Mallorca Wine Tour

After lunch, your local private guide will take you on an entertaining walking tour of the marvelous old town’s highlights to help you shake off the jet lag. You will start with a visit to the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria (called “La Seu”). Construction on the architectural gem was begun in the early 1200s but only finished just under 400 years later. It’s truly a wonder, and your guide will share fun anecdotes and curiosities with you, show you the Gaudí designed baldachin, and a peculiar art masterpiece designed by local artist Miquel Barceló. Admire the world’s largest Gothic rose window and finish off with fantastic views over the bay from the terraces and bell tower, where you can see as far as Bellver Castle. Carry on to the Palau de l’Almudaina, just across from the cathedral, for a short visit. This 10th-century Moorish fortress (wholly renovated in Gothic Palatial style by King Jaume II of Mallorca in the early 1300s) features stunning, vaulted rooms full of ancient tapestries, Knight’ armor and antiques, as well as Moorish style gardens complete with swans. Weave your way through the medieval streets of “El Casco Antiguo” next and conclude a terrific afternoon with a glass of wine on a rooftop terrace like the Sky Bar with exceptional views over the entire Bay of Palma or in a cozy tree-lined plaza.

The evening is yours to enjoy your luxurious, 19th-century mansion hotel right downtown. You can watch the sunset on your hotel’s rooftop bar with its panoramic view of the Sant Francesc Basilica, and either grab a light dinner on-site or head to the marina for a seafront supper. We love El Nautico at the Royal Nautical Club, with perfect views and, of course, nautical décor. The club is run by the famous Tast Culinary Project and is an “on trend” spot to enjoy baked monkfish and seafood rice while enjoying a view of the yachts moored in the harbor.

It is a short drive then to the next wine experience at Bodega Vins Miquel Gelabert, the most highly awarded Mallorcan winery. Run by the effervescent, self-taught vinous genius Miquel Gelabert Fullana, this artisan estate is, without a doubt, making some of the best wines on the island. Enjoy a short visit to their wine cellar right in town, dating back to the early 1900s, and sit down to an engaging, educational, and fun, private tasting session.

After a busy morning tasting new and exciting Mallorcan wines, you will be looking forward to lunch next, which is overlooking the sea in an idyllic location. Breathe in the fresh sea air while unwinding over grilled aged steak and fresh seafood, served with wine pairings at Restaurante Foc Asador de Mar at the Pleta de Mar nature resort. Enjoy the views of wild olive groves, pine trees, and the sparkling Mediterranean. It is then a ten-minute drive to a terrific fortified village and castle where you will have some free time to stroll around, stretch your legs, grab a coffee or pick up some gifts. You’ll be visiting Capdepera, whose castle is straight out of a movie set. Constructed in the 13th century over the remains of a Moorish settlement, this impressive and striking fortress citadel is an architectural highlight of the trip. Your chauffeur will take you to your retreat 5* spa hotel at your preferred time in the early evening, where you will have a free evening. You can enjoy a spa treatment before dinner if you like. For fine haute-cuisine, we recommend your hotel’s chic Tess de Mar restaurant. For something more casual and easygoing, don’t miss the bohemian Es Pinaret restaurant with a lovely garden setting and unfussy but excellent fusion style cuisine.

The coast beckons next, and you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at the Yacht Club Cala d’Or (Golden Cove) before embarking on your sailing adventure this afternoon and evening. Meet your friendly captain Nigel and board the elegant Vita Bel II, a handsome, classic yacht with a 16-meter teak deck, and make a Cava toast as you sail towards the pine-forested Cala Mondragó. This afternoon and evening, you will reach secluded, ultramarine coves for swimming and snorkeling, sip stellar Mallorcan and mainland Spanish wines under the sun on the deck, and have a great time while your captain barbecues for you right on the boat at sunset. The best way to see the coast is definitely from the sea itself and this evening is one to remember. Your driver will take you back to your luxury retreat after dinner; hope you had a fantastic day!

The Son Prim winery was founded in the early ’90s by one of Mallorca’s wine visionaries, Jaime Llabrés. He began with one small plot where he tested the terroir conditions with native grape varietals like Prensal and international grapes like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, and Syrah. Later they incorporated Tempranillo, Northern Spain’s noble red grape, into their successful red blend “Cup.” In the early 2000’s they decided to go for high level/low yield winemaking approach, and today they are considered one of the best wineries on the island. You will enjoy a private tour of the stylish winery and a tasting of their full range, accompanied by Mallorcan canapés, on their inviting terrace overlooking the vines. Then it’s time for a special lunch! Today’s lunch is rustic, no-frills, authentic in a kitsch 1970’s tacky kind of way (think paper napkins and farm utensils decorating the walls), and yet it is “a must” while in Mallorca- slow-cooked lamb shoulder roasted on a wood fire, at Es Verger. Your chauffeur will sweep you away into the hills going up towards the Castell Alaró, taking in jaw-dropping views of the mountains as you wind your way up the curvy, James Bond-esque road. You will be very happy to have a private, experienced chauffeur, so you can sit back and relax. On arrival, apart from “those views!” you’ll be hit by the aromas from the “horno de leña” (wood-burning oven). You will swiftly sit down on the terrace with spectacular mountain views to a satisfying lunch of ‘paletilla de cordero’ (the famous lamb shoulder), roast potatoes, garlicky alioli, and salad, with homemade almond tart to finish. Simple pleasures. This is the good life!

The quaint town of Pollença is your last stop today, very close to your luxury rural hotel retreat, and you’ll have free time to enjoy a digestive stroll, glass of wine, shopping, and photo ops. This enchanting small town dates back to Ancient Roman times and is a delight to visit with its narrow cobblestoned streets, sculptures, gardens, villas, medieval towers, Templar churches, and 15th-century sanctuary. If you want to rev up your appetite for dinner, you can climb the flight of 365 cypress-lined, stone steps (one for each day of the year) up to the chapel, where you will be rewarded with an outstanding panoramic view over the sea. When you are ready to head to your hotel, your chauffeur will take you on the short drive there and get you all settled in. You will feel so pampered at this exquisite Relais & Chateaux Hotel and Spa located in a former monastery and now one of Mallorca’s best countryside luxury hotels. You can enjoy a spa treatment or massage, go for a walk through the gardens, enjoy a drink by the pool at sunset, and dine in their superb restaurant.

They make a wide range of highly rated, enticing wines like Sió Blanc; Sió Negre; Sió 300 2013 (an extraordinary wine made for their 300th anniversary); and an unusual, tasty treat- a 100% Viognier. After a private guided tour of their scenic vineyards, you’ll visit the historic cellar. At the same time, your gracious hosts explain their family’s fascinating history and their winemaking philosophy, such as their pioneering hand selection practice. You will then sit down to a festive, private wine pairing lunch, served right in the garden or in the family villa if the weather does not permit. Taste delicacies like “Suquet de Peix” (Fisherman’s stew) and traditional Mallorcan Suckling pig “Porcella Mallorquina”- all served with the best estate wines, of course.

After a superb morning and lunch, the fun continues at Bodega Biniagual. Just when you think the landscapes and wine tasting venues cannot get any better, you arrive at this ancient stone hamlet surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, palm trees, and cypresses. The entire ancient hamlet is owned by the Biniagual wine estate who has transformed it into a real-life fairy tale—making top tier, outstanding wines within the Binissalem appellation (a region that has been cultivating vines since the 2nd century BC!). You will be swept away on a private tour of the entire hamlet and winery by a passionate member of their team. You then conclude with a tasting of their handcrafted wines like their mouthwatering Finca Biniagual Mantonegro (so good!) and their extravagant Finca Biniagual Gran Verán (a sophisticated blend of Syrah and Mantonegro, one of the best wines in Mallorca). Head to your resort next for a much-deserved siesta, and you will have free time to freshen up and rest before dinner. Your driver will escort you on a short 20-minute drive to the coast for dinner tonight. You will be tucking into a light and creative, Michelin starred cuisine at Maca de Castro in Alcudia’s port, a lovely airy contrast to the farmhouse style lunch. What an unforgettable day!

Speaking of gourmet, lunch today is a foodie highlight of this vacation. Your culinary adventure awaits at the mythical Béns d’Avall, who have been teasing food lovers’ palates since 1971. Chef Benet Vicens took over the family restaurant from his mother and grandmother. Today works with his son, creating exceptional high-end cuisine served in an unstuffy environment on the coast between Sóller and Deià. Lunch here is fun, inspirational, gastronomic, and the views are on a par with the Amalfi Coast. You’ll enjoy the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings, and this will be a two or three-hour affair, so let your hair down and enjoy this to the fullest- the sea views, food, wine, and exemplary service are impeccable. And then, your driver will take you on to your final destination today- Deià, Mallorca’s most charming village. It has long attracted artists and celebrities, including Ava Gardner, Picasso, and Robert Graves, who all spent a considerable amount of time here. Perched in the mountains just about a mile from the coast, it is almost impossibly perfect, quiet, and supremely comforting and life-affirming to stay here. You will be checking in to the best hotel in Mallorca, an ultra-luxury Belmond hotel whose magnificent grounds spill out over the green hillside. Everywhere you look, you see beauty and charm, and this is a haven of peace. The late afternoon and evening are free for you to take advantage of the report’s facilities like their spa, jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and various dining options. Welcome to heaven!

After lunch, enjoy more sailing, photo opportunities, and swimming. Your captain will take you back south to Cala Deià, called “the artist and painters’ cove.” Your driver will meet you there and take you back to your luxury resort for a few hours of free time to relax, explore the grounds, utilize the facilities, etc. Dinner tonight is at Michelin starred Es Racó d’es Teix, just next to your hotel. This welcoming and friendly restaurant located in one of Deià’s many stone villas offers guests incredible views of Deià from the terrace and whimsical, colorful, and decadent cuisine. Owners Nori Payeras & Joseph Sauerschell have lovingly run this “Culinary Nirvana” since 1999, having previously worked at some of Europe’s best gourmet restaurants, including Le Manoir Aux Quatre Saisons in Oxford, Four Seasons in Munich, Le Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, and indeed your hotel’s restaurant. The best table on the flowery terrace will be reserved for you, and you will be spoiled with their tasting menu and top Spanish wine pairings. Dinner here is a foodie fantasy, enjoy!

At this stage, you will be looking forward to lunch, and we will have it arranged for you at the outstanding Oleum restaurant at Hotel Son Net, the best restaurant in this corner of the island. The name “Oleum” is Latin for olive oil and is in homage to the converted 17th-century olive press, where their dramatic main dining room is located. They also have a spacious terrace overlooking the extensive vineyards and grounds. Expect a memorable and happy lunch with local Mallorcan and Mediterranean dishes are given a creative twist and fancy presentation, and served by their amiable staff. The wine will flow, and the smiles will follow, and after a long Spanish lunch, your driver will take you back to your resort in Deià for one last, precious night. The evening is yours to dine on-site or out of the hotel, with our suggestions. You won’t be terribly hungry!

After lunch, then head to your final destination, Cala Blava, in the Bay of Palma. You will be spending your last night in an exceptional property, reminiscent of an ancient Moorish palace, and located steps from the water in a completely private marine reserve that you can access. You will feel like you have entered a dream world! The afternoon is free to enjoy the facilities, order a massage, go for a swim, grab a pre-dinner cocktail, or hang out with a glass of wine and a book in your suite’s private terraced garden. Dinner tonight will be the grand slam of this trip, a private, utterly romantic, indulgent, and luxurious affair set up for your right on the seashore under the moonlight. Major wow!