Wine has been made on Ibiza since ancient times: the Phoenicians and Romans grew vines here, and for centuries every farming family made its own vi pagès, country wine, red, robust and often smoky from the vats, for home consumption. In recent decades some producers have focused on quality, and today the island's wines are protected by the Vi de la Terra Eivissa geographical indication.
Grapes
The traditional grape is monastrell, giving intense, spicy reds, alongside tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah. Whites include malvasia, macabeo, parellada, chardonnay and muscat. The hot, dry climate and limestone and clay soils give concentrated wines, often with notes of Mediterranean herbs.
Wineries
The island's small wineries are mainly inland, around Sant Mateu d'Albarca, the Morna valley, Sant Antoni and Santa Gertrudis. Some, such as Can Rich, Sa Cova and Ibizkus, offer tours, tastings and direct sales, sometimes organic. Production is limited and the wines are mostly found in the island's restaurants and wine shops.
Wine festivals
In Sant Mateu, in December, the vi pagès festival celebrates the families' new wine, with grilled botifarra and ball pagès (see festivals).
Hierbas ibicencas
The island's other signature drink is hierbas ibicencas liqueur, made by macerating aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, fennel, mint, rue and citrus peel in anise, with protected geographical indication. It is drunk chilled after meals; every family had its own recipe. See also Ibizan food and Spanish wines.