Bodegas Vi Rei, a winery near Llucmajor in the south of Mallorca, is offering visitors a food and wine experience centred on paella cooked over an open fire among its vineyards.
The paella experience
The cooks prepare the paella in front of guests over a wood fire, from the sofrito to the finished rice. Watching the cooking is part of the experience, as guests take in the smells and sounds while the dish comes together.
While the rice cooks, guests can taste several of the winery’s wines. The paella session starts at 12.30pm and should be booked in advance.
Other activities
The winery, with more than 100 hectares of vines, also offers:
- guided tours of the vineyard, explaining how the grapes are grown, with tastings;
- pairings, such as wine with chocolate or with Iberian ham and cheese;
- picnics among the vines;
- barbecue evenings in summer.
Wine tourism in Mallorca
Wine tourism has grown strongly in Mallorca over the past two decades. The island has two protected designations of origin, Binissalem and Pla i Llevant, as well as the Vi de la Terra Mallorca label, and many wineries now open their doors for tours, tastings, meals and events.
For the wine industry, visitors provide direct sales and help to build the reputation of island wines. For tourism, wineries offer an alternative to the beach and a way to discover the rural interior, often outside the peak summer season.
The south of Mallorca
The area around Llucmajor and Cap Blanc, with its dry, sunny climate and limestone soils, has seen a growing number of vineyards in recent years. Its proximity to Palma and the airport makes it easy to visit.
Practical information
- Location: on the road to Cap Blanc, Llucmajor.
- Opening hours: daily, generally from 10am to 6pm.
- Booking: recommended for all activities, through the winery’s website.
Remember that if you are tasting wine, someone else should drive — or use a taxi to get there and back.
