Tahiti Wine Tours
It’s not just the postcard-perfect beaches that make Tahiti a dream island escape. Add in sumptuous food and wine to the experience, and it’s no surprise that Tahiti is an enduring favorite among those who love the finer things in life.
Considering Tahiti’s close association with France, it’s no surprise that gastronomic excellence has well and truly filtered through. As well as the French influence, an abundance of deliciously fresh seafood and Polynesian ingredients all blend together to create something very, very exciting.
A (Gastronomic) Island Paradise
Those who escape to the beautiful islands of Tahiti are certainly in for an unexpected treat when it comes to the nation’s cuisine. The country’s affiliation with France is distinctly reflected in the food, and you’re sure to see it reflected on most menus.
However, the food of Tahiti is very different from what you’ll find on mainland France; and that’s what makes it so exciting.
The cuisine of Tahiti has developed by reference to what can be found in the natural surroundings. Think delicious yams, sweet bananas and other tropical fruit that grows on trees before your eyes. Equally, cast your eyes out to the sea and you might just spot Tahiti’s most abundant (and delicious) ingredient – sumptuous seafood.
Seafood forms the basis of many Tahitian dishes, but there are a few you simply can’t leave without trying. There’s poisson cru – “raw fish”, which features raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. Then, to satiate your sweet tooth there’s po’e, filled with the delicious sweet fruit of the island.
Tempting Tahitian Wine, Just Waiting to Be Discovered
There’s a certain joy in discovering something before the masses do – and Tahitian wine is certainly ripe for discovery. With French influence and unique terroir, it’s only a matter of time before the secret gets out.
Until then, Tahitian wine is mainly reserved for those who seek it out – and perhaps take back a few bottles (or more) tucked safely in their luggage.
Despite Tahiti being an overseas colony of France, for a long time, the nation lacked any real wine industry. This was largely because the country’s high humidity and heat did not naturally lend itself to viticulture – and especially not the type frequently found in France and mainland Europe.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that some intrepid businesspeople decided to give winemaking another go. Although the main atoll of Tahiti was unsuitable for wine production, a great parcel of land on the nearby Tuamotu archipelago was identified.
Not only were its weather conditions milder, but the terroir was unique and exciting. Surrounded by coral reefs, the terroir is naturally calcareous, allowing easy drainage that shares similarity with France’s Burgundy region.
Here, Tahiti’s first vineyard was established – and the rest, they say, is history! Today, the two main grapes are the red grape Carignan and the white grape Muscat Hamburg. These unique varietals are sure to surprise and entice your palate!