More modest than those in Rioja Alavesa and clearly aimed at blending into the landscape, several wineries on the island stand out for their architectural design.
Foster, Gehry, Hadid, or Calatrava are just a few of the big names that dot the rural landscape of Rioja Alavesa, a region that has positioned itself as an undisputed benchmark for wine tourism thanks—besides its wines—to its stunning buildings among the vineyards.
Far from that fame and grandeur, Mallorca also harbors architectural gems nestled among vineyards. Simplicity, tradition, and respect for the environment define the island’s wine architecture, with a strong focus on organic and local production.
CAN AXARTELL (2014), Pollença
Architect: Bernd Schmahl
The philosophy behind the building revolves around the Gravity Method. “We needed a height of 15 meters, and there was an abandoned quarry, so it was very interesting to take advantage of this space and cover it with earth,” says Schmahl. The result is a winery that overflows with architecture while disappearing into the protected Tramuntana landscape.
Photo: Rewind Lab.
NACRA (2024), Can Corró, Inca
Architect: Jaume Luis Salas (Marès)
Nacra is “a responsible and harmonious construction; thanks to ecological materials and energy management, it becomes a model of self-sufficiency,” says its architect. Highlights include its laminated wood structure, cellular concrete blocks, and a green façade made of hemp rope trellises and native climbing plants.
Photo: Curro Viera – Marès.
CAN RIBAS (2019), Consell
Architects: Rafael Moneo and Canals Moneo
Rafael Moneo’s ability to create a dialogue with the environment laid the foundation for the expansion of Can Ribas. The project achieves perfect harmony with the vineyard landscape and breathes new life into previously unused spaces. It stands out for its traditional stonework in the interior of the winery, alongside exposed white concrete, handmade tiles, and Binissalem stone.
Photo: Luis Asín.
SON JULIANA (2016), Santa Eugènia
Architects: Pau and Rafel Munar (Munarq)
The architects of Son Juliana explain that the terroir defines the morphology of the building, which is integrated into its environment with linear architecture. A large south-facing sloped roof, insulated with 15 cm of cork, optimizes ventilation and solar protection, while its semi-underground construction takes advantage of the soil’s thermal mass through stone gabion walls.
Photo: Adrià Goula.
SON MAYOL (2016), Establiments
Architect: Javier Campos (4 Plus Ingeniería)
The use of local stone and the construction of two underground levels allow Son Mayol to blend into the Mallorcan landscape. The undulating roof design, described by Campos as “a harmonic oscillation,” mimics the Tramuntana mountains. The winery achieves energy self-sufficiency through solar panels concealed within the roof.
Photo: J. Campos Granell.
Leave A Comment