Tropical Tasting: Best Islands for Wine Lovers

For wine enthusiasts, combining the love of fine wines with the beauty of an island escape is a dream come true. Islands around the world boast unique wine regions, where sun-drenched vineyards meet breathtaking landscapes, creating the perfect environment for producing exceptional wines. From volcanic soils to coastal breezes, these islands offer some of the most distinct and flavorful wines you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re exploring lush vineyards, enjoying seaside wine tastings, or dining on gourmet cuisine paired with local wines, these islands are must-visit destinations for any wine lover. Here’s a guide to the top 10 islands that offer unforgettable wine experiences.

1. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is not only famous for its stunning sunsets and white-washed architecture but also for its unique wines. The island’s volcanic soil and arid climate create perfect conditions for producing Assyrtiko, a white grape that yields crisp, mineral-rich wines. Santorini’s vineyards, some of the oldest in the world, are cultivated in a traditional way that involves growing the vines in a basket shape to protect them from the strong winds.

Must-Try Wines:

• Assyrtiko: A dry, citrusy wine with high acidity and a mineral finish, perfect for pairing with seafood.
• Nykteri: A full-bodied white wine with notes of stone fruit, honey, and vanilla.

Wine Activities:

• Winery Tours: Visit local wineries like Santo Wines and Gaia Wines for tastings with a view of the caldera.
• Wine and Food Pairing: Enjoy a gourmet meal paired with local wines at a vineyard restaurant.

Best Time to Visit: April to October, when the weather is warm and the vineyards are in full bloom.

Local Tips:

• Take a Sunset Wine Tour: Combine wine tasting with Santorini’s famous sunset views for an unforgettable experience.
• Try Vinsanto: A sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes, perfect for ending a meal.

2. Sicily, Italy

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a wine lover’s paradise. With a winemaking history that dates back over 2,500 years, Sicily offers a diverse range of wines, from robust reds to refreshing whites. The island’s varied terroirs, influenced by volcanic soils from Mount Etna and coastal breezes, produce some of Italy’s most exciting wines.

Must-Try Wines:

• Nero d’Avola: A bold red wine with flavors of black cherry, plum, and spice, often compared to Syrah.
• Etna Rosso: A red wine made from Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Etna, known for its elegance and complexity.

Wine Activities:

• Etna Wine Tour: Explore the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, where you can taste wines with a distinctive volcanic character.
• Visit Marsala: Discover the sweet fortified wine that shares its name with the town and learn about its rich history.

Best Time to Visit: May to October, during the grape harvest season and when the weather is ideal for vineyard visits.

Local Tips:

• Pair with Local Cuisine: Enjoy Sicilian wines with traditional dishes like pasta alla Norma and arancini.
• Visit a Palmento: Explore a traditional Sicilian winemaking facility, some of which are centuries old.

3. Madeira, Portugal

The island of Madeira, located off the northwest coast of Africa, is famous for its fortified wines that have been produced for over 500 years. Madeira wine is unique due to its aging process, which involves heating the wine and exposing it to air, resulting in a rich, complex flavor that can last for decades.

Must-Try Wines:

• Sercial: A dry Madeira wine with crisp acidity and nutty, citrus flavors.
• Bual: A medium-sweet Madeira with notes of caramel, raisins, and spice.

Wine Activities:

• Wine Lodges Tour: Visit the famous wine lodges in Funchal, such as Blandy’s and Pereira d’Oliveira, to learn about the history and production of Madeira wine.
• Levada Walks: Combine a scenic hike along Madeira’s levadas (irrigation channels) with a visit to a local vineyard.

Best Time to Visit: September to November, during the grape harvest and when the weather is mild.

Local Tips:

• Try an Old Vintage: Madeira wines age exceptionally well—don’t miss the chance to taste a vintage from the 19th century.
• Pair with Local Pastries: Enjoy Madeira wine with traditional sweets like bolo de mel (honey cake) or queijadas (cheese tarts).

4. Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and boutique wineries. The island’s cool climate and diverse terroir allow for the production of high-quality wines, especially Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine lovers will appreciate the island’s commitment to sustainability and organic farming practices.

Must-Try Wines:

• Shiraz: A bold and spicy red wine with notes of blackberry, plum, and pepper.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: A rich red wine with flavors of blackcurrant, tobacco, and mint.

Wine Activities:

• Cellar Door Tastings: Visit the island’s wineries, such as Dudley Wines and The Islander Estate, for intimate tastings and stunning views.
• Food and Wine Safari: Combine wine tasting with a gourmet food experience, sampling local produce like fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses.

Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring the island.

Local Tips:

• Look for Wildlife: Kangaroo Island is home to abundant wildlife—don’t be surprised if you spot kangaroos, koalas, or echidnas while visiting vineyards.
• Try Local Specialties: Pair your wine with local delicacies like Ligurian honey or fresh oysters.

5. Corsica, France

Corsica, a rugged island in the Mediterranean, offers a distinct wine culture that reflects its unique blend of French and Italian influences. The island’s diverse microclimates and granite soils produce a wide range of wines, from aromatic whites to robust reds. Corsican wines are often made from indigenous grape varieties, giving them a distinctive character.

Must-Try Wines:

• Vermentino: A crisp, aromatic white wine with flavors of citrus, pear, and herbs.
• Nielluccio: A red wine with notes of cherry, leather, and spice, similar to Italian Sangiovese.

Wine Activities:

• Patrimonio Wine Route: Explore the vineyards of the Patrimonio AOC, one of Corsica’s most famous wine regions.
• Visit Ajaccio: Tour the vineyards surrounding Ajaccio, where you can taste wines made from the Sciaccarello grape.

Best Time to Visit: May to October, when the weather is warm and the vineyards are at their best.

Local Tips:

• Try the Local Cuisine: Corsican wines pair perfectly with the island’s traditional dishes, such as figatellu (sausage) and brocciu (cheese).
• Explore the Countryside: Corsica’s rugged terrain offers stunning views—combine wine tasting with hikes or drives through the island’s scenic landscapes.

6. Lanzarote, Spain

Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, is known for its unique volcanic vineyards. The island’s harsh landscape, shaped by volcanic eruptions, has led to innovative winegrowing techniques, such as planting vines in pits to protect them from the wind and heat. Lanzarote’s wines are as distinctive as its scenery, with a focus on white wines made from the Malvasía grape.

Must-Try Wines:

• Malvasía Volcánica: A white wine with floral aromas and a distinctive minerality from the volcanic soil.
• Listán Negro: A red wine with notes of red fruit, herbs, and a hint of smokiness.

Wine Activities:

• La Geria Wine Route: Explore the island’s wine region, La Geria, where you can visit wineries and see the unique volcanic vineyards.
• Visit Bodega El Grifo: One of Spain’s oldest wineries, offering tours and tastings in a historic setting.

Best Time to Visit: October to May, when the weather is cooler and ideal for exploring the island.

Local Tips:

• Try Local Dishes: Pair Lanzarote wines with Canarian specialties like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) and mojo sauce.
• Explore Timanfaya National Park: Combine wine tasting with a visit to this stunning volcanic landscape.

7. Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania, an island off the southern coast of Australia, is fast becoming one of the country’s premier wine regions. The island’s cool climate and pristine environment produce exceptional wines, particularly Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. Tasmania’s scenic vineyards, often set against dramatic backdrops of mountains and rivers, offer a unique wine-tasting experience.

Must-Try Wines:

• Pinot Noir: A delicate red wine with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones.
• Sparkling Wine: Tasmania is known for its world-class sparkling wines, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and brioche.

Wine Activities:

• Wine Trail: Follow Tasmania’s wine trails, such as the Tamar Valley Wine Route, to visit some of the island’s top wineries.
• Cellar Door Tastings: Enjoy intimate tastings at boutique wineries like Josef Chromy and Moorilla Estate.

Best Time to Visit: December to March, during the grape harvest and summer season.

Local Tips:

• Pair with Local Produce: Tasmania is known for its fresh produce—pair your wines with local oysters, cheese, and smoked salmon.
• Visit MONA: Combine a wine tasting at Moorilla Estate with a visit to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart.

8. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia, a large island in the Mediterranean, is home to some of Italy’s most unique and underappreciated wines. The island’s varied terroir and indigenous grape varieties produce wines that are rich in character and flavor. Sardinian wines, particularly the robust reds made from Cannonau grapes, reflect the island’s rugged landscape and vibrant culture.

Must-Try Wines:

• Cannonau: A robust red wine with flavors of dark fruit, herbs, and spice, known for its high levels of antioxidants.
• Vermentino di Gallura: A crisp, aromatic white wine with notes of citrus, peach, and almond.

Wine Activities:

• Wine Tours: Explore the vineyards of Gallura and the other wine regions of Sardinia, with stops at local wineries for tastings.
• Wine and Dine: Enjoy traditional Sardinian cuisine paired with local wines at a vineyard restaurant.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are at their best.

Local Tips:

• Try Local Specialties: Pair Sardinian wines with traditional dishes like porceddu (roast suckling pig) and pane carasau (crispy flatbread).
• Visit a Nuraghe: Combine wine tasting with a visit to one of Sardinia’s ancient Nuraghe, stone structures that date back to the Bronze Age.

9. Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is an emerging wine region that combines beautiful landscapes with a growing reputation for quality wines. The island’s Mediterranean climate and diverse terroirs produce a variety of wines, from crisp whites to robust reds. Mallorca’s wine scene is characterized by small, family-owned wineries that focus on traditional methods and indigenous grape varieties.

Must-Try Wines:

• Manto Negro: A red wine with flavors of red berries, herbs, and spices, often used in blends.
• Prensal Blanc: A white wine with fresh, citrusy flavors and a hint of almond, perfect for warm weather.

Wine Activities:

• Binissalem Wine Route: Explore the heart of Mallorca’s wine country, visiting wineries and tasting wines along the Binissalem Wine Route.
• Harvest Festival: Visit during the annual grape harvest festival, Festa des Vermar, to experience local wine culture and celebrations.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the vineyards are thriving.

Local Tips:

• Try Sobrasada: Pair Mallorcan wines with sobrasada, a traditional cured sausage, for a true taste of the island.
• Explore the Island: Combine wine tasting with visits to the island’s picturesque villages, beaches, and historical sites.

10. Hvar, Croatia

Hvar, an island in the Adriatic Sea, is one of Croatia’s most famous wine regions. The island’s Mediterranean climate, combined with its limestone-rich soil, creates ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines. Hvar is known for its indigenous grape varieties, such as Plavac Mali, which produces robust red wines with a distinct character.

Must-Try Wines:

• Plavac Mali: A rich red wine with flavors of dark cherry, plum, and spices, often compared to Zinfandel.
• Bogdanuša: A light, refreshing white wine with floral aromas and citrus flavors, perfect for summer sipping.

Wine Activities:

• Wine Tours: Visit the island’s family-owned wineries, where you can taste wines and learn about the winemaking process.
• Wine and Dine: Enjoy a meal at a traditional konoba (tavern), paired with local wines.

Best Time to Visit: May to September, when the weather is warm and ideal for vineyard visits and outdoor activities.

Local Tips:

• Try Local Seafood: Pair Hvar’s wines with fresh seafood, such as grilled fish and octopus salad.
• Visit the Lavender Fields: Combine wine tasting with a visit to Hvar’s famous lavender fields, which are in full bloom during the summer.

These ten islands offer not just stunning landscapes but also exceptional wine experiences that are sure to delight any wine lover. From the volcanic wines of Santorini to the robust reds of Sardinia, each destination provides a unique blend of culture, history, and viticulture.