Wine in Menorca: Amazing Terroir, Small Batch Production, Big Revival

Menorca is well known for its crystal-clear waters, scenic landscapes, and rich history, but its growing reputation as a wine destination is capturing the attention of discerning travelers. While the island’s winemaking tradition dates back to Roman times, it is experiencing a modern revival, with boutique wineries producing small-batch wines that reflect Menorca’s unique terroir. Nestled among rolling vineyards, these wineries offer intimate tasting experiences, sustainable farming practices, and a deep connection to the island’s natural rhythms.

A Rebirth of Winemaking

Despite its long history of viticulture, Menorca’s winemaking industry nearly vanished in the 19th century due to changing agricultural priorities. However, in recent decades, a passionate group of winemakers has revived the craft, focusing on quality over quantity. Today, the island boasts nine small but passionate wineries, all of which operate under the Vi de la Terra Illa de Menorca designation, ensuring authentic island-grown wines. The total vineyard area now covers 41.15 hectares, with production having increased by 264% in just over a decade. This remarkable growth has seen output rise from 424.6 hectoliters across four wineries to 1,544.48 hectoliters across nine wineries today.

Above: vineyards at Binitord Winery in Ciutadella - they have great tours in English, French and Spanish

The Unique Terroir of Menorca

Menorca’s climate and soil contribute to wines with distinct character. The island’s mild Mediterranean climate, cooling sea breezes, and limestone-rich soil create ideal conditions for growing grapes with balanced acidity and freshness. Indigenous grape varieties, alongside well-known Mediterranean staples like Merlot and Chardonnay, thrive in this environment, resulting in wines that reflect the essence of Menorca’s land and sea.

Wines are made from a mix of white and red grape varieties. White varieties include Chardonnay, Macabeo, Malvasía, Moscatel de Alejandría, Parellada, and Moll, while red wines feature Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Monastrell, Syrah, and Tempranillo. Notably, white wine dominates Menorca’s vineyards, occupying 56% of the planted area—a strategic choice, as these fresh and crisp wines are particularly popular during the island’s bustling summer tourist season.

Above: the incredibly dynamic calcarian soil of Menorca's southside.

Touring Menorca’s Boutique Wineries

Must-visit wineries in Menorca offering tours:

Bodegas Binifadet on the Eastside – Binifadet combines winemaking with a relaxed, elegant setting where guests can sip wine on the sun-drenched terrace, paired with local cheeses, while enjoying views of the surrounding vines.
Binitord on the Westside – Binitord is known for its biodynamic approach to winemaking and overall commitment to sustainability. Terrific guided tours and tastings are available in English, French and Spanish. Their underground wine cellar carved into the rock is exceptional and their vermut is delicious.
Hort Sant Patrici – A beautiful estate near Ferreries that combines winemaking with artisanal cheese production, Hort Sant Patrici offers an intimate tasting experience in a stunning rural setting. Visitors can enjoy their wines alongside handcrafted Menorcan cheese, making for a perfect pairing. Make a tasting reservation in advance (the Tradition and Flavour Tour is at 11:30am from the 1st of April until the 31st of October, and the Evening Among the Vineyards is Wednesday to Sunday at 7:00pm from the 16th of June until the 14th of September and at 5:30pm from the 1st of April until the 15th of June and from the 15th September to the 31st of October).

Above: Hort Sant Patrici in Ferreries

Son Cremat – a family business, they love to welcome people and offer them a walk through the vineyards, as well as a tasting of their wines. It is necessary to call in advance to visits to the winery and purchase wine on the property, or participate in the grape harvest at the end of summer (soncrematsl@gmail.com
or +34 606 97 00 35)
Sa Cudia – Located in the middle of the Natural Park of s’Albufera des Grau, in the middle of the Biosphere Reserve, the vineyards occupy seven hectares of the north coast of Menorca. It is a dry-farmed vineyard, where organic farming practices are applied with scrupulous respect for the natural environment. Visits to the winery by prior arrangement (fincasacudia@gmail.com)

Sustainability and Tradition

Many of Menorca’s wineries place a strong emphasis on sustainability, reflecting the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Organic and dry farming methods, minimal intervention winemaking, and respect for the land are common themes among Menorcan vintners. This focus not only results in high-quality wines but also ensures that winemaking remains a sustainable part of the island’s future.

A Wine Experience Rooted in Place

For travelers seeking a different side of Menorca, its wineries offer a chance to slow down and understand the island’s flavours, soil and farming traditions. Whether wandering through sun-dappled vineyards, tasting a crisp white with a paired with local cheeses, or chatting with passionate local winemakers, a visit to Menorca’s wineries is an experience infused with authenticity. Much like the island itself, Menorca’s wines are unpretentious, deeply connected to their surroundings, and best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Next time, ask for wine from Menorca.

Where to Buy Wine in Menorca

In Mahón: Botiga Xoriguer in the old city center (join our club and get 20% off when you spend 30 euros or more)
In Alaior: Cooperativa San Crispín (Av. de la Indústria, 5) or Sa Cooperativa del Camp (Plaça de sa Bassa de Sant Pere)
In Ciutadella: Vinum Menorca (Carrer Mariners i Pescadors D, 4)