Maó City Council presents Vi Menorca Fest

This morning saw the presentation of Vi Menorca Fest, a new event jointly promoted by Maó City Council and the Association of Wine Producers of Menorca, with the support of the Balearic Government’s Department of Agriculture, the Department of Economy of the Menorca Island Council, and the Tourism Promotion Foundation. The event is born with the aim of becoming a cultural and wine-gastronomy initiative centered on Menorca’s wine sector, highlighting the quality of its wines as an expression of a deeply rooted tradition, landscape, and craft.

From Roman times until its peak in the 18th century, our island has always been a land of wines—and it continues to be so. Today, the island has 175 hectares of registered vineyards, and the Association of Producers includes twelve wineries that last year produced 2,394 hectolitres under the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Vi de la Terra Illa de Menorca. These twelve wineries and their wines will be the protagonists of the Vi Menorca Fest, showcasing their uniqueness and strong connection to the territory through experiential, educational, and festive activities designed to engage all audiences.

At the presentation event, the Mayor of Maó, Héctor Pons, highlighted the potential of the festival as a driver of the local economy and as a promoter of a product closely linked to Menorca’s rural tradition: “For a few days, we will turn Maó into the capital of Menorcan wine.”

The President of the Association of Wine Producers of Menorca, Joan Fullana, also spoke, emphasizing the importance of this first edition as a starting point intended to go beyond a simple fair and become an experience capable of generating pride within the sector: “We want this to be the festival of Menorcan wine because we have many stories to tell. We are experiencing a moment of transformation, from the emergence of new wineries to the introduction and research of local grape varieties such as garnacha and calop blanc.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Mayor for Economic Promotion of Maó City Council, Susana Salom, stated that the council is committed to giving visibility to the primary sector and affirmed that this fair demonstrates that “the countryside of Maó and Menorca is in good health.”

Three days to connect people, territory, culture, and wine

The Vi Menorca Fest will take place over three days, beginning on Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 pm with the opening conference at the Audience Hall of the Claustre del Carme in Maó. The talk will be delivered by Catalina Bibiloni, one of the most prominent voices in wine culture in the Balearic Islands, titled “Wines That Look to the Sea.”

The main event will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm, when Plaça d’Espanya and Plaça del Carme will be transformed into an open-air venue. The twelve wineries of Menorca will create a tasting route inviting visitors to explore their wines.

The festival will also feature workshops for all audiences, including aroma workshops to identify sensory profiles and blind tastings to learn about the differences and characteristics of the island’s wines. These activities will be led by sommelier Marcel Roland and viticulture specialist Núria Fullana.

For children, there will be a dedicated area with educational and creative activities related to vineyards, organized by Sa Xaranga, including storytelling about the winemaking process and hands-on workshops. Cucu Jocs will also participate with traditional wooden games.

Music, art, and gastronomy throughout the day

The festival will offer a diverse and festive music program combining jazz, swing, soul, bossa nova, and more, with performances suitable for all audiences. Acts will include Menorca Hot Swing Trio, Marta Santamaría, DJ Bass Vi-Nyl, Anna Szostak Trio, and the interactive show Mamma Mia Sing Along.

Art and wine live

Artist Kaori Ishihara will take part in the festival with a unique live art performance, creating a piece using wine as a material, blending art and territory into a singular experience.

Participation of local restaurants

Throughout the day, local restaurants will offer food options designed to complement the experience, featuring high-quality, easy-to-enjoy dishes that strengthen the connection between wine and Menorcan cuisine.

Open winery day

To close the festival, on Sunday, May 3, several wineries across Menorca will open their doors (with prior reservation), allowing visitors to enjoy a more personal and direct experience with the producers.

PROGRAM

Thursday, April 30 – 7:00 pm
Opening conference: “Wines That Look to the Sea”

Saturday, May 2 – 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Wine tasting featuring: Binifadet, Son Cremat, Torralbenc, Binitord, Morvedra, Hort de Sant Patrici, Alparico, Sa Cudia, Alba Menorca, Sa Forana, Sa Marjaleta, and Santa Catalina.

Children’s workshops:

• Storytelling “The Vineyard” and printing workshop
• Drawing workshop “From Grape to Wine”
• Wooden games

Adult workshops:

• Wine through the senses
• Blind tastings

Music and art:

• Live performances, DJ sessions, and live art

Participating restaurants:
Bar Augustin, Mercat Femenias, Es Mirador, Sa Botiga, Amano Menorca, El Trueno, Bar Marcelino, Bar La Barra, Bar Es Claustre, Pastisseria La Mirienda.

Sunday, May 3
Open winery visits (reservation required)