FINCA SA MARJALETA WINES

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of southern Menorca, near the idyllic Cala Turqueta, lies the Finca Sa Marjaleta Vineyard — a testament to one family’s enduring legacy and passion for winemaking. Inherited from Andreu Casasnovas’ grandfather, the vineyard has transformed from humble dairy beginnings into a thriving viticulture enterprise that embodies the spirit of Menorca’s rich agricultural heritage.

Thanks to founder Andreu’s close relationship with Executive Chef Joan at Vestige Son Vell, we serve Sa Marjaleta wine in our restaurants. “Our wines complement Menorcan dishes perfectly,” says Andreu, “and Joan has been a great supporter.”

A Family Legacy

The story of Finca Sa Marjaleta begins with Andreu’s grandfather, a veterinary surgeon who originally purchased the land when Andreu’s mother was just five years old. Back then, the land was used primarily for farming cows and making cheese.

However, as time went on, the land fell into disrepair and the business struggled. For twelve years, Andreu’s mother let the land to a tenant in order to keep it in the family while contemplating its future. “It was a challenging period,” says Andreu, “but we were determined to honour my grandfather’s vision and turn things around.”

Planting the Seeds of Change

In 2006, Andreu’s father decided to plant vines on the family land. Just two years later, in 2008, they expanded the vineyard to nearly 7 hectares out of the 80 hectare estate. “Only half of our land can be farmed,” Andreu explains, “due to Menorca’s rules for preserving wild spaces. It’s essential for maintaining the island’s biodiversity.”

This commitment to sustainability extends to the vineyard’s production methods. “We work in harmony with the environment, doing much by hand and avoiding heavy machinery to protect the soil’s natural layers,” says Andreu. “Our neighbour’s sheep help manage weeds and fertilise the land naturally, embodying our philosophy of minimal intervention.”

A Family Affair

The vineyard’s success is a family effort, with each member playing a vital role. Andreu’s younger sister returned from her studies in Madrid to live on the finca and handle the paperwork, while Andreu himself focuses on cultivating relationships with distributors and crafting the wine. Their other sister, a doctor in Seville, contributes from afar but returns home every August to help with the harvest. “During the busy harvest season, everyone gets involved,” Andreu notes. “It’s our way of keeping the family spirit alive.”

The vineyard produces four distinct wines: two reds and two whites. By the beginning of September, all the grapes are harvested, and the wines reflect the unique character of Menorca’s terroir.

Looking to the Future

Today, Finca Sa Marjaleta produces around 10,000 bottles annually, primarily sold within Menorca. However, the family has plans to scale up production to 30,000 bottles and expand their market to Mallorca, mainland Spain, and beyond. “When we started, there were only three vineyards on the island; now there are twelve,” Andreu remarks. “It’s exciting to see the quality of Menorcan wines improving.”

As they continue to grow, the family remains committed to maintaining the highest quality standards. “We will only scale-up in small, manageable increments to ensure our wines are the best they can be,” Andreu explains. “It’s about staying true to our roots and never compromising on quality.”

A Toast to the Past and the Future

Reflecting on the vineyard’s journey, Andreu shares a heartfelt wish: “If I could share a glass of our wine with anyone, it would be my grandfather. Family businesses are tough, and when he passed away, the land was in a bad state. But now, we’ve transformed it into something thriving. I would love to walk the land with him today and show him what we’ve achieved.”

Andreu’s story is not just about winemaking but about preserving a family’s legacy and embracing change. With his three children already beginning to help with the harvest, the future of Finca Sa Marjaleta looks bright. “I hope they will be more involved in the future,” Andreu says. “We’ve moved with the times, reinvented our business, but always held onto our traditions.”

In the heart of Menorca, Finca Sa Marjaleta stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of family, tradition, and innovation—a place where the past and present converge to create a bright future.