Get ready because you’re just about to uncover the crème de la crème of Ibiza’s wines. All you need to do is go with the flow and start a journey through Ibiza’s wine-growing area, weaving through Sant Mateu, Buscastell, and Sant Josep, right in the heart of the island.
It’s a region brimming with quaint wineries, producing wines under the “Vinos de la tierra de Ibiza” designation of origin, and it’ll take you by surprise with its peacefulness, stunning beauty, and dreamy landscapes. Let’s set off!
Wines with a Designation of Origin
The wines of Ibiza are crafted in the island’s interior, mainly in the small towns of Sant Mateu, Buscastell, and Sant Josep. It’s a hilly area where forests rhythmically give way to vineyard fields and where you can take a moment to breathe and savour each moment at your own pace.
Ibiza’s wines are famed for their exceptional quality and are produced under the ‘Vino de la tierra de Ibiza’ designation of origin. The goal is simple: to single out Ibiza’s wines and ensure production of the highest quality.
To delve into the origins of winemaking in Ibiza, we must travel back to the 7th century BC. From that era, vessels and amphoras have been found in which the Phoenicians stored and transported wine. Moreover, although the Roman presence in Ibiza greatly improved viticulture and wine production, it wasn’t until well into the 20th century that a true revolution took place.
That was when the commitment to modernizing wineries and focusing on quality production led to the regulation of the ‘Vino de la tierra de Ibiza’ mention in 1996.
What Ibiza’s Wines Are Like
Nowadays, the production of these wines with a designation of origin is selective and limited, and visiting some of the area’s wineries can be a fantastic way to discover their most treasured drops.
Ibizan wines are increasingly appreciated, not just for their quality, but also for their character. The red wines, made primarily from the Monastrell variety, are warm and full-bodied, with a deep cherry colour, aromas of ripe fruit, and a distinctive hint of thyme, traditionally used to prevent casks from clogging. As for the white wines, they’re known for being fresh, well-balanced, with fruity and floral aromas.
If you fancy giving them a go, you can always pop into any of the local wineries, take a tour of their facilities, and indulge in a wine tasting or, if you prefer, partake in some of the activities and events organized annually to showcase Ibizan wines, like the Sant Mateu Wine Festival, for instance.
Sant Mateu Wine Festival
Every year, come mid-December, the Wine Festival takes place in Sant Mateu, a small and inviting town that opens its doors to hundreds of visitors.
This festivity has become a tradition that celebrates the island’s culture. It also marks the end of the harvest in Sant Mateu and the beginning of the winemaking process. Producers seize the opportunity to introduce their new wines.
Getting involved in the festival’s activities, such as grape pressing, is a brilliant chance to get acquainted with the local wine, a robust and high-quality red wine.
During the festival, you can also enjoy various folk dance performances, traditional music acts, a great vibe, and of course, the exquisite local cuisine.
Scattered across different spots, you’ll also find stalls to sample the local wines and try some of the island’s specialities, like flaó, orelletes, butifarró, or sobrasada. So, whether you’re a wine buff or not, there are plenty of reasons not to miss out on this fiesta.
And if you’re keen on visiting some of the area’s wineries, now’s your chance! Many open their doors to those wishing to explore Ibizan wines.
The Wine Racking in Jesús
The wine racking is one of the activities during the festivities of Jesús, a peaceful town close to Ibiza City, known for its exceptional food scene.
This activity showcases one of the most deep-rooted traditions in many Ibizan country homes, the decanting of wine from one barrel to another to aerate it and remove the solid residues.
The festivities in this town unfold during the last week of August and throughout September. Although the festival program is extensive and diverse, the big day is September 8th. That’s when a procession and a traditional mass take place, along with children’s games, live performances, and various concerts, among many other activities.
Visiting Vineyards and Wineries in Ibiza
There are plenty of wineries to visit in Ibiza to discover the island’s best wines. In Sant Mateu, you’ll find Can Maymó, one of the most prestigious in Ibiza. Their wines, made from Malvasia and Monastrell varieties, are truly exceptional…
Also in Sant Mateu, you can pop over to Sa Cova, famed for being the oldest winery in Ibiza. There, you can wander through the vineyards, have a nosy around their facilities, and sample some of their top-notch wines, alongside some scrumptious local nibbles.
There’s a whole bunch of other wineries you’d be daft to miss, like Can Rich, nestled between Sant Antoni and Buscastell, or Ibizkus right in Ibiza Town. Each one’s got its own unique flair, but they all share that special something. We reckon you’ll have a smashing time!
