Wine on Mallorca - Wineries, Grapes & Tastings

Mallorca is no longer known only for sun, beaches and sangria. Over the past few decades, wine on Mallorca has grown into a genuine quality product that impresses international wine lovers too. Around 70 bodegas (wineries) now produce red, white and rose wines on the island, and they get better with every vintage. Anyone who wants to really get to know the island as a resident or visitor can hardly skip a wine tasting.

In this article you will learn which wineries are worth a visit, which grape varieties are typical for the island and how to plan your own tasting tour.

Mallorca's wine regions at a glance

Mallorca's winegrowing centres on two protected designations of origin (Denominacion de Origen, or D.O.):

• D.O. Binissalem - The island's oldest wine region lies in the centre, between Palma and Inca. Here the grapes grow on poor soils in a sheltered valley. Binissalem is known above all for full-bodied reds.
• D.O. Pla i Llevant - This region stretches across the eastern part of the island, from Felanitx to Manacor. The soils and the mild climate produce fresh, fruity wines.

Alongside these there are many wineries labelled "Vi de la Terra Mallorca" that work outside the D.O. areas and are often especially willing to experiment. If you want to learn more about the island's food scene, our guide to restaurants and dining on Mallorca is a good place to start.

Typical grape varieties of the island

What makes wine on Mallorca special are the native grape varieties grown almost nowhere else in the world:

• Manto Negro - The most important red grape on Mallorca. It produces soft, fruity reds with aromas of red berries and a hint of spice.
• Callet - Another local red variety that gives deeper, more complex wines. Callet is often blended with Manto Negro.
• Prensal Blanc (Moll) - The leading white grape of the island. The wines are fresh and light, with notes of green apple and citrus.
• Giro Ros - A rare white variety that yields aromatic, full-bodied wines.

Of course you will also find international varieties on Mallorca such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay. Many winemakers combine local and international grapes to create interesting blends.

The best wineries for visitors

Many bodegas on Mallorca open their doors to visitors and offer guided tours with a tasting. Here is a selection of particularly rewarding wineries:

1. Bodega Ribas (Consell) - One of the oldest wineries in Spain, founded in 1711. The Ribas family focuses on organic growing and produces excellent wines from local varieties. A tour through the historic cellars is an experience.

2. Jose L. Ferrer (Binissalem) - The best-known winery of D.O. Binissalem. Its wines turn up in restaurants and supermarkets all over the island. The tasting is well organised and suitable for beginners too.

3. Macia Batle (Santa Maria del Cami) - Known for its artistically designed labels. Macia Batle produces both classic and modern wines and has a lovely visitor centre.

4. Bodega Anima Negra (Felanitx) - A must for wine connoisseurs. The reds "AN" and "AN/2" are among the best on the island and have won international awards.

5. Bodegas Mesquida Mora (Porreres) - A biodynamic winery known for its sustainable methods and elegant wines.

6. Can Majoral (Algaida) - A small, family-run winery focused on organic growing. Perfect for anyone who prefers a personal atmosphere.

How to plan your wine tour

A wine tasting on Mallorca is easy to fold into a day trip. Here are a few practical pointers:

Getting there: Most wineries lie inland, about 20 to 40 minutes' drive from Palma. A rental car is almost essential, unless you book an organised tour.

Reservation: Most bodegas expect you to book ahead for tours and tastings. In high season (June to September) you should reserve at least a week in advance.

Prices: A tasting with a tour usually costs between 10 and 25 EUR per person. Premium tastings with cheese or tapas can run up to 50 EUR.

Best time: Autumn (September and October) is especially appealing, because that is when the harvest takes place. But the wineries are open in spring and winter too, and it is much quieter then.

Buying wine and taking it home

Once you have discovered wine on Mallorca, you will of course want to take a few bottles with you. Prices are often lower at the wineries than in shops. You can get a bottle of good Mallorcan wine from around 8 EUR, while top wines cost between 20 and 40 EUR.

For the flight home, the following rules apply: you may carry wine in checked luggage but not in hand luggage (the liquids rule). Many wineries offer special shipping boxes that make it safer to pack wine in your suitcase. As an alternative, you can have wine shipped directly to your home country - some bodegas offer a delivery service.

In Palma you will also find specialist wine shops such as "Bodega Can Rigo" or "La Vinoteca", which carry a wide range of Mallorcan wines. For an overview of shopping options on the island, see our guide to shopping on Mallorca.

Conclusion

Wine on Mallorca is far more than a holiday souvenir. The island has a lively wine culture with local grape varieties found almost nowhere else, and dedicated winemakers who produce better wine every year. Whether you are a connoisseur or simply curious, a visit to a Mallorcan winery is one of the finest experiences away from the beach. Taste your way through the local varieties, find your favourite bodega and take a piece of Mallorca home with you.