Discover the Takamaka Boutique Winery Tour

About this tour

Takamaka Boutique Winery stands as the only winery in the world dedicated exclusively to lychee wine, with zero use of grapes. Nestled in the picturesque island of Mauritius, this exceptional establishment has earned a remarkable 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 63 reviews and proudly holds the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award, placing it among the top 10% of properties worldwide. Founded through the vision of Alexander Oxenham, the island’s only qualified oenologist, the winery has transformed Mauritian lychees from pesticide-free orchards into award-winning wines recognized in international competitions. Indeed, visitors can experience a unique lychee wine tasting journey that includes sampling three distinct varieties during the guided tour. Furthermore, the winery’s commitment to excellence has garnered numerous accolades, including the Luxury Lifestyle Award 2019 and recognition at both the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge and London Wine Competition. For travelers seeking authentic Mauritian experiences beyond beaches and resorts, this distinctive tour offers a refreshing alternative that combines local agriculture, artisanal craftsmanship, and exquisite flavors in one unforgettable setting.

What Makes Takamaka Boutique Winery Unique

Unlike traditional wineries boasting centuries-old vineyards, Takamaka Boutique Winery proudly stands apart with its revolutionary approach to winemaking. “We do not own a chateau, nor do we run a vineyard. Actually, we do not even work on grapes,” explains Alexander Oxenham, the founder and the island’s only qualified oenologist. This distinctive establishment represents the culmination of a rich family tradition that began in the 1930s when Oxenham’s grandfather first experimented with making wine from dried raisins.

After obtaining his oenology degree in France and dedicating 15 years to research and development, Oxenham embarked on an unprecedented venture: creating wine from lychees. This makes Takamaka the only winery worldwide dedicated exclusively to lychee wine production. His vision was clear—to position Mauritius on the global wine map through innovation and authenticity.

What truly sets Takamaka Boutique Winery apart is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The winery utilizes rainwater collected in underground reservoirs to wash fermentation vats, then disperses this water through their orchards as fertilizer. Additionally, all solid waste is systematically composted and used in their orchard or vegetable garden, creating a closed-loop system.

The winemaking process at Takamaka is exceptionally meticulous. Once the harvest date is determined by testing acids and sugars in the pulp, each lychee is handpicked, hand-sorted, manually peeled, and placed in thermo-regulated tanks where specific yeast strains induce alcoholic fermentation. This painstaking attention to detail results in wines with 12.5% alcohol content after approximately eight weeks in steel tanks.

The winery produces around 18,000 bottles annually, offering an array of distinct varieties ranging from white to rosé and from dry to sweet that have earned acclaim from wine professionals, hoteliers, and starred chefs worldwide. Their award-winning collection includes Tanara (a refined dry lychee white aged in barrels), Aquarel (a delightful off-dry lychee wine), and Eclipse (a luscious sweet lychee wine).

As Oxenham eloquently puts it, “We write oenology differently—with heaps of grit, a good pinch of know-how and loads of fun”. This philosophy has established Takamaka as not merely a winery but a testament to Mauritian innovation and craftsmanship.

Inside the Tour: What to Expect

Visitors stepping into Takamaka Boutique Winery embark on a 45-minute journey that begins with a warm welcome from either Alexander Oxenham himself or his knowledgeable team. The experience kicks off with an exclusive screening of a short documentary that explains the winery’s history and vision while detailing the innovative lychee winemaking process.

Subsequently, guests enjoy a behind-the-scenes guided tour showcasing each step of the unique wine production. The tour reveals how high-quality Mauritian lychees are meticulously hand-selected, peeled, and placed in thermo-regulated tanks for fermentation with specially chosen yeast strains. This careful process brings out the distinctive aromatic qualities that make these wines so exceptional.

The highlight for most visitors comes next – a carefully curated wine tasting session featuring the winery’s award-winning creations. Guests sample three different varieties: the sophisticated dry Tanara, the fruity off-dry Aquarel, and the decadent sweet Eclipse. Meanwhile, younger visitors aren’t left out as they receive special non-alcoholic alternatives.

Throughout the experience, Alexander Oxenham often makes a personal appearance to share additional insights about the delicate processes and flavors, creating a special moment of connection between winemaker and visitors. This personal touch adds considerable value to the overall experience.

Before concluding, guests can visit the on-site boutique – the only outlet for Takamaka lychee wine. The shop features not only the full range of wines but also local products and souvenirs.

For those wishing to extend their stay, Le Coin Café offers refreshments throughout the day. This coffee corner serves local products, including tropical fruits and vegetables grown in the winery’s own orchards and gardens. Visitors can even purchase picnic baskets for on-site enjoyment or takeaway[63].

Operating Monday through Saturday with first tours beginning at 9:00 am (9:30 am on Saturdays) and final tours at 4:30 pm (3:00 pm on Saturdays), advance booking is recommended for this sought-after experience[63].