French Vines Planted in Mauritius Signal Ambitious Bid for Tropical Wine Industry

In the south of Mauritius, a new chapter in the island’s agricultural history is unfolding as French grapevines take root in the volcanic soils of Bel Ombre. The project, led by Agrïa—a subsidiary of ER Group—marks the first professional attempt to establish a tropical vineyard in Mauritius. The initial planting took place in September 2025, with government officials, local sommeliers, and international experts present to witness the event.

The vines, sourced from France’s Loire Valley and selected for their adaptability, include Chenin Blanc, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Franc. The project is being developed in partnership with Domaine de Montille, a respected Burgundy estate with a winemaking tradition dating back to the 18th century. French geologist Yves Hérody and climatologist Benjamin Bois are providing scientific guidance, analyzing the unique terroir and climate of Bel Ombre.

Mauritius has long been known for its sugarcane fields, but decades of liming to improve soil for cane cultivation have unexpectedly created favorable conditions for grapevines. The acidic volcanic soils have been balanced over time, making them suitable for viticulture. The region’s microclimate—characterized by steady temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons—presents both opportunities and challenges for growing wine grapes in a tropical environment.

Agrïa plans to cultivate 15 hectares with 75,000 vines, aiming for an annual production of up to 80,000 bottles of white, rosé, and potentially red wines. The first harvest is expected in 2028, with the inaugural vintage set for release in 2029. In a second phase, up to ten additional grape varieties will be tested to determine which adapt best to local conditions.

The project is not without technical hurdles. Unlike traditional wine regions that benefit from cold winters and vine dormancy, Mauritius’s tropical climate requires new approaches to pruning and disease management. There is also the possibility of two harvests per year due to the absence of a true winter. Local sommeliers are closely following the experiment, eager to see how European grape varieties perform on Mauritian soil.

A vinification cellar will be built within the ruins of an old sugar mill at the heart of the Heritage resort in Bel Ombre. This location will allow guests to taste wines on site and supply local restaurants such as Le Château de Bel Ombre. The initiative is expected to boost wine tourism on the island by offering visitors a unique experience that combines tropical landscapes with wine tasting.

The vineyard forms part of ER Group’s broader strategy to diversify away from sugarcane monoculture toward sustainable agriculture. The group already produces coffee, cocoa, pineapples, palm hearts, honey, and rum across its 3,000 hectares of land holdings. By introducing viticulture, ER Group aims to create new economic opportunities for local communities through job creation and training in viticulture and oenology.

The Mauritian government has expressed support for the project as part of its efforts to strengthen food security and develop high-value agricultural sectors. Dr. Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, attended the planting ceremony alongside other officials.

If successful, Mauritius could become a model for tropical viticulture worldwide. Lessons learned from adapting European winemaking techniques to local conditions may benefit other regions with similar climates. For now, anticipation is building among wine professionals and tourists alike as they await the first taste of Mauritian-grown wine—a product that could redefine both agriculture and tourism on this Indian Ocean island.