Mallorca and wine
A history with ups and downs
The wine culture on Mallorca looks back on a long history. The Romans brought the noble wine to the island as early as 123 BC when they incorporated Mallorca into the Roman Empire. At the end of the 19th century, wine cultivation and export boomed. In the years 1891-95, however, as in the rest of Europe, the filoxera blight destroyed most of the vines and the farmers switched to growing almond trees.
Everywhere where almond trees blossom white and pink in February today were vineyards a few hundred years ago. Of about 30,000 hectares of cultivated land, only 2,000 hectares remained cultivated at the beginning of the 20th century.
With the initial mass tourism in the 1960s, interest in viticulture died out completely. Thanks to a few winegrowers who preserved the old tradition, a rethink emerged in the early 1990s and today Mallorca's top wines regularly receive international awards.
Wine Tip No. 1: Mallorca Wine Express
The largest wine-growing area on Mallorca is located inland, around Santa Maria del Cami. This is also where the Wine Express starts, our very special tip. A small train takes you through the plain which is dotted with vines. A stop at a typical finca that produces olive oil and other local specialities is just as much a part of the programme as a final dessert amidst the grapes.
The Wine Express starts on the grounds of the Bodega Macia Batle, on the outskirts of Santa Maria.
Wine tip no. 2: The wine festival in Binissalem
In September, the small wine village of Binissalem celebrates the so-called "Festes de Vermer" for almost 2 weeks. Every day there are events around the wine: Wine treading, wine barrel rolling competitions, wine tastings, concerts and outdoor dinners for the villagers. Of course, not only the harvest workers are invited, but also visitors are more than welcome.
Wine Tip No. 3: Advent at Bodega Castell Miguel in Alaro
Every year in December, the Bodega Castell Miguel organises a festive Advent market on their estate. Visitors are treated to homemade mulled wine and Mallorcan specialities. And with so many exhibitors, you're sure to find a nice Christmas present!
Wine tip no. 4: A walk through the vines
This lovely walk begins in the quaint village of Sencelles and leads into rural Mallorca, always with a view of the Tramuntana mountains. Along a small road with little traffic, you reach the tiny wine village of Binigual, a settlement of well-kept houses, a chapel and one of the best bodegas on the island. The entire village is privately owned. Wine tasting is possible by telephone arrangement. The way back leads parallel to the way there through the wine and grain fields to Sencelles. A restaurant with a view can be found directly at the entrance to the village in the old mill.
Would you like to learn more about Mallorca and wine, visit a winery and taste the fine wines? We will be happy to tell you where you can find the most beautiful wineries. Just ask us!
