Where to Find the Best Local Cheese and Wine in Menorca

1. Subaida Farm

Located in the heart of Menorca, Subaida Farm is one of the island’s most famous producers of Mahón cheese. This family-run farm offers guided tours where visitors can see the cheese-making process firsthand and, of course, sample the delicious varieties of Mahón. The farm also produces other local delicacies, including sobrasada (a traditional cured sausage) and honey.

What to Expect:

• Cheese Tasting: Try the different varieties of Mahón cheese, from fresh to aged, each with its own distinct flavor.
• Farm Tour: Learn about the cheese-making process and see the farm’s cows, whose milk is used to create the famous cheese.

Tips:

• Don’t leave without buying some aged Mahón cheese, which is known for its sharp, nutty flavor.
• The farm shop offers a range of local products, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs or gifts.

2. Binifadet Winery

For wine lovers, a visit to Binifadet Winery is a must. Located near Sant Lluís, this family-run winery is one of the most well-known on the island and offers tours and tastings throughout the year. Here, you can sample a variety of local wines, including whites, reds, and rosés, all made from grapes grown in Menorca’s unique climate and soil.

What to Expect:

• Wine Tasting: Enjoy a guided tasting of Binifadet’s signature wines, including their popular white Chardonnay and rosé, which pair perfectly with local cheese.
• Vineyard Tour: Explore the vineyard and learn about the wine-making process, from grape cultivation to bottling.

Tips:

• After the tour, relax at the winery’s restaurant, which offers a menu of dishes made with local ingredients, perfectly paired with their wines.
• Try their cheese and wine pairing experience, which highlights the best local cheeses and how they complement Binifadet’s wines.

3. Sant Patrici Artisan Cheese and Wine

Another fantastic spot for sampling local cheese and wine is Sant Patrici, a family-owned farm and winery located near Ferreries. This farm is dedicated to producing high-quality artisan cheese and wine, using traditional methods to preserve the authenticity of their products. Their Mahón cheese is particularly famous, and the on-site winery produces a range of reds and whites that reflect the terroir of Menorca.

What to Expect:

• Cheese-Making Museum: Visit their small museum, where you can learn about the history of cheese-making in Menorca and the techniques used to create Mahón cheese.
• Wine and Cheese Tasting: Taste a variety of their artisan cheeses alongside a selection of their wines, all produced on-site.

Tips:

• Be sure to try their aged Mahón cheese, which has a more intense flavor and pairs beautifully with red wine.
• The farm shop is an excellent place to buy local cheese, wine, and other traditional Menorcan products.

4. Es Mercadal Market

If you prefer a more casual experience, head to the Es Mercadal Market, where you’ll find stalls selling a variety of local cheeses and wines. The market is located in the town of Es Mercadal, which is known as the culinary heart of Menorca. Here, you can sample and buy Mahón cheese directly from local producers and taste wines from several different vineyards across the island.

What to Expect:

• Cheese Stalls: Browse the selection of fresh and aged Mahón cheeses, along with other local delicacies like sobrasada and almond pastries.
• Wine Vendors: Many of the island’s top wineries have stalls at the market, allowing you to sample a range of wines before making a purchase.

Tips:

• The market is held on certain days of the week, so check the schedule before visiting to make sure you don’t miss out.
• This is a great place to stock up on local products to bring home or enjoy during your stay.

5. Hort de Sant Patrici

Located in Ferreries, the Hort de Sant Patrici offers a charming blend of vineyard and artisan cheese production. Here, you can enjoy a guided tour of the winery and cheese-making facilities, followed by a tasting that highlights the best of Menorca’s local produce. The Cheese Cave is one of the highlights, where you can see the aging process of Mahón cheese.

What to Expect:

• Wine and Cheese Pairing: Taste a variety of Mahón cheeses paired with the winery’s best white and red wines.
• Cheese Cave: Explore the cheese cave, where wheels of Mahón are aged to perfection, and learn about the maturation process.

Tips:

• Take home a bottle of their Sant Patrici red wine, which pairs perfectly with aged Mahón cheese.
• The on-site restaurant offers a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, including dishes made with the farm’s cheese.

Conclusion

Menorca’s rich culinary traditions make it a perfect destination for lovers of cheese and wine. Whether you visit Subaida Farm for its famous Mahón cheese, or explore the vineyards at Binifadet, you’re sure to enjoy the flavors of the island. These farms, wineries, and markets offer a taste of Menorca’s history and craftsmanship, allowing you to savor the best of local produce during your stay.