Binissalem Wine Festival 2026: The Complete Visitor Guide

Every September, the small town of Binissalem in the Mallorcan interior becomes the centre of wine culture in the Balearic Islands. The Binissalem Wine Festival - or "Festa des Vermar" in Catalan, meaning "Harvest Festival" - is the best-known wine festival in the islands and one of Mallorca's most traditional folk events. This is not a tourist show: it is genuine Mallorcan festival culture - grape stomping, tasting local wines, and celebrating together.

When Is the Binissalem Wine Festival 2026?

The exact date for 2026 is usually announced officially by the Ajuntament Binissalem several months before the event. The Festa des Vermar traditionally takes place on the last weekend of September, typically running Thursday to Sunday. The main festival day with the big parade and grape stomping is usually Saturday.

For 2026, the last September weekend falls on 26 and 27 September. Plan your visit accordingly, and check the official website of the Ajuntament Binissalem for exact programme times as the date approaches.

What Makes the Wine Festival Special?

The Festa des Vermar is quite different from commercial wine events: it is a genuine village festival where the residents of Binissalem take centre stage. The programme combines traditional elements with a lively festival atmosphere:

• Pisament de raim: Grape stomping is the iconic image of the festival. Participants stomp the harvest barefoot in large vats - joining in is actively encouraged.
• Wine tastings: The local bodegas of the DO Binissalem pour their wines. You receive a tasting glass and work your way through the varieties.
• Parade and costumes: The big festival procession featuring traditional Mallorcan dress, floats, and music is a visual highlight.
• Live music and concerts: In the evening, bands play on stages around the Placa de la Quartera, the heart of the festival.
• Local food stalls: Many restaurants around the square have extended hours, and street food stalls add to the offering.

Entry to the festival grounds is free. For the tasting glass and wine samples, you pay a small amount directly at each bodega stand.

The Wines of the DO Binissalem

Binissalem is the heart of Mallorcan winemaking. The DO Binissalem (Denominacio d'Origen) is one of the four protected wine regions in the Balearic Islands and the best known on the island. The key grape varieties are:

• Manto Negro: The most important red variety on Mallorca, producing characterful, medium-bodied reds with notes of red fruit.
• Callet: Lighter reds, often fruity and fresh, frequently blended with Manto Negro.
• Prensal Blanc (also called Moll): The typical white variety, producing aromatic whites with a fresh acidity.

At the wine festival the major producers of the region are represented: Bodegas Jose L. Ferrer (the best-known and oldest winery on Mallorca), Antonio Nadal Ros, Bodegas Bordoy, and Bodegues Can Arabi are regular exhibitors. The exact list of participants varies from year to year.

How to Get to Binissalem

Binissalem is about 25 kilometres east of Palma in the middle of the island. Getting there is straightforward.

By train (recommended): The SFM rail service (Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca) connects Palma Estacio Intermodal with Binissalem. The journey takes around 30 minutes. On the festival weekend trains run more frequently - this is by far the most relaxed option since you do not have to worry about parking or drink driving. Check current timetables at trensdemallorca.com before you go.

By car: The drive from Palma via the MA-13 takes about 25 minutes. On festival days, parking in the centre is scarce. Plan to park on the outskirts and walk the short distance into town.

By bike: Binissalem is reachable from Palma via well-signposted cycling routes. The terrain is flat and manageable for experienced cyclists.

Practical Info for Your Visit

Entry: Access to the festival grounds is free. Wine tastings are paid directly at the bodega stands; packages with a glass and a few samples typically cost around 5 to 10 EUR.

Best time to go: Saturday afternoon is peak time. If you want to see the grape-stomping competition, arrive early. Evening concerts pick up later. If you prefer to avoid crowds, Friday evening or Sunday are quieter.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes are important - the ground can be slippery from grape juice. Bring a small pack of tissues or wet wipes if you plan to join the stomping. Cash is still useful at many stalls, though cards are increasingly accepted.

Language: The festival is conducted entirely in Mallorcan Catalan and Spanish. You are unlikely to find English-language assistance, but most activities are self-explanatory. Basic Spanish helps when shopping and at the bodega stands.

For more on Mallorcan festivals and traditions, see our guide to culture and traditions on Mallorca. Further day-trip ideas for residents are in our things to do on Mallorca guide.

Final Thoughts

The Binissalem Wine Festival is one of those events that every Mallorca resident should experience at least once. It combines genuine village culture with good wine and offers a look at the island's identity beyond the tourism industry. Getting there is easy, entry is free, and the atmosphere is warm. Mark the last September weekend in your calendar now - and let the train handle the drive home.