Mallorca is home to approximately 70 wineries (also called 'bodegas'), and in recent years, numerous producers have started welcoming visitors for guided tours to the vineyards and cellars, accompanied by tastings of wines and local products. A prominent wine route is the Binissalem DO region, which includes the central towns of Santa Maria del Camí, Binissalem, Inca, Sencelles, and Santa Eugenia.
1. Santa Maria del Cami
Santa María del Camí is the starting point for many wine adventures. The village bustles on Sundays with its lively market, which is a great place to grab local cheeses and cured meats to complement your wine tasting.
Local wineries:
- Bodegas Macià Batle: A large, well-established winery known for its guided tours and tastings that provide an excellent introduction to Mallorcan wine. They produce a wide variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Their facilities include a shop where you can purchase their products.
- Bodegas Angel: A smaller winery with a focus on sustainable practices. They offer intimate tours and tastings, showcasing their commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
- Other smaller producers include Celler Ramanya and Celler Sebastià Pastor, both offering intimate tours providing insights into their traditional winemaking processes
2. Binissalem
Next up, Binissalem – the heart of wine production on the island. This sleepy sandstone town comes alive in September for the Festa des Vermar, a wild grape harvest festival featuring everything from grape-crushing contests to parades and, of course, plenty of wine.
Local wineries:
- José Luis Ferrer: The largest winery in the region, known for its innovation and variety. Their tours include a walk through the vineyards, a visit to the production area, and tastings of their extensive range of wines.
- Bodegas Biniagual: Nearby, in the quaint hamlet of Biniagual, Bodegas Biniagual offers a picturesque setting for wine tasting. This winery is noted for its ecological approach to winemaking and its award-winning wines. The tour here includes a visit to the beautiful estate, the vineyards, and the winery itself, culminating in a tasting of their best selections.
- Celler Tianna Negre: A modern winery committed to sustainability. They use solar panels and water reuse systems and offer tours that include a tasting of their popular red wines, including the Ses Nines and Randemar wines.
- Other smaller producers include Bodega Nadal, a family-run winery with a rich history, and Bodega Sa Cabana, known for its picturesque vineyards and high-quality wines.
3. Inca
Known more for its leather goods than its wine, Inca still offers some delightful cellar restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Mallorcan dishes paired with local wines. The Thursday market is one of the biggest on the island, making it a great place to explore before heading to a vineyard.
Local wineries:
- Bodega Son Bordils: Located just outside Inca, this winery offers a variety of wines, including some interesting local varietals. The tour includes a visit to their cellars and tastings.
- Bodega Santa Catarina: Known for its picturesque location and high-quality wines, it provides a charming and educational wine tasting experience.
4. Sencelles
For a more authentic rural experience, Sencelles is your spot. This agricultural hub is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, offering a true taste of Mallorcan countryside life.
Local wineries:
- Bodega Son Prim: A well-regarded winery known for its high-quality wines and detailed tours, providing a great overview of Mallorcan viticulture.
- Bodega Antonio Nadal: Offers a range of traditional Mallorcan wines and an insightful tour into their winemaking processes.
- Bodega Son Campaner: This winery focuses on quality over quantity, offering detailed tours and tastings of their exclusive wines.
- Bodega Ca Sa Padrina: Known for its traditional methods and excellent red wines, this winery provides a comprehensive tour of their facilities.
5. Santa Eugènia
Finish your wine route in the serene village of Santa Eugènia. Vinja Taujana’s tours are delightful, with their tapas pairings providing a perfect end to your journey. Bodega Son Juliana offers a picturesque setting and a comprehensive look at their winemaking processes.
Local wineries:
- Vinja Taujana: This winery offers a unique experience with vineyard tours, tastings, and tapas. The winery is known for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere and its focus on producing wines with a strong sense of place. The tours often end with a relaxed tasting session on their beautiful terrace, overlooking the vineyards.
- Bodega Son Juliana: Known for its beautiful setting and high-quality wines, this winery provides a delightful tour experience, complete with tastings and insights into their production methods.
Practical Tips
- Getting Around: The best way to explore the Binissalem wine route is by car. But if you don't trust your navigation skills after a few glasses, there are organized tours that include transport—no need to explain to the local police why you’re driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Book in advance: While some wineries might accept walk-ins, it is recommended to arrange your visits in advance so they can welcome you in the best conditions
- Best Time to Visit: September’s Festa des Vermar is the prime time for your visit. Expect wine tastings, music, fireworks, and even a grape-throwing fight—yes, it’s as fun as it sounds and as messy as you’d imagine.
- Accommodation: To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, stay at a local agroturismo or finca. Many offer packages with vineyard tours and tastings, so you can roll out of bed and straight into a wine tour—no judgment here.