Ojo Wines: A vineyard in harmony with the island

Completely isolated, with remnants of self-sustaining farming and centuries-old feixas – terraces edged with stone walls – the farm had instant appeal. “At its heart stood a simple country house, looking out to sea,” notes Laura. “It was a reminder why Ibiza has always attracted artists and philosophers.”

If the island’s counterculture spirit was a cincher, its weather was another. “Quite suddenly during that first visit, it started to snow,” Laura laughs. That rare snowfall sealed the sense of possibility. In less than two weeks, the team had their report and a unanimous conclusion: the terraces at Sant Mateu d’Albarca could indeed sustain the vineyard Dieter had envisioned for years.

By 2012, work had begun to restore the land with the team working alongside local Ibicencans to understand the rhythms of the environment. Fast forward four years and Ojo de Ibiza harvested its first small crop of Cabernet, Syrah and Monastrell. “Despite its youth, the first grapes surprised us all,” Laura reminisces. “The wine was balanced and elegant, with notes of black fruit and aromatic herbs, and none of the vegetal character you’d expect from young vines.” The joy of those early fermentations encouraged the team to age the wine in French oak barrels – a move that erased any lingering doubts. “That was when we committed fully to creating a wine made by, and for, Ibiza.”

To bring that vision to life year after year, Dieter and Laura were soon joined by Johannes Goller, a long-time resident of the island. “Ibiza has been my home for 21 years now and it feels like paradise,” he says. “Over the last decade it has transformed, and the pandemic accelerated that change. Today we see more nature lovers coming here – people who want to preserve the landscape. That’s exactly what Ojo is about.”

Like all Mediterranean vineyards, Ojo de Ibiza must contend with the realities of climate change, with high summer temperatures triggering potential drought conditions. The team has been quick to respond, developing vineyard management systems to reduce water consumption and protect the grapes from sunburn. “It’s something we’ll continue to refine in the coming years as we adapt to new conditions,” Johannes notes, adding that these adjustments are part of a larger Ojo philosophy. “When you work in harmony with nature, the vines respond,” he continues. “Adaptation is essential, but the challenge also pushes us to innovate.”

The result of this innovation is a collection of wines that could only come from Ibiza – bold, elegant and unmistakably a product of their spirited setting. “Ojo de Ibiza is still a young project, but we’re encouraged and excited by the results,” reflects Laura. A testament to patience, devotion and respect for nature, the team’s approach has always been about balance at every level, she adds.

The proof, ultimately, is in the palate. “That’s why you have to visit our vineyard for a tasting,” Johannes interjects. “It’s an experience you won’t forget.”