The Balearic Islands are world renowned for their beautiful coastlines and countryside and millions of visitors set foot in the Balearics each year, to the packed beaches and marinas of Mallorca, for intense hedonism in Ibiza´s clubs and to the quieter spots in the islands with their enticing beauty and tranquility. Most of these visitors though are completely unaware that these islands also posses a long and celebrated tradition of producing wine. Mallorcans in particular, are very proud of their wines and native varieties Manto Negro and Callet. For these wines, although formerly derided by some critics as merely 'tourist wines' are experiencing a massive renaissance and new investment has taken the wine producing industry to new and exciting heights.
Each of the four Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca – have vines planted, although the only island with a sizeable industry is Mallorca. Ibiza, of example, produces only a small amount of wine, and Menorca has just 20 hectares given over to vines. The vineyards of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are some of the most picturesque in Spain – grapes ripen in a benign sub-tropical climate and the landscape is spectacular. Vineyards cling to steep terraces on the island's hills and olive, almond and citrus trees dot the fertile land.