Kangaroo Island is a beautiful tourist destination with a maritime climate suitable for viticulture, but only since the 1990s has there been any successful grape growing and winemaking.

Could this be the next big wine region in Australia? Large investments have been made recently in all types of accommodation. There are now world class resorts and wilderness retreats on the island.

There are nearly thirty vineyards operating, many have connections with mainland producers.

This Australian Wine Region is part of South Australia's Fleurieu Zone, the Southern Fleurieu Wine Region and McLaren Vale are just a short ferry ride away, or there is an air service between Adelaide and Kingscote, the Island's largest town.

Vineyards of Kangaroo Island

The topography of the island is gently undulating with sandy soils underlain with limestone. These are very suitable for vineyards. Supplementary irrigation is required fo many sites.

Most vineyards are close to the sea, hence the are has milder winters and a slightly cooler growing season than nearby mainland wine regions. The extended growing season experienced with these climatic conditions provides the opportunity for high quality wines to be produced. Bordeaux grape varieties seem to be the popular choice on the island; there is plenty of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

There is some Viognier, it seems to be destined for copigmentation with Shiraz. It is probably too early to pass judgement on Sangiovese from Kangaroo Island, but Yakka Jack, an idiosyncratic blend of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese made by the Islander Estate received 94 Points in Halliday's Wine Companion 2008.

• Lashmar Nebbiolo, Viognier
• The Islander Estate Vineyards Grenache, Malbec, Sangiovese, Viognier
• Williams Springs Road Petit verdot
• Woolybud Sangiovese

A benign terrior for viticulture and a steady stream of visitors to this wine region's tourist attractions give this region the basis for a great future. Investment in vineyards, wineries and winemaking skills are turning this potential into reality. Watch this space!

Visiting Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is now a major destination for Australian and international tourists. There are a number of accommodation options but you are advised to book ahead. The hotels can be booked via a number of online agencies, but to get the best deal you should use the Vinodiversity Hotel service. Why? The link below finds the best deal of all the agencies for each hotel. You can compare teh rates offered by different agencies. Try it and see...

Search for Hotels on Kangaroo Island