MAY 2021
Since the first settlers set foot on Kangaroo Island, resilience, adaptability, and ingenuity have been hallmarks of the Kangaroo Island community.
Many businesses have called on these qualities in the year since the 2020 Kangaroo Island bushfires, The Islander Estate Vineyards is just one example. After experiencing devastating damage to their 280-hectare property in January 2020, this wine business has set about adapting their business and their brand to the post-bushfire reality.
The Islander Estate was established by renowned 5th generation Bordeaux winemaker, Jacques Lurton over 20 years ago with a vision to showcase the potential of Kangaroo Island on the world stage of wine. The challenge of losing their vineyard and infrastructure has only sharpened their vision to produce wines that bring together French tradition and finesse with the creative freedom making wine in Australia offers.
While making wine in 2020 was not possible, it was with huge excitement the Islander Estate team returned to making wine for the current 2021 vintage. It represents a new chapter for the business and a return to the winemaking there are so passionate about.
Sourcing as much fruit as possible from Islander growers while their own vineyard recovered was just one challenge. The impact of Covid-19 meant a lack of travelling vintage pickers. Luckily, the Islander’s team, friends, customers, and supporters jumped in to get involved with some inspiring picking days.
While Vintage 2021 will be in production for some time, this is looking to be one of the most memorable for the business. With a new focus on communicating the story of Kangaroo Island wine to the world, The Islander Estate Vineyards have produced a new video to inspire wine lovers to add a few Kangaroo Island wines to their wine rack, and support Kangaroo Island in this Year of South Australian Wines.
