Bali, Indonesia

Ten years ago, many would have turned their noses up at the chance to sample a wine produced in Bali. The tropical conditions make it incredibly challenging to produce wines from traditional wine grapes, but after almost 20 years of trials and mostly errors, wine producers have finally found their footing using indigenous grape varietals like belgia (white), probolinggo biru (sparkling) and table grape alphonese-lavellee (red). Most of the premium vineyards are on the northern end of the island, where conditions are drier and somewhat cooler, allowing grapes to ripen with minimal disease and fungal pressures. Winemaking and tasting experiences can be found a little closer to beachside tourism precincts like Sanur.

Top Wine Producer

Hatten Wines clearly deserves this recognition, thanks to its efforts over the past 20 years to produce the greatest wines from Bali. The signature wines that have consistently won international awards include the fortified Pino di Bali and the sparkling wine Tunjung. The winery recently opened its brand new Cellardoor facility, offering wine classes and meals in its private dining room.

Where to Stay

Kejora Suites is a boutique property only a stone’s throw from the beach and Hatten Wines’ Cellardoor. The affordable suites open up to a pool and gardens. Meals are served in the Glass House restaurant next door, which features a distinctly Aussie cafe vibe.

Hero image: Christina Chung