4 Kilos Vinícola – the unconventional winery near Felanitx

The first thing you notice when you drive down the small lane to the estate is the smell of earth and herbs, not disinfectant. Francisco hasn't turned the grounds into a show, and that's exactly the charm. Cats roam the yard, roosters crow, and next to the bodega there's a vegetable patch that supplies the team. 4 Kilos owns hardly any vineyards; instead they carefully buy grapes from local growers. The result is wines with a sense of place, not marketing slogans. At a tasting you'll often be offered four to six wines: a light white for an aperitif and several reds that showcase Mallorcan varieties like Callet, Manto Negro and Fogoneu. The 4kilos cuvée (usually Callet with a small portion of other native varieties) shows dark berries, a hint of garrigue and a velvety texture. The Grimalt Caballero, named after the family, has floral notes, fresh forest berries and a mineral finish — it tastes like the island in a glass. Gallines & Foques is not just a wine name; it's a social project that supports local initiatives and is popular with visitors. Practical: tastings are usually by appointment, parking on site is limited, and in summer it's best to book morning or late‑afternoon slots to avoid the heat. Wear sturdy shoes — the farm is rustic. If you like, ask for a short tour of the cellar and oak barrels: explanations are honest, without technical jargon, and you can tell that feeling is the main ingredient here.

The first thing you notice when you drive down the small lane to the estate is the smell of earth and herbs, not disinfectant. Francisco hasn't turned the grounds into a show, and that's exactly the charm. Cats roam the yard, roosters crow, and next to the bodega there's a vegetable patch that supplies the team. 4 Kilos owns hardly any vineyards; instead they carefully buy grapes from local growers. The result is wines with a sense of place, not marketing slogans. At a tasting you'll often be offered four to six wines: a light white for an aperitif and several reds that showcase Mallorcan varieties like Callet, Manto Negro and Fogoneu. The 4kilos cuvée (usually Callet with a small portion of other native varieties) shows dark berries, a hint of garrigue and a velvety texture. The Grimalt Caballero, named after the family, has floral notes, fresh forest berries and a mineral finish — it tastes like the island in a glass. Gallines & Foques is not just a wine name; it's a social project that supports local initiatives and is popular with visitors. Practical: tastings are usually by appointment, parking on site is limited, and in summer it's best to book morning or late‑afternoon slots to avoid the heat. Wear sturdy shoes — the farm is rustic. If you like, ask for a short tour of the cellar and oak barrels: explanations are honest, without technical jargon, and you can tell that feeling is the main ingredient here.

Visits are by prior appointment only — the estate is small and run by a compact team. It's best to call or send an email; 24–48 hours' notice is typical. Tastings usually last 45–90 minutes and cost between €15 and €25, depending on the number and age of the bottles. Directions: from Felanitx toward Puigverd on narrow country roads; GPS will get you there but drive slowly. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather; in high summer book an early slot. Combine the trip with the Felanitx weekly market (Wednesdays and Sundays) — there are good local products to take home afterwards.

4 Kilos is not a classic winery with large estates and PR teams. The philosophy: intervene little, observe a lot. Grapes come from several small farms, which creates diversity. An experimental attitude fits this approach — much is allowed to grow on the grounds, and many things are tried out. Social‑minded projects like the one behind Gallines & Foques show that there's room for social responsibility here as well. Internationally the brand has made a name for itself: some renowned restaurants in Europe and beyond carry bottles from here. For me the credo is clear: craft and authenticity often beat big marketing.