Kangaroo Island Wine Region

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. There are now over 20 wineries 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 Kangaroo Island is gently undulating with sandy soils underlain with limestone. Most vineyards are close to the sea, hence the are has milder winters and a slightly cooler growing season than nearby mainland wine regions.

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
• Rookery Wines Petit verdot, Sangiovese, Saperavi, Tempranillo
• 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 Kangaroo Islands 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!

You can explore more wine regions like Kangaroo Island Wine Region in James Halliday's Wine Atlas