Andres Gelabert - Owner of Bodegas Angel

Andrés Gelabert, owner and manager of Bodegas Ángel, tells us what is so special about his job and about living and working on the beautiful island of Mallorca.

Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based...

The vineyard is located in Santa María del Camí, a small town between Palma and Inca surrounded by the beautiful Serra de la Tramuntana mountain range. Here, the bodega has been built in the traditional Mallorcan stone cladding style, with large windows that allow beautiful views over the vineyard. We have a combination of local and foreign varieties, with which we produce white wine, barrel fermented white wine, rose wine, red wine and oak red wine.

As to our history, I founded Bodegas Ángel in 2006 (“An-” is for Andrés and “-gel” for Gelabert). I'm Mallorcan by birth, but I spent my formative years in USA, mainly in California, where my passion for wine making began. On returning to Mallorca in 2000, I sought out the ideal wine region to open a vineyard. I wanted to make excellent wines combining Mallorca's great grape growing region, unique indigenous grape varieties and modern innovations in wine making. Our first vintage saw the light in 2008.

What are the best bits about your job / life here?

Making quality wines that are enjoyed by many people.

And the worst bits?

The time of year when we are bottling the wine! It seems like it never ends.

What makes Mallorca a special place to be for someone in your profession?

The wine industry in Mallorca has exploded in the last 20 years due to the demand of quality wine from the island. I'm Mallorcan by birth, and I wanted to apply my know-how to a bodega in Mallorca, my home, and not somewhere else in the world.

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

We now have an ample range of wines, which we produce using the latest technology but also traditional processes such as the hand-picking of grapes. Production has increased every year and is now at 200,000 bottles per year, although eventually we want the production to reach 300,000 bottles per year. Personally, I want to continue to produce award-winning wines so that Bodegas Ángel become synonymous with Mallorcan wine

What do you do on your days off?

I train the local American football team, the CFA Voltors, I go to gym, prepare a BBQ or torradas, or I just enjoy some time with my family.

Where will we find the best coffee or panades?

Se Creu bakery in Santa María, by the church.

Where would you send someone who was after that 'something special' in resort, to stay, eat or drink?

Restaurant Santi Taura in Lloseta, but they'd have to book months in advance.

Your favourite place for lunch or dinner, if you're just looking for a quick bite to eat?

Here, in Santa Maria, for a good lunch go to Celler Sa Sini, where you'll find typical Mallorcan food and great home-made cakes! In Port de Soller, go to Es Canyis for great seafood.

What has been your best ever day in Mallorca?

El Firo in Port de Soller, the battle of Moors against Christians.

Which is your favourite shop in Mallorca?

I'm not a big shopper, but every once in a while I like to go for a walk around Festival Park, a shopping centre in Marratxí, next to my vineyard.

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in resort?

Visit Soller, Port de Soller and Deia.

What's your tip to escape the crowds in the summer?

Ask for a private wine tour and tasting at Bodegas Ángel.