The lipase-catalyzed synthesis of fatty alcohol esters of quinic and glucuronic acid was investigated. The results showed that although a direct esterification process was possible, a strategy involving short-chain alkyl ester intermediates was advantageous. 2-Methyl-2-butanol was chosen as solvent and parameters such as substrate ratios and concentrations were optimized. Octyl, decyl and hexadecyl esters of quinic and glucuronic acids could be obtained with this process. However, reaction rates were rather slow and it could be shown that the completely chemically catalyzed synthesis of the same products using ion exchange resins was advantageous.