For the first time in Mauritius' history, the agricultural company Agria has embarked on a bold experiment: planting grape vines on the island and starting the production of local wine. This ambitious project is being implemented with the support of the ER Group in the picturesque Bel Ombre, on the territory of the Heritage resort, which will house the vineyards, winery, and wine cellar.

To create a unique terroir, seedlings were selected from the French Loire Valley, grown under the close supervision of a Burgundy winegrower. The production process will be overseen by the renowned French oenologist Étienne de Montille, who considers the volcanic soils of Mauritius, rich in limestone, ideal for growing grapes.

"Creating a vineyard in Mauritius is a challenge and a dream at the same time," says de Montille. "We believe in the unique potential of the Bel Ombre terroir and strive to create world-class wines – white, rosé, and red – from carefully selected European varieties. Our goal is to create the world's first organic tropical vineyard."

The first vines of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Touriga Nacional have already been planted, and the first white and rosé wines are planned to be produced by 2028. By 2029, the company plans to expand the plantations to 15 hectares, planting 75,000 seedlings, and in the future, to increase production to 80,000 bottles per year, including red wines.

Until now, there has been no winemaking based on its own grapes in Mauritius. Traditionally, the local "wine" was considered a drink made from lychees. Grape wines were either imported in finished form or bottled from imported bulk wine. The island's main alcoholic beverage remains rum. Now, Mauritius is preparing to make its mark in the world of winemaking!