Mallorca has many vineyards all over the island, both large and small producers. The number of vineyards continues to increase too, well over 100 now! The largest wine area being around Binisalem and Consell.

Long before the MA-13 motorway from Palma to the North was built, a substantial number of vineyards bordered the original main road. Travelling on the motorway you may have noticed, the two very large bottles standing close to the motorway on the estate of Jose L. Ferrer.  No, they’re not full of wine or made of glass, just a nice landmark on your journey to the north of the island.

Today, many of the vineyards can be visited and sampling undertaken, please check direct with the vineyard to make an appointment and whether a tasting fee is charged.

Some towns and villages have wine fiestas, for example, a large Wine Fair is held each year in Pollenca in the north of the island, usually one weekend in May, around 30-35 vineyards are represented, for you to talk to the knowledgeable staff, sample and even purchase bottles to take home. An entrance fee is charged which includes a goodie bag containing a large wine glass, a notebook detailing the exhibitors, their bottles to sample, a pencil to write down your own tasting notes and a discount voucher off one bottle of wine. Each stall will have dry biscuits and a spitoon should you dislike the wine you’re tasting. I’m not sure how a spitoon works as I’ve never tasted a wine that I don’t like…!!

A very enjoyable fiesta of Mallorcan wine, though not as cheap as many mainland wines, the quality speaks for itself.

Many supermarkets and specialist wine shops stock Spanish and Mallorcan wine, you can always buy a bottle or two if you miss the “Fira del Vi” or, of course, plan your next holiday on the island to coincide with the Wine Fair the following year!

Peter Shaw