Wine tasting in Santa Catalina

Ivan Gonzalez Gainza and Lara Corfield had often talked about having their own wine shop and opened Wine Industry in November 2014. The bar element quickly became popular and the challenge was to ensure that wines had pride of place being complemented by simple tapas or ‘picoteo’ (small bites). It was never their intention to be just another restaurant or sports bar and the wine bar concept certainly appears to be working well.

Ivan is originally from Tenerife and Lara was born in Canada but raised in Herefordshire in the UK. They met in 2008 whilst working in Verbier in Switzerland. Ivan’s career has always been in hospitality, having previously worked for hotels, restaurants and tour operators. He acquired his knowledge and love of wine whilst working at restaurants in Ibiza and Switzerland. Lara is the creative partner and started out as a freelance textile designer before moving onto interior decoration. At one point in her career she became showroom designer for IKEA but then decided to take some time out to travel where she undertook a number of hospitality roles with TUI before settling in Verbier.

Wine Industry, situated in the arty district of Santa Catalina in Palma, attracts a mixed crowd including local residents, business owners, boat crew, expats and of course tourists. Friday nights are generally their busiest.

In terms of wines, there is a strong focus on Spain and Mallorca as you might expect, with a small selection from the rest of the world. The shop currently stocks over 100 different wines and the selection changes regularly to maintain interest for their local clientèle. At the time of our visit, nine wines were available to taste by the glass and Ivan, being an excellent host, is more than happy to offer suggestions or recommendations. Wines are sourced direct from bodegas and also from the internet, as well as from various distributors on the island. Their aim is to offer wines that are not generally available in supermarkets, as well as a few exclusive wines and they welcome feedback from clients on what they enjoy drinking.The bar also stocks a range of sparkling wines, vermouth, spirits and beers.

Wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero are always in demand but it is interesting to see clients requesting Verdejo as a varietal and wines from lesser known Spanish regions such as Bierzo, Alicante, Jumilla and Montsant. There also appears to be increasing awareness and interest in ‘natural’ wines (made without chemicals and with minimal intervention) with Sherry also experiencing something of a revival.

The tapas and platters to accompany the wines are fresh and reasonably priced. I can personally recommend the Tabla 'Verdejo', Tabla de Jamón Ibérico Bellota, Tortilla Española and the Tosta Sobrassada. The shop also sells an award winning olive oil produced by Finca La Torre.

Wine Industry hold regular tastings and just recently showcased four Italian Vermouths in conjunction with 'Lady Grape', a local wine tasting events company. Ivan and Lara are extremely receptive to new ideas for tastings and would like to host more private events at clients’ homes or on clients’ yachts. They have already arranged events for a number of groups including ‘Mallorca Creatives’ and ‘Girls Gone International’. Future plans include an online shop, increasing the distribution of their wines and potentially opening new outlets. In the meantime, they continue to search for new and unique products that are not currently available on the island.

So, make sure to pop in and enjoy a glass or two, you will be most welcome.

How do I get there?
Wine Industry is located 1 block from Carrer de la Fàbrica in the barrio of Santa Catalina. It is on the corner of Carrer de Pou and Carrer de la Pursiana – directly opposite Gin Burger.

What are the hours?
Current opening hours are as below, but best to check the website for future months:
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday - 6.00pm - 12.00am
​Friday & Saturday - 6.00pm - 1.00am
Sunday - 7.00pm - 12.00am
(They are closed on Tuesday)