Vines and Volcanoes: The World’s Best Island Wines

Growing grapes on an island is hard. The wind is salty, the space is limited, and the slopes are steep. But the struggle creates character. Island wines (“Vins Insulaires”) are famous for their salinity, minerality, and intensity.

In 2026, wine tourism is sophisticated. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about architecture, history, and terroir. Here are the islands where the vineyards are as spectacular as the vintage.

1. Santorini, Greece: The Basket Vines

Santorini is the superstar. The volcanic soil (aspa) creates wines of incredible acidity and power.

  • The Grape: Assyrtiko. A crisp, dry white wine that tastes like the sea.
  • The Landscape: The vines are not trellised; they are woven into baskets (kouloura) on the ground to protect the grapes from the fierce wind and sun. It looks alien.
  • Visit: Santo Wines for the sunset view, Sigalas for the fine dining, and Venetsanos for the history (built into a cliff).

2. Madeira, Portugal: The Immortal Wine

Madeira wine is fortified (brandy is added). It is virtually indestructible. You can open a bottle from 1850, and it will still be perfect.

  • The Grape: Sercial (Dry), Verdelho (Medium Dry), Bual (Medium Sweet), Malvasia (Sweet).
  • The Landscape: Steep terraced vineyards on vertical cliffs. Harvest is done by hand and is incredibly dangerous.
  • Visit: Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal for a history lesson. Take a jeep tour to the north coast vineyards to see the terroir.

3. South Island, New Zealand (Marlborough)

Technically an island! Marlborough put New Zealand on the wine map.

  • The Grape: Sauvignon Blanc. Explosively aromatic with notes of passionfruit and cut grass.
  • The Landscape: Wide, flat valleys protected by mountains. Perfect for cycling between vineyards.
  • Visit: Cloudy Bay (the icon) and Hans Herzog (for organic/biodynamic wines). Rent a bike and do the “Golden Mile.”

4. Sicily, Italy: The Etna Revolution

Mount Etna is an active volcano, and its slopes produce some of Italy’s most exciting red wines.

  • The Grape: Nerello Mascalese. Often compared to Pinot Noir or Barolo. Elegant and earthy.
  • The Landscape: Black lava soil, stone walls, and smoking craters in the background. It is high-altitude winemaking.
  • Visit: Tenuta delle Terre Nere or Planeta. The hospitality is warm and rustic.

5. Waiheke Island, New Zealand

A short ferry ride from Auckland. It is the “Hamptons of NZ” with vineyards.

  • The Grape: Syrah and Bordeaux Blends (Cabernet/Merlot).
  • The Landscape: Rolling green hills dropping into blue bays.
  • Visit: Man O’ War (on a beach at the far end) or Mudbrick (for the best restaurant view).

6. Korcula, Croatia: The White Wine Island

While most of Croatia makes red, Korcula is famous for white.

  • The Grape: Pošip and Grk. Grk grows only on sandy soil in Lumbarda and has female-only flowers (it needs to be planted next to Plavac Mali to pollinate).
  • The Landscape: Sandy vineyards right on the water’s edge.
  • Visit: Bire Winery in Lumbarda.

7. Lanzarote, Canary Islands: The Lunar Vineyard

  • The Grape: Malvasia Volcanica.
  • The Landscape: The La Geria region is unique in the world. Each vine is planted in a conical pit dug into the black volcanic ash and protected by a semi-circular stone wall (zoco). It looks like the moon.
  • Visit: Bodega El Grifo (the oldest in the Canaries) offers a great museum.

Wine Travel Tips for 2026

  • Check Luggage: If you plan to buy bottles, bring a suitcase designed for wine (like VinGardeValise) or buy “Wine Skins” (bubble wrap bags) to protect them in your checked bag.
  • Shipping: Most wineries will ship cases home for you. It’s expensive but insured.
  • Designated Driver: Wine tasting involves alcohol. Don’t drink and drive on winding island roads. Hire a driver or join a tour.

8. Corsica, France: The Wild Wine

Corsica has over 30 indigenous grape varieties.

  • The Grape: Sciaccarellu (Red) and Vermentino (White). The reds are spicy and peppery, reflecting the maquis herbs.
  • The Landscape: Rugged mountains dropping into the sea. The vineyards of Patrimonio in the north are the most famous.
  • Visit: Domaine d’Alzipratu.

9. Tasmania, Australia: The Sparkling Isle

Tasmania’s cool climate is perfect for sparkling wine that rivals Champagne.

  • The Grape: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
  • The Landscape: Green, cool, and misty. The Tamar Valley wine route is exceptional.
  • Visit: Jansz Tasmania (the sparkling specialists) or Josef Chromy.

10. Hvar, Croatia: The Sunniest Vines

  • The Grape: Plavac Mali. A powerful, tannic red wine related to Zinfandel.
  • The Landscape: The southern slopes (Ivan Dolac) are so steep that workers sometimes need ropes to harvest.
  • The Experience: Wine tasting in an underwater wine cellar at Zlatan Otok.

Pairing Island Wines with Island Food

  • Santorini Assyrtiko + Grilled Octopus. The acidity cuts through the char.
  • Madeira Verdelho + Tropical Fruit.
  • Sicilian Etna Red + Tuna Steak. It’s a red wine that works with oily fish.
  • NZ Sauvignon Blanc + Green Lipped Mussels.

Island wines tell the story of survival. Tasting them where they grow is tasting the volcano, the wind, and the sea.