Food and wine go hand-in-hand when you’re on holiday, and there’s something rather wonderful about discovering a new wine you love in the region you’re exploring, especially if you have the chance to visit the winery, inspect the wines or even meet the owner. Read on for my recommendations of the best vineyards in Mallorca – even better I can arrange for wine to be shipped to your home so you can have a taste of Mallorca long after your holiday.
Possibly the most scenic vineyard on the island, Mortitx winery is cradled by the jagged ridges of the Serra de Tramuntana with a glimpse of Mediterranean Sea in the distance. My friend Mateo will show you around the highest altitude vineyard on the island, then introduce you to his wines for a tasting in the impressive winery, where you’ll sample wines from steel casks and oak barrels. Mortitx are award-winning wines, comprising of red, white, rosé and a sweet wine, producing around 100,000 bottles a year. The white wine comes from traditional Malvasia grapes which are resistant to the harsher, snowy conditions in winter plus Muscat, Chardonnay, Riesling, while Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Monastrell, Gorgollassa and Callet grapes make up the reds.
Mixing tradition with modernity really makes this winery stand out and you’ll see what I mean when you get there. Located south of Pollença, Can Axartell’s winery is built into an old stone quarry – a modernist, subterranean James Bond lair that somehow works within the rugged surroundings, as well as naturally cooling the interior. It’s not just about the looks though – this winery has a strong sustainable ethic, and only produces natural wines (way before it became fashionable to drink natural wines!) Stroll around and discover more about their organic methods and examine the vines; you’ll also see 1,000-year-old olive groves which work in synergy with the vines and the natural limestone in the soil. Marvel at the process of wine-making in the winery that uses simple gravity to allow the grapes to settle, creating a gentle production. And of course, you must have a tasting – of both the wine and the golden olive oil, accompanied by tasty Mallorcan nibbles. The perfect afternoon in my opinion!
Set in a small town with the same name, Biniagual is such a pretty winery, set amid a historic hamlet dotted with terracotta roofed buildings, a chapel, and a traditional Mallorcan stone farmhouse. This idyllic setting is in fact the heart of Mallorca’s wine-growing district Binissalem and has been cultivated vines, olives and grain since Roman times. In the Bodega wine cellar, you can see the presses used for the grapes and learn about their sustainable practices. Biniagual also use native grapes like the indigenous Mato Negro (red) and Prensal Blanc (white), which are then mixed with other varieties. What I really like about Biniagual is that you can have a nice wine tasting at the vinoteca accompanied by delicious tapas, so it feels like more of a dining experience.
Happy Cycling,
Mar