Wine Fair in Son Antem: A Local Perspective

The Iberostar Hotel Son Antem has established itself in recent years as a regular host for larger food and wine events on Mallorca. The property sits unobtrusively among pine and almond groves, just a short drive from Llucmajor, and offers plenty of space for the long rows of booths, small presentation stages and the chill area. My fondest memories of the fair: the first sip in the morning, still fresh and clear, and the evening when the lights came on and the DJ sets turned the tables into a relaxed atmosphere. Practicalities: parking is available, but the best spots go early. If you arrive by public transport, allow extra time; a taxi from Palma takes around 25–30 minutes depending on traffic. Glasses and spittoons are provided on site, and the stands are arranged so conversations with winemakers are possible — that is the heart of the fair. Culinary accompaniment: the hotel often offers small tapas or regional bites; I remember little croquetas with aioli and a surprisingly good mushroom ragout that paired excellently with a robust red blend. For visitors who want to extend the day, the hotel offers overnight accommodation — handy if you don’t want to drive. Overall: a venue that provides comfort without overshadowing the authenticity of the winemaker booths.

The Iberostar Hotel Son Antem has established itself in recent years as a regular host for larger food and wine events on Mallorca. The property sits unobtrusively among pine and almond groves, just a short drive from Llucmajor, and offers plenty of space for the long rows of booths, small presentation stages and the chill area. My fondest memories of the fair: the first sip in the morning, still fresh and clear, and the evening when the lights came on and the DJ sets turned the tables into a relaxed atmosphere. Practicalities: parking is available, but the best spots go early. If you arrive by public transport, allow extra time; a taxi from Palma takes around 25–30 minutes depending on traffic. Glasses and spittoons are provided on site, and the stands are arranged so conversations with winemakers are possible — that is the heart of the fair. Culinary accompaniment: the hotel often offers small tapas or regional bites; I remember little croquetas with aioli and a surprisingly good mushroom ragout that paired excellently with a robust red blend. For visitors who want to extend the day, the hotel offers overnight accommodation — handy if you don’t want to drive. Overall: a venue that provides comfort without overshadowing the authenticity of the winemaker booths.

Plan your day like a relaxed festival: don’t try to do too much at once, take breaks, and start early. I always bring a small notebook to jot down names — after six or seven samples everything blurs together. Comfortable shoes are a must; many stands are on uneven ground. Budget: there are free samples, but you pay extra for special vintages or prestige bottles. Bring cash and card. If you intend to buy bottles, ask about shipping options: many bodegas offer delivery to your home. Food: sharpen your palate between tastings with simple tapas or bread; don’t forget to drink water. And: respect the winemakers — a thank you and honest feedback are often the nicest memories you leave behind.

The Lolea area is more than just a lounge tent: it’s the meeting point when you want to take a short breather between tastings. In my experience the mix of comfortable seating, cool drinks and a discreet DJ set is ideal for sorting impressions. When the sun filters through the pines the corner almost feels like a living room outdoors. There are sometimes small food pairings there tailored to the wines on offer — for example marinated olives, Manchego bites or grilled sausages. The music stays low so you can still talk to winemakers. For a few hours put your feet up, note a favorite bottle and plan the rest of the evening — that’s my ritual. And yes: a chilled Lolea lemonade in between is a great companion when many samples lie ahead.