8 Unexpected Island Wineries: Hidden Gems for Wine Lovers Worldwide
Island beverages often evoke chilled beers and tropical cocktails with umbrellas. Yet, picture savoring a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon amid lush vineyards cascading to the sea. These extraordinary island wineries blend world-class wines with stunning coastal settings, offering unforgettable experiences for discerning travelers.
Vin de Tahiti, Rangiroa, French Polynesia
For one of the world's most remote wineries, head to Vin de Tahiti on a tiny South Pacific motu—a reef islet—reachable only by boat from Rangiroa. French Polynesia's pioneering winery sits uniquely on a coral atoll, where mineral-rich soils impart distinctive flavors to the grapes.
Pioneers planted vines in the 1990s, refining varieties for this unique terroir, with the first vintages released in 2003. Signature Blanc de Corail blends Carignan Rouge, Italia, and Muscat de Hambourg grapes. Year-round tours and tastings await dedicated wine explorers.
Pelee Island Winery, Ontario, Canada
Canada's southernmost point, tiny Pelee Island in Lake Erie—one of North America's Great Lakes—hosts Pelee Island Winery, spanning over 220 hectares and ranking among the nation's largest private estates.
Main production occurs at the Kingsville mainland facility (360km southwest of Toronto, 50km southeast of Detroit), but the island Pavilion delivers tours and tastings from mid-May to early October. Renowned for Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and luscious ice wines made from vine-frozen grapes.
Hatten Wines, Bali, Indonesia
Ida Bagus Rai Budarsa's family crafted brem rice wine in the late 1960s; by the 1990s, he launched Bali's first grape winery, Hatten Wines. Their debut rosé remains a bestseller, joined by Aga White from Belgia grapes, AGA Red from Alphonse-Lavallée, and sparkling cuvées.
North Bali vineyards host a welcome center for tours and tastings; Sanur's Wine Lifestyle Boutique offers complimentary samples of these Indonesian gems.
Maui Wine, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Since 1974 at Ulupalakua Ranch in Maui's Upcountry, Maui Wine crafts pineapple wines alongside traditional grapes. Savor semi-dry Maui Blanc or effervescent Hula o Maui.
The tasting room in King’s Cottage—vacation spot for Hawaii's last monarch, King Kalākaua—offers twice-daily complimentary tours of the estate, facility, and cellars.
Island Winery, Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA
South Carolina's largest barrier island, Hilton Head—a golf and beach haven—hosts Island Winery, blending global grapes with southern fruits.
Owners Loren and Georgene Mortimer, Finger Lakes alumni, relocated from New Jersey for milder climes. Highlights include dry Riesling, Sangiovese, and Southern Passion—a Sangria-style mix of grapes, peaches, and oranges. Ideal tasting detour from beach or links.
Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico, Pico Island, Azores, Portugal
The volcanic, windswept Azores defy expectations for viticulture, but Pico's winemakers use 15th-century currais—stone-walled plots—to shield vines, earning UNESCO status in 2004.
At this storied cooperative, taste Lajido dry white aperitif, fortified Lajido Reserva, Terras de Lava rosé, or fruity Basalto red.
Sea Star Estate Farm and Vineyards, Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada
Near Vancouver on scenic Pender Island, Sea Star's 10 hectares yield diverse grapes: Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and more, crafting small-batch reds, whites, and dessert wines.
Open spring to fall for tastings and tours; meet the resident sheep, eco-friendly "lawn mowers."
Boškinac Winery, Pag Island, Croatia
Croatia's Pag Island balances paški sir sheep cheese fame and party beaches, but Boškinac—a family-run winery with restaurant and boutique hotel—revives native Gegić vines for superb dry whites, plus Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot rosé, and Prošek dessert wine.
Tours pair wines with local cheeses, anchovies, and specialties.
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