Winery Overview & History
Vin de Tahiti is one of the most extraordinary wineries on Earth, located on the remote Rangiroa Atoll in French Polynesia — an island of coral and turquoise lagoons. Founded in 1997 by French entrepreneur Dominique Auroy, the estate was created as a daring vision: to grow vines in coral sand surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean.
After years of experimentation, the project succeeded, establishing Vin de Tahiti as the world’s only coral island vineyard, where tropical sunlight, ocean breezes, and volcanic minerals converge to craft uniquely exotic wines.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The vineyards are planted on the island of Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago, about 350 km northeast of Tahiti. The soil consists of crushed coral and sand, rich in calcium but low in organic matter, requiring innovative cultivation methods.
Ocean winds moderate the tropical climate, and the vines produce two to three harvests per year — a phenomenon found nowhere else in the world. This rare terroir gives the wines a signature saline minerality and vibrant freshness.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
The estate cultivates Carignan, Muscat de Hambourg, and Italia (Muscat d’Italie). Despite the tropical setting, the wines are remarkably balanced, combining exotic aromatics with crisp acidity.
The style is delicate, floral, and mineral-driven, echoing both the coral reef and the ocean breeze.
Signature Wines
- Blanc de Corail — Dry white wine with aromas of white flowers, lychee, and sea spray minerality.
- Rosé Nacarat — Elegant and fresh, with notes of strawberry, rose petal, and tropical fruit.
- Blanc Moelleux — Semi-sweet white wine offering pineapple, mango, and honeyed richness.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
The grapes are hand-harvested at dawn and transported by boat to a small island cellar for vinification. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness.
All wines are bottled on-site to maintain authenticity and protect the unique microclimate expression of Rangiroa.
Visitor & Contact Information
Address: Vin de Tahiti, Avatoru, Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia
Phone: +689 40 93 11 29
Website: www.vindetahiti.com
Email: contact@vindetahiti.com
Visiting: Tours available by appointment; guests can visit the coral vineyard and tasting room amid palm-fringed lagoons.
*Photo courtesy of lettresdubrassus.blancpain.com