We asked Yale Norris, Managing Director of The Islander Estate Vineyards what makes the Kangaroo Island wine region a must do experience. Here are his reasons why:
It's an unparalleled wine region
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s only Geographically Indicated small island wine region and combines a Mediterranean climate with a strong maritime influence. Being an island, the ocean heavily influences weather conditions, meaning it is cooler in summer and warmer in winter – allowing for a longer and more temperate growing season giving a great balance of acid and sugar to the grapes.
Kangaroo Island has incredible diversity
Kangaroo Island has incredible diversity in its wine styles, and covers a large area of over 4,400kms -with only seven wine labels taking advantage of the diverse sub-climate zones and soils. In contrast to densely planted wine areas, Kangaroo Island's vineyards are nestled among expansive stretches of open farmland and native vegetation, each boasting a distinct terroir.
Being a relatively new wine region, varied techniques and winemaking backgrounds contribute to its diversity. Some of the region's brands have been founded by farming families with multiple generations of agricultural history on Kangaroo Island. These families ventured into winemaking, continually learning and innovating. Meanwhile, other brands were initiated by seasoned winemakers who brought their knowledge from other regions both within the country and from abroad.
In 1997, Jacques Lurton (a descendant of the renowned Lurton wine family from Bordeaux) visited Kangaroo Island he noted similarities in the climate and conditions to both Bordeaux and Languedoc, regions of his upbringing in France. He decided Kangaroo Island would be the perfect place to establish his own world-class Australian wine label, Islander Estate, and purchased land to grow grapes and handcraft wine.
The variety of wines on offer
The initial grape varieties introduced to Kangaroo Island were quintessential Australian ones, including shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay. However, as winemakers of varied backgrounds and skills came to the region, they began planting other varieties such as savagnin, arinto, albariño, and tempranillo.
After experimenting with various varietals across Europe and South America, Jacques decided to cultivate grapes such as cabernet franc, malbec, semillon, viognier, and sangiovese on Kangaroo Island. Combining European elegance and finesse with Australian creativity and using traditional 'old-world' techniques, Islander Estate crafts exquisite cool-climate wines, drawing inspiration from French lineage, yet infused with a distinct Kangaroo Island essence.
Personalised encounters
The wine region of Kangaroo Island provides an intimate wine-tasting journey; absent are the large-scale wine establishments. Instead, every tasting room is quaint, authentic, and distinctive. These settings foster a tailored experience, letting visitors connect with the winemakers and their families, listen to their stories and understand their craft.
The Islander Estate Vineyards Tasting Room was designed to be deliberately intimate and pared back. It offers beautiful rural surroundings with decks and lawns to enjoy a platter and a bottle of wine. Their personalised tastings and expansive knowledge will ensure that your wine tasting is an unforgettable experience.
Local tips and secrets
One of the most enriching ways to immerse oneself in a place is by engaging with the locals, understanding their lives, and gathering recommendations on must-visit places. A guided wine-tasting session offers a wonderful opportunity to intimately interact with the residents, who love sharing their favourite spots to enjoy wine on the beach, at sunset, and where to picnic each season.
In essence, the wine region of Kangaroo Island is a largely undiscovered treasure providing unparalleled and personal wine experiences. Given its distinct climate, variety of wine styles, and cozy tasting rooms, visiting a winery like Islander Estate is a must when planning your Kangaroo Island holiday. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience and check out the island's cellar doors, including The Islander Estate, Dudley Wines, False Cape Wines, Springs Road and Bay of Shoals.
