opening over the first bottle of wine, about it being more suitable for a woman to open (or words to that effect). This seemed inappropriate but no one reacted.
Further wines were introduced to us with helpful cultural and historical context by the owner after that. Whilst introducing another wine, he happened upon the topic of how Tenerife was geographically closer to the African continent vs mainland Spain and implied that as an island their own opinions about self-determination doesn’t count for much. Our tour guide started to comment further when he interrupted him and said something like, “…what are you talking about half-N*****!”, the implication was that if his opinion counted for very little the tour guide’s opinion, being mixed race, would mean even less.
The tour guide said nothing in response to his comment, nor did anyone else in the group (including me). At this stage I began to wonder if I was safe at this stop.
The owner is fluent in English, is capable of understanding and using sarcasm and other spoken English nuances, and has great technical wine knowledge which he capably conveyed. He was astute as to the impact of his words. Having made the slur/statement to the tour guide, he immediately addressed me to say that he was referring to the tour guide only (despite the fact I am clearly not white/potentially of black origin) so I can only conclude he must be aware of how what he said could be offensive. Moments later he came by to slap me on the back in a comrade-type manner. It was obvious that he was conscious I may have been offended (he wasn’t wrong).
As I am a person of colour I have to say what he said was offensive and has no place in that setting. Whether it was intended to be in humour or not, it was not appropriate, and represents a perspective that anyone of black African origin is less-than and unworthy of equal standing. Even said in jest and even if that represents what he believes is the attitude of the Spanish government.
Some minutes later, one of the older couples, who had been very chatty with us at the first bodega, and seemed very warm and friendly, the gentleman, seemingly out of nowhere leaned over to talk to one of the other gentleman of the other couple (also, I would guess in his 60s) to say, something like, “we have too many immigrants in our country, don’t you agree?”, to which the gentleman, to my dismay, agreed. At that moment, as they began to discuss the scarcity of resources in the UK to support the population. I had to interrupt to say that I was a product of migration, born and raised, second generation, in London. Does that then mean that I wasn’t welcome at the same table?
His wife, more quietly, speaking to the younger couple was saying things like, “you like your life, don’t you?”, “you want to keep things as they are where you live” – the inference being that migrants would change that negatively in some way.
I am not a confrontational person by nature but I could not not say something. I accept the tour operator is not responsible for the views/opinions of attendees. It is unfortunate (to say the least) that I, and my husband, had to discuss topics and argue the opposing point of view, effectively, defending our own personal beliefs. To be blunt, I just wanted to enjoy my lunch and wine and, at most, have a nice chat about our holidaying experience.
As a paying customer, I would strongly recommend preparing yourself before this stop. Our tour guide did warn us that the owner was “a character”. I did not realise that I would have to hear a racial slur + a clearly misogynist innuendo filled commentary.
As a person of colour, I would strongly recommend avoiding the tour altogether if Bodega Lagar de Chasna is still on the itinerary. I was reminded, my value as a human being is less than someone who is white in many people’s eyes. If, however, you are comfortable with casual misogyny, racism and, potentially, any other number of slurs and viewpoints then you will find wonderful views, great wine and a warm welcome.
Rating summary:
- Tour guide: extremely knowledgeable about the local economy, agriculture, cultural history, was very personable and engaging the entire time (excepting the majority of the return trips to our hotels which was completely understandable considering he had talked nearly the whole day) – 4.5/5. In my personal opinion the only room for improvement was that he spoke for one winery/bodega representatives of the for a majority of that part of the tour in his capacity of translator.
- Lunch provided: good value for money. Wines provided at the lunch exceptional (one wine award winning at the time). Food: 3/5, Wine: 4.5/5.
- Banana plantation: interesting tour of the plantation including cultivation and history of the agriculture of Tenerife. Tasty and varied samples of produce provided. Speakers/guides: 4.5/5.
- Overall experience based on the above: 4/5.
- Overall experience based on the above + the personal experience at the Bodega Lagar de Chasna from the owner only (i.e. excluding the immigration discussion): 1/5. Truly appalling as I don’t think I’ve heard that word used in years.