Wine Days start today: wine, tapas and music in the Sant Francesc courtyard

Wine Days start today: an evening feast for anyone seeking Mallorcan wine

When the bells above the old town chime softly and the streetlights in Palma's alleys glow warmly, the courtyard of the Sant Francesc monastery fills up tonight. At 6:30 PM the opening of this year’s Wine Days begins there — a modest but refined gathering for people who want not only to drink wine but to understand it.

The scene is familiar: tables with small slate boards, the aroma of aged Tempranillo and fresh Malvasía drifting between arcades and orange trees, and somewhere a small band plays light tunes, much like the Winery Concerts at Macià Batle, so conversations don't have to shout. Until about 10:30 PM there will be wine, tapas and music — exactly the kind of evening where neighbors, visitors and winemakers strike up conversations.

The opening is just the beginning: the Wine Days run until May 31 and span several days with a program that combines winery visits, special tastings and showcooking events. If you want to learn more after a tasting, you can drive in the coming days to the island's wine regions — especially the area around Binissalem, which is known for its wineries and long-standing cellars.

Why is this good for Mallorca? Quite simply: events like this bring people into the city center, enliven courtyards and give small producers visibility. Instead of only visiting the coast, visitors get to know the island from the inside — its soils, its grape varieties, the handiwork in the bodegas. For local restaurateurs such evenings are often a small boost: one recommended bottle, two plates of tapas ordered, a conversation about aging barrels — it all adds up.

A small everyday tip: try the local pairing with sobrasada on toasted bread or a piece of Mahón cheese with your first glass. Such simple pairings often reveal more about the wine than complicated rules. And if the queue at one stall is too long, take a stroll through Palma's side streets, where after two or three turns you'll often find a less crowded tasting.

For anyone planning to visit one of the bodegas: book in advance — many winemakers work with limited spaces. Wear comfortable shoes; some cellars still have narrow, rustic paths. Bring a sense of calm: a visit to a bodega is more than a photo for social media, it's an opportunity to ask questions and see behind the scenes.

In conclusion: the Wine Days are not a gala event but a local festival for the senses. It's about taste, conversation and a few cozy hours outdoors. If you stroll through tonight you might hear the clinking of glasses and see people slowly savoring the evening — that's how Mallorca works in small, enjoyable doses.

Practical: Opening tonight at 6:30 PM in the courtyard of the Sant Francesc monastery in Palma. The program with winery visits, special tastings and showcooking runs until May 31 — and for other notable city wine evenings see Raïm Wine Fest. Evenings with live music last until about 10:30 PM.