September transforms inland Mallorca. While many visitors still have their sights set on the beaches, the vineyards, wineries and villages of Es Raiguer are experiencing one of the most special times of the year: the grape harvest.
A wine route by car in Binissalem and Consell is a completely different way to discover Mallorca. Within just a few kilometres, you can drive along roads surrounded by vineyards, visit family-run wineries, discover native grape varieties, stroll through traditional stone villages and understand why wine is such an important part of this area’s identity.
Having a car rental in Mallorca gives you the freedom to connect several wineries, stop in inland villages and adapt the route to your own schedule.
However, if your day includes wine tastings, there is one rule that should be decided before you even start the engine:
One person in the group must be the designated driver and avoid drinking alcohol throughout the entire route.
Wine tourism and exploring Mallorca by car are perfectly compatible when the day is planned responsibly.
September: Grape Harvest Season in the Heart of Mallorca
Binissalem lies in the Es Raiguer region and is one of Mallorca’s most important wine-producing areas.
The Binissalem Designation of Origin covers the municipalities of Binissalem, Consell, Santa Maria del Camí, Santa Eugènia and Sencelles. Their vineyards are home to local grape varieties closely linked to Mallorca’s winemaking tradition, including Manto Negro, Callet, Moll, Gargollassa and Giró Ros.
The grape harvest does not begin on exactly the same day every year, nor are all grape varieties harvested at the same time. Ripening conditions determine when each vineyard is ready, which means some varieties may be picked during August while others continue into September.
However, September remains one of the best months to experience the wine culture of Binissalem.
During this period, the town celebrates the traditional Festa des Vermar, or grape harvest festival, one of the best-known celebrations in inland Mallorca and an event closely associated with wine, grapes and local traditions.
It is therefore the perfect time to leave the coastal resorts behind for a few hours and discover a very different side of Mallorca.
How to Do the Wine Route by Car in Binissalem and Consell
One of the biggest advantages of this route is that the main stops are relatively close to each other.
There is no need to turn the day into a race to visit as many wineries as possible. In fact, the experience is much better if you choose two or three quality visits and leave enough time to walk around, have lunch and enjoy the landscape.
Our suggested route is concentrated mainly around Binissalem and Consell.
First Stop: Bodegas José L. Ferrer, a Binissalem Classic
A great place to begin is one of the most established names in the area: Bodegas José L. Ferrer.
Founded in 1931, it is one of Binissalem’s best-known wineries and offers visitors the opportunity to discover both its historic facilities and the areas used for modern wine production.
A visit is a good introduction to local vineyards, the winemaking process and the importance of native grape varieties such as Manto Negro.
The winery also offers different tasting experiences, some accompanied by typical Mallorcan products.
If you plan to visit during September, it is particularly important to book in advance, as the grape harvest is one of the busiest periods of the year for local wineries.
Second Stop: Tianna Negre and Mallorca’s Native Grape Varieties
Another interesting stop in Binissalem is Celler Tianna Negre.
The winery offers visitors a more contemporary perspective on Mallorcan wine while maintaining a strong connection with the island’s traditional grape varieties.
Once again, Manto Negro plays an important role and is one of the varieties most closely associated with this wine-growing area.
Its wine tourism experiences can include visits, explanations about the production process and tastings, making it an excellent place to learn more about Mallorcan wine.
This is also where the designated driver rule becomes especially important.
If the group has already enjoyed a tasting at the first winery, the designated driver should continue to avoid alcohol for the rest of the day.
The driver can still enjoy the experience: exploring the winery, learning about the production process, seeing the vineyards and enjoying local food without taking part in alcoholic tastings.
A Stop in Central Binissalem: Vins Nadal
Another option is to park the car and visit Vins Nadal, located in the centre of Binissalem.
This is particularly convenient if you want to combine wine tourism with a walk through the town itself.
As well as visiting the winery, it is worth spending some time exploring Binissalem, admiring its traditional architecture and stopping for lunch before continuing your route.
There is no need to fill every hour of the day with wine tastings.
A good wine route should also leave time to walk around, enjoy the scenery and discover the villages that have developed alongside Mallorca’s winemaking culture.
From Binissalem to Consell: Visit Bodega Ribas
The next part of the route takes you to Consell, located just a short drive from Binissalem.
Here you will find Bodega Ribas, one of Mallorca’s most historic wineries.
The winery offers different wine tourism experiences where visitors can learn about its facilities, vineyards and some of the traditional grape varieties grown on the estate.
These include Manto Negro, Prensal Blanc and Gargollassa.
Depending on the experience booked, tastings may take place in different areas of the property.
As with the other wineries on this route, it is best to book in advance and confirm opening and visiting times before setting off.
Bodega Ribas can make an excellent final winery stop before driving back towards Palma, Mallorca Airport or your accommodation.
The Golden Rule: Choose a Designated Driver
A wine route by car requires one very simple decision before you begin:
Who is driving?
That person should remain the designated driver throughout the entire day and avoid alcoholic drinks.
It is not advisable to divide tastings between drivers because the quantities seem small or to rely simply on waiting for a while before driving again.
If you are driving, the safest option is not to drink alcohol.
Planning the day responsibly is easy:
- Book the wineries you genuinely want to visit in advance.
- Decide who will be the designated driver before starting the route.
- Ask about alcohol-free alternatives for the driver where available.
- Leave enough time between each winery visit.
- Make time for lunch and walks through Binissalem and Consell.
- Avoid trying to fit too many wineries into a single day.
- Confirm opening times and availability directly with each winery.
The car should give you the freedom to discover Es Raiguer, not become a reason to rush from one tasting to another.
What Car Should You Choose for a Mallorca Wine Route?
You do not need a particularly large vehicle for this route.
Binissalem and Consell are well connected and most of the journey is along paved roads.
An economy or compact car is generally more than enough for two or three travellers and has the added advantage of being easier to park when visiting inland villages.
If you are travelling with family or a group of friends, a larger vehicle may offer additional comfort and luggage space.
At VIMA Rent a Car, you can browse our car hire fleet in Mallorca and choose from different vehicle categories according to the number of passengers and the type of holiday you are planning.
If you are still unsure which category suits you best, read our guide to what car to hire in Mallorca for your type of trip.
The right choice will mainly depend on the number of passengers, the amount of luggage you have and the routes you plan to explore during your stay.
Where Should You Start the Wine Route?
If you have just arrived on the island, one of the easiest options is to collect your vehicle after landing.
With VIMA, you can use our car rental service at Mallorca Airport and start your holiday without depending on bus schedules or additional transfers.
If you are already staying elsewhere on the island, take a look at our different car hire delivery points in Mallorca to find the collection option that best suits your plans.
Before setting out on longer routes around Mallorca, it is also worth checking the different car hire insurance options available with your booking so you know exactly which cover is included.
More Ideas for Exploring Inland Mallorca by Car
The Binissalem and Consell wine route can be just the beginning.
Mallorca has a wonderful network of secondary roads, traditional villages and landscapes that are worth exploring beyond the island’s famous beaches.
If you enjoy this type of trip, continue your journey with our road trip through Mallorca’s lesser-known interior, ideal for discovering a quieter side of the island away from the busiest coastal areas.
You can also explore the 10 best road trips in Mallorca, with ideas for combining mountain villages, coastal scenery, traditional towns and some of the island’s most rewarding drives.
For even more inspiration, visit our Discover Mallorca travel blog.
Having your own car means you can organise each day at your own pace, make spontaneous stops and reach places that would be much more difficult to visit if you relied exclusively on public transport.
Tips for Visiting Mallorca Wineries During the Grape Harvest
The grape harvest considerably changes the normal rhythm of life at a winery.
For this reason, you should not simply arrive without a reservation and assume that a tour will be available, particularly during September.
Before starting your route, we recommend:
- Booking winery visits in advance.
- Confirming the timetable for each winery.
- Checking how long each experience lasts.
- Asking whether the visit includes the vineyards.
- Checking whether alcohol-free alternatives are available for the designated driver.
- Leaving enough time to drive between wineries.
- Checking for possible traffic restrictions or parking changes if you are visiting Binissalem during the grape harvest festivities.
A little planning will make the experience much more enjoyable and prevent a relaxing wine route from turning into a race against the clock.
How Many Wineries Should You Visit in One Day?
Although the distances between Binissalem and Consell are short, trying to visit too many wineries can take away much of the enjoyment.
For a relaxed day, two or three wineries are usually enough.
A possible itinerary could look like this:
Morning: Arrive in Binissalem and visit your first winery.
Lunchtime: Walk through Binissalem and stop for lunch.
Early afternoon: Visit a second winery or Vins Nadal.
Afternoon: Drive to Consell and visit Bodega Ribas.
End of the day: Return towards Palma, Mallorca Airport or your accommodation.
This gives you enough time to enjoy each stop without rushing.
A Mallorca Wine Route Is About Much More Than Tastings
One common misconception is that a wine route simply means travelling from one tasting to another.
In reality, the appeal of this part of Mallorca goes far beyond the wine glass.
The experience combines landscape, history, agriculture, architecture, gastronomy and local traditions.
Vineyards are an important part of the Es Raiguer landscape, while winery visits help you understand how the land and native grape varieties have created wines with a distinctive Mallorcan identity.
This is also why the person chosen as designated driver can still thoroughly enjoy the route.
Visiting a winery does not mean you have to drink wine.
Discover a Different Side of Mallorca by Car
Mallorca does not end where the beach does.
In September, driving towards Binissalem and Consell takes you into a landscape shaped by vineyards, wineries, traditional villages and a winemaking culture developed over generations.
A wine route by car in Binissalem and Consell is an excellent way to discover this part of the island with complete freedom, provided that the day is organised responsibly.
Book your winery visits in advance, choose only a few stops and, if your group plans to take part in wine tastings, decide from the outset who will be the designated driver and remain alcohol-free throughout the day.
After that, all you need to do is choose your car, plan your route and enjoy one of the best experiences inland Mallorca has to offer in September.
If you are planning your Mallorca holiday, explore VIMA’s car rental service in Mallorca and choose the vehicle that best suits your journey from our Mallorca car hire fleet.
