January, 2022
We choose the perfect day for a wine tasting; it is cold, windy and rainy. Finca Biniagual is just a ten minute drive from our little village and situated in the wine-producing Binissalem region. It is a hamlet of 14 houses and a chapel and besides the vineyards, there are many olive and almond trees, sheep and cattle and seasonal fruits.
Nowadays, the wine industry is booming again, after a plague of phylloxera in 1891. This virus destroyed all the vineyards of Mallorca. In the 1970’s vines have been replanted and today, there are more than 65 wine estates on the island. Since 2002, the winery has been producing wine again.
The environment in the bodega of Finca Biniagual is elegant; nice seating arrangements, impressive paintings all around and a relaxing atmosphere. Wine samples are served, together with a description and an explanation, paired with delicious cheese, ham, quiche and tortilla. During the next couple of hours we try to honour the 5 S’s of wine tasting; see, swirl, sniff, sip and savor! What a great way to spend a miserable rainy day!
One of our last outings during this fabulous house sit, is a trip with the dogs to Mondragó Natural Park. It is located at southern Mallorca, in the municipal area of Santanyi. The Park has a surface of 766 hectares, but only 95 hectares are public property. The rest of Mondragó is privately owned land.
The landscape is made up of stoney fields, scrubland, wild olive trees, orchids, Aleppo pines, the rock rose, heather, lavender, almond and fig trees. Many different animals and birds also inhabit the Park. The rocky cliff-lined coast is an ideal nesting ground for the peregrine falcon. Both the rocky landscapes and the many dry stone walls are resting spots for certain reptile species; geckos, snakes and tortoises.
The dogs are on the leash, as some sunbathers found their way to the secluded beaches. Rosie would love to mingle with them! It is just January and already a warm day! The hiking paths are narrow, but the dogs love it. There are enough different smells and views!
Tomorrow will be cleaning and packing day. The owners of Rosie and Margot are returning from their holiday and we have to say goodbye. We will miss the dogs so much, but we hope to return one day!