The Islander Estate Vineyards story began in 2000 when Jacques Lurton, a sixth generation Bordeaux winemaker fell in love with the natural environment and cool-climate of Kangaroo Island, recognising it as a perfect grape-growing environment. Joined by Managing Director Yale Norris in 2012, they set out to showcase Kangaroo Island hand-crafted wine to the world. Today, The Islander Estate Vineyards is Kangaroo Island’s only winery awarded a five-star rating by the Halliday Wine Companion.

The Islander Estate Vineyards was established amongst gum trees and native bushland on a 300-hectare farm in the heart of Kangaroo Island, including an 11-hectare vineyard and an estate-style winery. Its elevation in the Kohinoor Hills provides the ideal environment for producing European-style wines with a balance of power, elegance and long finishes.

The estate was significantly damaged in the January 2020 bushfires, which destroyed almost half of Kangaroo Island. With several years of resilience and hard work,the vineyard has returned to productivity with both the estate and the business now flourishing.

The philosophy behind the wines produced at The Islander Estate Vineyards is to take the best of the heritage and finesse of French winemaking techniques and blend it with the unique growing conditions and creative freedom of winemaking on Kangaroo Island. The result is a range of elegant cool-climate wines that show elements of both Old World and New World styles.

A trip to The Islander Estate Vineyards’ Cygnet River Tasting Room is a must for wine enthusiasts. The tasting room staff welcome guests with an intimate guided tasting through a range of different wine styles. Guests can then select a favourite drop with which to relax on the deck or lawns. Picnic-style regional platters, along with premium food and wine experiences, are also available to ensure the ultimate winery experience.

The Islander Estate Vineyards’ tasting room is a part of the Cygnet River Artisan Trail, which places the work of local artisan producers in a compact half-day tasting trail, perfect for the avid wine connoisseur.