Every 27 September, the calendar marks a milestone of global significance: the celebration of World Tourism Day. This international commemoration was formally established during the third session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), held in Torremolinos, Spain, in September 1979, with official celebrations beginning in 1980.

The date chosen was no coincidence: it was intended to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970, whilst also falling at a strategic transitional point in the global calendar, right at the end of the high season in the northern hemisphere and the start of the season in the southern hemisphere.

At Bodega Sa Cabana, we see every World Tourism Day as an essential opportunity to reflect on the way we travel, our relationship with the places we visit, and how we enjoy cultural and natural heritage.

 

At a time when the sector is seeking to establish new frameworks for development and balance — in line with roadmaps such as the Spain 2030 Tourism Strategy — it is a priority to champion sustainable tourism and wine tourism in Binissalem. We believe there is a different, unhurried and respectful way to experience Mallorca, connecting with the island’s rural heart and with a living tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.

The significance of World Tourism Day and the need for a sustainable model

Committing to World Tourism Day means taking an honest look at the reality of our destinations. In Spain, and particularly in an island territory as delicate as Mallorca, mass tourism poses daily challenges that we cannot ignore. The overcrowding of certain coastal areas, the saturation of major urban centres such as Palma, nautical congestion and the gentrification of historic centres disrupt the daily lives of residents and dilute the cultural identity that makes a place unique.

That is why we ask ourselves: is it possible to travel without contributing to overcrowding or the loss of authenticity?

The answer is yes. Travelling need not be synonymous with negative impact or overcrowding. Quite the contrary: when undertaken responsibly, travel becomes a tool for protecting, conserving and enhancing our natural, economic and human heritage.

What does practising sustainable and local tourism really mean?

Sustainable and local tourism proposes a change in perspective and a commitment to the future. It is a travel philosophy that seeks to minimise negative environmental and social impacts, ensuring that host communities preserve their traditions, their well-being and their economy. This approach is based on four fundamental pillars:

• Responsible consumption: prioritising goods, food and services produced by local producers, ensuring that the economic impact remains within the community.
• Respect for local culture and way of life: approaching destinations with an open mind and humble curiosity, learning about the history, customs and indigenous ways of life without imposing outside rhythms.
• Direct support for the local economy: choose family-run restaurants, small-scale accommodation, traditional shops and local wineries.
• Reducing one’s environmental footprint: being mindful of water consumption, avoiding the unnecessary generation of waste and respecting biodiversity and the agricultural landscape.

By opting for sustainable alternatives to mass tourism in the island’s interior — away from the overcrowded sun-and-beach circuits — visitors help the villages to retain their vital essence.

Binissalem: the wine-making heart and authentic charm of the Mallorcan countryside

In the island’s interior, sheltered by the imposing silhouette of the Serra de Tramuntana, lies the municipality of Binissalem. Considered the true wine-making heart of Mallorca , this village with centuries-old traditions offers a peaceful atmosphere where the land and the seasons continue to set the pace of life.

For those looking for things to do in Binissalem, the town holds architectural, gastronomic and scenic treasures that are well worth discovering at a leisurely pace. Its cobbled streets, ancient stone manor houses and deep-rooted agricultural heritage make the town an ideal stop for anyone wishing to experience the most authentic side of Mallorca.

Wine in Binissalem is not merely a commercial product; it is a way of interpreting the landscape, of understanding our history and of engaging with the land across the centuries.

The 6 must-sees for exploring Binissalem

To immerse yourself in the richness of Binissalem’s surroundings, here at Bodega Sa Cabana we recommend six essential experiences:

1. Stroll through the old town: wander through the stately cobbled alleyways and admire the traditional Mallorcan architecture, particularly the parish church of Santa María de Robines, a Gothic gem.
2. Experience wine tourism: immerse yourself in the island’s wine-growing heartland by visiting vineyards, learning about the work in the fields and discovering the soul of its grapes.
3. Visit Bodega Sa Cabana: step inside our estate and historic Mallorcan manor house to understand how we blend the building’s history with the meticulous production of white, rosé and red wines.
4. Savour traditional cuisine: visit local cellars and family-run restaurants to sample typical dishes such as frito mallorquín, Mallorcan soups, pa amb oli with local cured meats, or homemade ensaimadas.
5. Discover the surrounding routes: go for walks or bike rides through farmland and vineyards with views of the Serra de Tramuntana, or explore rural trails that link up with neighbouring towns such as Consell, Santa Maria del Camí or Alaró.
6. Experience the festivals and local culture: take part in the village’s cultural programme, the highlight of which is the Festa des Vermar in September, where the grape harvest is celebrated with parades, traditional grape-stomping competitions and public tastings.

What is wine tourism and why choose it as a way to travel

Wine tourism is a form of travel that combines culture, gastronomy, nature and learning about the world of wine. Although vine cultivation and winemaking have been part of human history for over 8,000 years, the modern concept of wine tourism began to take shape during the 1970s and 1980s in regions of France and Italy, becoming firmly established globally in the 1990s. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing forms of sustainable tourism in the world.

In contrast to passive tourism, wine tourism experiences stand out for their deeply sensory and interpretative nature. They invite visitors to touch the earth, smell the vine shoots, walk amongst the rows of vines, chat with the winegrower and understand the origins of every glass of wine. It is a way of travelling that encourages mindful consumption, combines relaxation with cultural enrichment, appeals to a diverse range of visitors (couples, families, groups or solo travellers) and can be enjoyed all year round.

The value of the terroir and identity at Bodega Sa Cabana

The landscape of Binissalem is defined by its limestone soils, its Mediterranean light and the protective embrace of the Serra de Tramuntana. In this environment, the vine is not to be taken for granted: it requires patience, careful observation and a constant interpretation of the climatic conditions of each year.

At Sa Cabana, we operate within the framework of the Vi de la Terra Mallorca PGI, a designation that allows us to approach wine with an open and respectful mindset. Whilst indigenous varieties such as Manto Negro and Callet are a fundamental hallmark of the region, the freedom to work with other varieties enables us to enrich our range of flavours and express the uniqueness of our estate with character and elegance.

The Bodega Sa Cabana experience: simplicity, quality and time

At Bodega Sa Cabana, we see every visit as an opportunity for a genuine encounter. We do not believe in rushed tours or formulaic explanations. We like to welcome our visitors with warmth and kindness, opening the doors of our old Mallorcan estate to share the knowledge we have accumulated with the serenity of those who love their craft.

We invite you to stroll amongst our vineyards, feel the breeze sweeping down from the mountains, take in the colours of the countryside and discover the winemaking process for our Mallorcan wines right here on the premises where they are aged.

To ensure you can experience the surroundings in a way that suits you best, we have designed a range of tasting options and food pairings, which you can explore and book via our website.

Our estate also hosts unique experiences throughout the year, such as the ‘Sa Cabana por Peto Asados’event, an experience that combined the charm of the vineyard, open-fire cooking and live music. Furthermore, we make our facilities available to those seeking an authentic and unique venue for hosting events and private gatherings in the very heart of Mallorca.

A journey that begins at its roots

As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we are reminded that the value of a journey is not measured by the number of attractions visited, but by the depth of the connections we manage to forge with the region and its people. Wine tourism in Binissalem offers just that opportunity: to pause for a moment, breathe in the country air, understand the work involved in viticulture and savour the living history of our island.

At Bodega Sa Cabana, we open our doors with our usual warmth, eager to share our home, our vines and our approach to wine. If you were looking for an authentic spot where you can reconnect with the essence of Mallorca, you’ve found it here.

On World Tourism Day, we at Bodega Sa Cabana are celebrating wine tourism in Binissalem as a sustainable and local way to connect with the essence of Mallorca.