A day to remember...

Deep in the heart of Majorca lies one of Spain's best-kept and cherished secrets. In the foothills of the magnificent Sera de Tramuntana mountain range some of the finest vineyards have nestled for centuries.
Unlike the mainland this wine- producing region is totally exclusive and, until now, has exported only a few bottles outside Spain. In time-honoured style, most of the wines are understated and have, for many years, been grown by Majorcan families.

A few who date as far back as the 15th and 16th centuries, own estates which are known as "Possessios."
As one whose family reputation is steeped in the rich, unique wine told us: "It is the same for all of us. Production is very limited. Most of the wines are sold at the garden gate."

We want to share with you a day to remember. To venture beyond those gates, which in some cases are rather elaborate, and savour a way of life so different to our own. Of course the wine is at the heart of our day but just as enjoyable will be a wonderful Majorcan three- course lunch matched by the awesome scenery throughout the wine region. Your knowledge of wine and winemaking is not important. There is, however, much to learn, much to taste, but most of all - much fun to be had.

The bodegas range from the small and traditional, still producing wine using the same old but effective methods used by members of the family in years gone by. It is fascinating that this important part of Majorcan history is today still thriving in its distinctive way.
Powerful new technology now has a huge role to play in the production of Majorcan wine. These estates employ modern methods which easily mirror the latest winemaking equipment expected of much larger producers throughout the world.

In comparison to many Spanish mainland estates, you have never seen Majorcan wines displayed in high street supermarkets. As our friend at the "garden gate" testified; production was, in keeping with tradition, been low in quantity. Although 95 per cent is sold on Majorca, there is a groundswell of demand for greater export which the larger bodegas are now addressing.

Upmarket wine merchants and fine European and USA restaurants have now discovered the unique quality of the island's wines.

There are two major regions, each with a style and quality of its own.

The Majorca Wine Tour will concentrate on one of the D.O. (Denominacio D'Origen) regions. We will meet in one the historic squares in the centre of Palma's Old Town. It is very easy to locate. In a luxury, air-conditioned coach we will then begin our adventure and travel out of Palma into the countryside and one of the wine regions. We will take you to small, fourth generation vineyards where you can step back in wine-making time. One family still has leather-bound volumes containing daily written notes by the wine-maker - dating back to 1741.
These families are proudly still making wine on the same premises today.

Through breathtaking Majorcan landscapes in the shadow of the mountains we drive to one of the magnificent estates where the bodega represents gleaming and new wine technology in the 21st century.

One of the highlights is tasting the wines. You will be offered a selection of vintages, each with its own style and distinction. If you discover any particular wine to your liking there will be an opportunity to purchase bottles, at bodega price.

Lunch plays a major role in your day with us. We have a choice of delightful village restaurants, where you will be served in the company of locals, for whom lunch is the main meal of the day.

Each of the restaurants has its own Majorcan style - in some cases owned and run by local families. The food, only fresh local ingredients are used, is a combination of traditional Majorcan and regional Spanish. The meal will accompanied by complementary wine, bread, and water.

The restaurants and the vineyards are always delighted to welcome visitors. Everyone wants to play their part in making it a great day.