The Islander Estate Vineyards

Struck by Kangaroo Island's rugged, unassuming potential Jacques Lurton, of Château La Louviere in Bordeaux, established The Islander Estate Vineyards in 2000. General manager Yale Norris bought into the business in 2015.

The winery is situated in the Kohinoor Hills near Kangaroo Island's farming heartland. Cool breezes from the Southern Ocean, offering the vines reprieve in warmer months, prevent over-ripening. Yields are kept low to bring out the best in the grapes. The Islander Estate favours underdog varieties often eschewed in Jacques Lurton's native Bordeaux such as Cabernet Franc and Semillon. The wines are made with French winemaking expertise, the focus on medium bodied elegance.

The Investigator Cabernet Franc and The Cygnet Shiraz helped put Kangaroo Island on the map for wine. Other highlights include the Wally White Semillon and Old Rowley Shiraz Grenache.