Sustainability, biodiversity and respect for the environment, these are concepts often discussed, but how are they put into practice in the world of wine production? We can explore this by visiting Bodega Miquel Oliver in Petra, in the heart of Mallorca.
We are in the D.O. Pla i Llevant, one of the oldest wine-producing areas on the island, and Bodega Miquel Oliver is a representative example of this Mallorcan winemaking history. With over a century of family tradition, this winery embodies the perfect balance between preserving ancient viticultural practices and adopting modern technologies, a combination that has earned its wines international appreciation.
The winery has adopted organic farming practices, though it is not officially certified as such and utilizes cutting-edge technology to reduce environmental impact. For instance, solar energy powers much of the winery’s operations, while precision irrigation systems minimize water consumption.
| Bodega Miquel Oliver | |
|---|---|
| Location | Petra |
| Designation | DOP Pla i Llevant |
| Year Founded | 1912 |
| Best Wines | Qbq Giró Ros, Mont Ferrutx, & 365/24 |
| Events | Winery tours, tastings, weddings, meeting, cerimonies, lunches, & dinners |
| Website | Click here |
| Phone Number | +34 971 56 11 17 |
| Social |
 |
Contents
A Century-Old Family History
Founded in 1912 by Melchor Oliver, the winery has been passed down through four generations of the Oliver family, carrying with it passion and knowledge that have kept this project alive, expanding and transforming it into a beacon of excellence.
Initially, the wines were made in the family’s historic winery, housed in a building in the center of Petra dating back to 1868, whose pointed arches transport visitors on a journey through time. Since 2014, the production has moved to the current facility, while the historic cellar remains open for visits, tastings and special events.
The passing of the baton between generations has not only ensured continuity in management but also an openness to new ideas. In the 70s, Miquel Oliver Salas, grandson of the founder, began a meticulous selection and preservation process for the best clones of native grape varieties.
More recently, his daughter, Pilar Oliver, has taken over the winery’s leadership, continuing the conservation work by planting a small vineyard that serves as a true botanical garden, showcasing Mallorca’s rarest grape varieties, many of which are at extreme risk of extinction.
Here, you will not just find the well-known Callet, Mantonegro, Prensal and Giró, but also unheard-of names like Sabater, Espero de Gall, Peu de Rata and many more, nearly 20 in total.
Beyond viticultural biodiversity, another distinctive aspect of this winery is its commitment to innovation.
Pilar is experimenting with new vine training systems, modifying the structure of trellises and steel wires, transitioning from traditional vertical training to semi-pergolas and circular-trained vines. The goal is to determine whether alternative structures can help vines better cope with the extreme heat and drought conditions.
The soil here is typical of Mallorca’s interior, reddish clay rich in limestone rocks, which allows the vines to grow vigorously while also storing deep water reserves.
The estate spans 22 hectares, comprising both native and international grape varieties, producing around 180,000 bottles per year.
A Fusion of Wine and Art
Upon entering the winery, visitors are struck by the artistic touch that permeates every room, from the fermentation tanks adorned with colorful paintings of the Minions and the Yellow Submarine from The Beatles, to the grand mural in the barrel room, which depicts the seven deadly sins related in a poetic symbolism with the pleasure of wine.
Art and wine go hand in hand; one can inspire the other, elevating winemaking from a mere agricultural process to a true artistic creation.
The winery itself is a place of experimentation, using 26 different types of barrels, varying in origin, wood type and size, as well as ceramic eggs for aging special cuvées.
Recommended Wines
Qbq: Giró Ros
This wine is an intriguing interpretation of Giró Ros for enthusiasts of Mallorcan oenology. It presents a delicate and floral aromatic profile, centered around pear, white-fleshed peach and almond rather than citrus notes. Despite being aged in barrels, the wood influence is subtle, thanks to the use of acacia wood, a rare choice that enhances floral and honeyed nuances rather than the heavier notes imparted by oak. The wine matures for eight months, a stylistically excellent choice.
Mont Ferrutx: Callet, Mantonegro, Fogoneu
The essence of Mallorcan viticulture in a glass. 100% native grape varieties, including the rare Fogoneu, shine not for their power but for their finesse. The result is a light ruby-red wine with silky tannins and aromas of red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and wild berries. Fermentation takes place in barrels, followed by 12 months of aging, which integrates tertiary aromas seamlessly into the wine. It also offers an excellent price-quality ratio.
365/24: Syrah
If you are looking for a great red wine, structured and elegant, this 100% Syrah is highly recommended. It boasts the typical varietal aroma of black pepper, followed by notes of wild blackberry and cherry jam. Aged for 12 months in French and American barrels, the wood influence is more pronounced, adding vanilla notes and firm tannins. An excellent Syrah, perfect for pairing with rich and structured meat dishes such as lamb stew or game.
A Wine Tourism Experience Like No Other
Visiting Bodega Miquel Oliver is a 360-degree experience. Guests can embark on a sensory journey through aromas that replicate the scent of grapes from their unripe stage to full maturity, and through the various winemaking and barrel aging phases. This unique opportunity allows visitors to refine their sensory skills—an experience rarely found in wine tourism.
Additionally, visitors can explore the vineyard garden, where they can see and analyze the characteristics of native grape varieties firsthand—the shape of the leaves, the taste of the berries and their fragrance.
Several guided tours are available and can be booked directly on the website or by calling +34 971 56 11 17:
- Emotive Tour: Visit both the historic and modern wineries. Tasting of three wines. Duration: 3 hours. €36.
- Enologic Tour: Visit the vineyard and the modern winery. Tasting of three wines. Duration: 2 hours. €28.
- Tapas Tour: Visit the vineyard and the modern winery. Tasting of four wines paired with traditional tapas. Duration: 3 hours. Minimum 6 people. €50.
- Gastronomic Tour: Visit the vineyard and the modern winery. Tasting of five wines paired with traditional dishes. Duration: 4 hours. €105.
- Other Events: Cooking workshops with a chef, wine-pairing dinners, business lunches, wedding ceremonies, birthday parties, corporate activities and tapas experiences for cyclists.
Wine Shop
If you are interested in visiting the shop, it is open five days a week:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Saturday: 11:00-13:30
- Closed on: Thursday and Sunday
How to Get to Bodega Miquel Oliver
To reach the winery, take the Ma-13 highway and exit at Petra, then follow the signs to reach the winery. Public transportation is also available from Palma.
Bodega Miquel Oliver represents a shining example of how tradition, innovation and sustainability can harmoniously coexist. It is a place where every detail, from the vineyards to the bottle, tells a story of love for the Mallorcan land and respect for its cultural heritage.
For wine lovers, it is an unmissable destination to discover the island’s authenticity and toast to its extraordinary beauty. Cheers!