“These islands are becoming more and more beautiful every day, and the world knows it...” says Balearics Ambassador Gabriel Lucas Dimmock

By Rachel Fellows

Published 10-June-2026

Interview / Balearic Islands

We have new Red Stars in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza from Balearics Ambassador Gabriel Lucas Dimmock, who is looking forward to a busy summer season across the islands. He’s also seen a welcome boost to the region’s by-the-glass offerings and the profile of local wines.

The 2021 Best Sommelier of Spain is taking a break from competitions to work on his “retirement project” – making his own wines in his Mallorcan home. And yet Gabriel Lucas Dimmock has not taken any rest from his duties as Balearics Ambassador, adding a further three Red Stars to our guide and refreshing the profile of a further, existing one.

Explore the Mallorca wine guide and the broader Star Wine List map for listings across the Balearics.

Have you noticed any trends emerging on the islands’ wine lists?

“There is a noticeable trend towards local varieties and wines that are minimally processed and complement our cuisine and climate, with lighter reds and lively whites.”

Any tips for wine lovers visiting the islands?

“Don’t hesitate to try the local wines, including red varieties such as Manto Negro, Callet and Escursac, and white varieties such as Premsal, Giro and even Malvasia.”

Which wines are popular in the Balearics right now?

“The trend is towards wines made from local grape varieties; I couldn’t possibly pick just one, but producers such as Soca Rel, Ava Vins, Dunord Vinícola, Seny, Cati Ribot and even Rivas are producing some excellent examples.

Does the wine offering change over the peak summer months compared to the off season?

“Yes, of course; local consumers take far fewer risks when it comes to discovering new wines, so consumption is driven by foreign residents and then by tourists.”

What are you looking forward to this summer?

“It’s a strange year, with conflicts and the World Cup; I think it will be a year of ups and downs, and in the end I reckon it will follow the same pattern as last year, or perhaps even see a slight increase, because these island are becoming more and more beautiful every day, and the world knows it…”

You mentioned last year that you’d love to see more interesting, or expansive by-the-glass lists. Around the world, we’ve seen a massive uptick in by-the-glass selections – it’s been a notable point for many ambassadors recently. Has this been the case for you too?

“Yes, it’s great that we’re talking about this and that it’s all the rage right now. Yes, of course the range of wines by the glass has improved here too, but even so, there’s still a lot that can be done. Sommeliers and restaurant owners should focus on offering a wide variety, as it’s not that common these days to drink several bottles of wine; by offering wines by the glass, customers can get to know them better and have a better experience.”

What section of a wine list do you typically make a beeline for?

“I must apologise to my own country, but I still want to keep discovering international producers, so when I travel abroad I usually choose small European producers who might surprise me.”

What is the sommelier community like across the Balearics?

“It’s constantly changing, but it’s true that right now we have a large community of young, enthusiastic sommeliers – it’s a great time.”

What are you up to at the moment? Any developments since we last spoke – exciting projects or plans?

“Well, as you know, I never stop – loads of travelling and constant work representing the Perrin family in Spain – but I’ve taken a break from my sommelier competitions. That’s given me time to think and to launch my new project – my ’retirement project’, as I call it! It’s a brand of wines that I make myself in Mallorca, using local grapes from winemaker friends, and I produce a white and a red. It’s called SENY_Mediterrani, which in Mallorquín means ‘Mediterranean common sense’ and is my way of understanding Balearic wine.

“I hope people like it!!”

The wine guide to Mallorca.