Miquel Gelabert Winery is one of most renowned wine producers in Mallorca, not for large-scale production but for the exceptional quality of each bottle. Maintaining a family-run and artisanal approach, the winery follows a different philosophy than those driven by marketing strategies. Here, everything is rooted in the curious and passionate spirit of Miquel, who, inspired by the unique characteristics of the grapes each year, seeks to highlight their best qualities through an accurate winemaking, much like a tailor crafting a fine suit for a grand occasion.
The historic winery is located in Manacor, in the heart of the island, one of the most historically significant areas for viticulture. The story of Miquel Gelabert is combined with the winemaking tradition of Mallorca, a fusion of passion, innovation and respect for heritage, with the ability to evolve and carve out a distinguished space in the competitive international landscape.
| Vins Miquel Gelabert | |
|---|---|
| Location | Manacor |
| Designation | Pla i Llevant |
| Year Founded | 1985 |
| Best Wines | Sa Vall Selecciò Privada, Gran Vinya Son Caules, & Son Moix Escumòs Rosat |
| Events | Winery tours and tastings |
| Website | www.vinsmiquelgelabert.com |
| Phone Number | +34 971 821 444 |
| Social |
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The Miquel Gelabert Winery’s Story
The story of the Miquel Gelabert Winery is defined by two key words: passion and sacrifice. Miquel started as a chef in a restaurant influenced by the massive tourism. After meeting his wife Maria, who was also in the restaurant business, they decided in 1985 to produce a small batch of homemade wine using family-grown grapes. To their surprise the wine was not just good, it was truly excellent.
What started as a hobby, grew increasingly serious year after year, garnering both praise and satisfaction but also requiring significant sacrifice. Like many beginnings, financial resources were limited, that’s why, Maria recalls with a smile, when she used to peel the labels off the wines served at the restaurant, wash them and re-use them to package their own wine.
After 15 years of balancing the winery and restaurant work, in 2000, they decided to dedicate themselves entirely to wine production, aware of the quality and potential of their work.
Their vision was clear: to elevate the Mallorcan wine industry through the preservation of native grape varieties and the introduction of modern techniques, without betraying the centuries-old traditions that define the viticulture of the island.
In Felanitx, Miquel acquired a small plot of land to cultivate his vines. This location was carefully chosen for its favorable microclimate and mineral-rich soil, providing the perfect conditions for viticulture.
The Vineyard
The winery owns approximately 10 hectares of vineyards. This controlled size allows for meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a high-quality production process while maintaining an artisanal approach.
Even in the vineyards, Miquel’s philosophy remains consistent. Rather than a single large estate, the vineyards are spread across multiple small plots in Manacor, Felanitx, and Petra, within the Mallorca Pla i Llevant designation. While this fragmentation poses logistical challenges, it also provides significant advantages: a diversity of microclimates and soils contribute to enhancing the complexity of the wines. Additionally, in cases of natural disasters such as hailstorms, this dispersion offers some protection.
The Wines
The winery cultivates a total of 16 grape varieties, both native and international, some of them truly rare, such as the Mallorcan Fogoneu and Gorgollassa. Among the international varieties, we find Pinot Noir and Riesling, traditionally suited to cooler climates, they have adapted to the Mediterranean environment of Mallorca, developing unique characteristics.
As a result of this biodiversity, the winery produces an extensive range of wines, single-varietal or blends, which share a commitment from medium to long aging in barrels and extended bottle maturation before release.
Currently, the winery offers 25 labels: 12 reds, 6 whites, 2 rosés, 3 sweet wines and 2 traditional-method sparkling wines.
The red wines provide an immersive experience through both French and Mallorcan varieties, often mixed together. Two standout wines include Vinya des Moré, a 100% Pinot Noir, and Autònom, a blend of all indigenous black grape varieties.
Among the whites, the lineup features single-varietal Chardonnay and different blends incorporating Giró Ros with French varieties. These wines have complexity and structure, enhanced by barrel fermentation and aging on fine lees.
The sparkling wines are a source of family pride, with Miquel’s son overseeing the production. Made using the traditional method, the lineup includes a white and a rosé, both aged for 40 months on lees before disgorgement.
The sweet wines, crafted from Callet, Syrah and Moscatell, provide a delightful end to any meal, offering a small indulgence.
Miquel Gelabert’s Best Wines
Sa Vall Selecció Privada
Girò Ros, Viognier, Pinot Noir
Primarily made from Girò Ros, accompanied by Viognier and Pinot Noir, this wine has a good complexity and structure, with delicate aromas of pear, light apricot, almonds, and white flowers.
It ferments in French oak barrels, where it remains for six months on its fine lees, followed by an extended bottle aging of four years before release. With excellent acidity and a medium-bodied structure, this wine pairs well with both seafood and white meat dishes.
Gran Vinya Son Caules
Callet
As previously mentioned, Callet is a great source of pride for Miquel, and in this wine, we taste its finest expression: a selection of grapes from the winery’s oldest vineyards, aged for 12 months in French oak barrels with a small percentage in American oak.
The tertiary aromas from the barrel aging balance beautifully with ripe red fruit notes of strawberry and cherry, along with subtle spicy hints. The soft tannins and vibrant freshness on the palate make for an elegant and refined wine with great drinkability.
Son Moix Escumòs Rosat
Pinot Noir, Callet
Originally launched as an experimental limited edition, this rosé sparkling wine has become a great success for Gelabert. The Pinot Noir and Callet grapes are harvested earlier to preserve higher acidity, essential for the style.
A minimum of 40 months on fine lees adds depth, complementing the fresh fruit aromas with classic pastry notes from the traditional Champenoise method. I advise you to taste it paired with fish dishes like baked salmon, where its richness is balanced by the wine’s crisp, effervescent freshness.
Events, Tasting, and Tours
Visitors can tour the historic Manacor winery, where Maria warmly guides guests through the barrel rooms and tasting experience. The tour includes a tasting of 6 or 7 wines paired with local delicacies for €30 per person.
Since the vineyards are fragmented into small plots not adjacent to the winery, they cannot be visited. However, stunning videos and photos provide an immersive insight into the vineyard and winemaking process.
To book a visit, contact the winery via email at info@vinsmiquelgelabert.com or call +34 971 821 444.
Wine Shop
The shop is open five days a week:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 – 17:00
Alternatively, wines can be purchased online through the winery’s e-shop for convenient delivery, avoiding airport struggles.
How to Get to Miquel Gelabert Winery
To reach the winery from Palma by car, take the Ma-15 highway and exit at Manacor, then follow the signs and enter the town center, where the winery is located.
Public transportation is also available. You can take the T3 Manacor train from Palma’s main station (Estación Intermodal) to the final stop, Manacor. The journey takes just over an hour, but it’s great for those wanting to see picturesque views of Mallorca’s countryside along the way. Once you get off the train, you can enjoy a leisurely 10-15 minute walk through the city center to arrive at the winery.