The Islander Estate Vineyards is a premium winery located on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, offering wine enthusiasts a unique and elegant wine experience. Founded by renowned French winemaker Jacques Lurton, this estate combines French winemaking techniques with the cool-climate terroir of Kangaroo Island to produce exceptional wines.

Location and Setting

Situated in the picturesque Kohinoor Hills, The Islander Estate Vineyards spans 280 hectares of pristine Kangaroo Island landscape. The winery is conveniently located at Cygnet River, just minutes away from Kingscote and Kangaroo Island airport, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Vineyard and Winemaking

The 11-hectare vineyard showcases a diverse range of grape varieties, including:

• Cabernet Franc

• Malbec

• Sangiovese

• Shiraz

• Grenache

• Viognier

• Semillon

The vineyard employs close spacing techniques (5,000 vines per hectare) to limit yield and achieve greater flavor concentration. This approach, combined with the cool maritime climate and unique soil composition, results in wines with distinctive character and excellent acid retention.

Cellar Door Experience

Wine lovers can enjoy a personalized tasting experience at the intimate Cellar Door in Cygnet River. Open six days a week (closed Wednesdays) from 12 pm to 5 pm, the tasting room offers:

• Hosted wine tastings in a relaxed rural setting

• Regional gourmet platters to complement the wines

• Outdoor seating on lawns or deck with peaceful views

• Personalized tastings of six wines (small tasting fee applies)

For groups of seven or more, private tastings can be arranged by booking in advance.

Wine Ranges

The Islander Estate Vineyards offers three distinct ranges of cool-climate wines, each exhibiting French elegance and finesse:

1. Estate Range: Flagship wines representing the very best of the vineyard

2. Varietal Range: Showcasing individual grape varieties

3. Specialty Range: Unique blends and limited releases

Visitors can explore these wines through guided tastings or purchase bottles to enjoy at home.

Unique Features

• French Influence: Jacques Lurton brings his Bordeaux winemaking expertise to create a fusion of Old World techniques and New World terroir.

• Cool-Climate Wines: The maritime climate of Kangaroo Island imparts distinct characteristics to the wines, particularly noticeable in their Shiraz.

• Sustainable Practices: The winery focuses on environmentally friendly viticulture, preserving the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island.

• Recovery Story: Following the 2020 bushfires, the vineyard has shown remarkable resilience, with ongoing recovery efforts that visitors can witness firsthand.

For wine enthusiasts seeking a unique Australian wine experience, The Islander Estate Vineyards offers a perfect blend of French winemaking tradition and the distinctive terroir of Kangaroo Island, all set against the backdrop of one of Australia's most beautiful natural environments.