Go island vineyard hopping …

Blue skies, white sand, palm trees and the gentle sound of the sea breeze. For many holidaymakers, this is the ultimate dream. However, lying on an idyllic beach or spending the day snorkelling in lagoon-blue water is not everyone’s idea of the perfect holiday. If, like me, you crave a bit more adventure – winding along coastal roads, discovering small, characterful wineries, and tasting wines shaped by salty breezes, volcanic soils and centuries of island traditions – then an island vineyard journey might be exactly what you are looking for.

First stop: the Cyclades in Greece, and the volcanic island of Santorini, best known for its whitewashed buildings crowned with striking blue domes. Vines have been grown here for more than 4,000 years and are traditionally trained in the distinctive “kouloura”, where the vine is woven into a low basket shape resembling a bird’s nest. This unique training system keeps the grapes close to the ground, allowing them to capture precious morning dew while protecting them from the intense sun and the powerful Meltemi winds that sweep across the island. Viticulture here remains almost entirely manual, from pruning to harvesting, and yields are naturally low – making every bunch precious.

One could easily plan a world tour dedicated to these idyllic destinations, each producing wines of unique character.

Assyrtiko is the island’s iconic grape variety, producing white wines of remarkable structure, intensity, purity and striking minerality. It is a treat to enjoy a glass alongside grilled local octopus, simply seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and fresh oregano, while watching the sun disappear into the Aegean Sea.

Further west in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is another extraordinary wine destination. Vineyards are planted across the island, but some of the most exciting wines come from the eastern side, on the slopes of Mount Etna. Here, vines grow on ancient lava soils rich in minerals, creating an exceptional terroir for the white grape Carricante and the red varieties Nerello Cappuccio and Nerello Mascalese.

The wines show remarkable freshness and precision. The whites are vibrant, saline and beautifully age-worthy, while the reds combine the finesse of Pinot Noir with the tannic structure of Nebbiolo, alongside a mysterious dark mineral soul that seems unique to this dramatic volcanic landscape. Being in Italy, there is certainly no shortage of delicious ingredients and recipes to complement these wines, and simple Sicilian dishes will make each glass taste even better.

Still in the Mediterranean Sea but much closer to the French shores, Corsica – the “Island of Beauty” – also boasts a long winemaking tradition. A land of contrasts between sea and mountains, the island is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, home to the spectacular GR20 hiking trail. In this wild setting, the vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate with varying maritime influence and from highly diverse soils – granite, schist and limestone – that play a key role in shaping the island’s wines.

The principal red grape varieties are Niellucciu (closely related to Sangiovese) and Sciaccarellu. The reds are often elegant, energetic and spicy, with a firm tannic structure, while the white wines, made from Vermentino, are vibrant and aromatic, scented with blossom, citrus and displaying a typical refreshing bitter note. In a strange way, sipping a glass of Corsican wine is an organoleptic experience that perfectly translates the rugged beauty and Mediterranean character of the island.

Lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Pico Island (part of the Portuguese Azores) is one of the best places in Europe to go whale watching, but it also offers one of the most peculiar vineyard landscapes in the world. Here, vines are grown within a maze of small, black volcanic stone-walled plots called “currais”. These low walls protect the vines from the violent winds that sweep across the island, as well as from salty sea spray. This unique landscape, patiently shaped by human hands over centuries, is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this austere setting, vines thrive in extreme conditions to produce local varieties such as Verdelho and Arinto dos Açores. These white wines show great tension and precision, with a distinctive iodine-like minerality – wines that seem to carry the very essence of the Atlantic within them.

The list of wine-producing islands is long – from Tenerife and Madeira to Waiheke Island and beyond. A rather appealing addition to any bucket list – the kind that might just come with a little sand in it. @julie_dupouy