Food & wine festivals
Festa des Vermar: Binissalem's wine festival with a grape battle
First the grapes are pressed, then they are thrown: Binissalem celebrates the grape harvest with an official battle using ripe grapes.
Binissalem is the centre of Mallorcan winemaking; the festival runs over several weeks in September.
The short answer
What can visitors expect at the Festa des Vermar?
The Festa des Vermar is Mallorca's biggest grape harvest festival and takes place over several weeks in September in Binissalem. The best-known part of the programme is the grape battle (Guerra de Raïm), along with wine tastings, the communal fideuà meal and parades. Admission is free.
still to be officially confirmed September
Quick Facts
- When
- September – date of the grape battle still to be officially confirmed
- Where
- Binissalem, centre of the island
- Duration
- several weeks, highlights at the weekends
- Admission
- free
- Who it's for
- Foodies, wine lovers, families
- What makes it special
- Grape battle right in the village centre
Note on dates
The festival lasts several weeks in September. The exact date of the grape battle is announced each year by the municipality of Binissalem.
Location: Binissalem, centre of the island.
What is the Festa des Vermar?
Binissalem is the centre of the Binissalem-Mallorca wine region. The Festa des Vermar celebrates the grape harvest and is therefore not a tourist event but the most important village festival of the year.
The programme runs over several weeks: wine tastings by the local bodegas, concerts, parades, a large communal fideuà meal and, as the highlight, the grape battle.
The grape battle
At the Guerra de Raïm, participants pelt each other with overripe grapes – organised, cordoned off and with clear rules. If you take part, you come out wine-red and sticky; clothing you can throw away afterwards is a must.
You can also watch, but not in the front row without getting splashed. The best compromise is a slightly raised spot at the edge of the square.
Around the festival: wineries
The area around Binissalem is the island's densest wine-growing area. Many bodegas offer tours and tastings during the festival weeks – a good complement to the festival itself.
Getting there: Binissalem is on the Palma–Inca railway line, and the station is within walking distance of the village centre. For a wine outing, the train is the right choice anyway.
Tips for your visit
- Wear old clothes if you take part in the grape battle – the stains do not come out.
- Travel by train from Palma.
- Bring a change of clothes and a towel.
- Check the municipality's programme in advance: the highlights fall on different days.
Who is it worth it for?
A good fit for:
- Wine lovers
- Foodies
- Travellers who want to get to know the centre of the island
Less suited to:
- Anyone who wants to protect delicate clothing
- Travellers who only want to stay on the coast
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the grape battle?
An organised part of the programme in which participants pelt each other with overripe grapes in a cordoned-off square. Taking part is voluntary and free of charge.
Can you take part in wine tastings?
Yes, during the festival weeks there are public tastings and serving stalls run by the local bodegas; many wineries in the area also offer tours.
When does the Festa des Vermar take place?
Over several weeks in September. The exact date of the grape battle is confirmed by the municipality each year.
Next steps
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