 Salt Spring Vineyards, Andrea Johnson photo
What makes Vancouver Island special for Wines?Southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands comprise some of the warmest growing regions in Canada. Microclimates exist that have enabled several different Vancouver Island wineries to produce multiple-award winning wines.
Many of these wineries are small and family-owned, focused on creating superlative, low-volume wines available on-site or through select restaurants. Most welcome visitors, and offer tours and tastings.
Some of the world’s best cool-climate grapes are grown here. There is a great diversity in vineyards, and each has its own unique characteristic.
Wines of the Cowichan Valley "Cowichan" is a First Nations word meaning "the warm land." This is the largest and most prominent grape-growing region on Vancouver Island. Beyond the traditional Ortega, Bacchus and Foch varieities, vintners are growing Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Siegerrebe, Gamay Noir and Merlot. The mountains on the west and wamth of the Strait of Georgia to the east creates some of the highest average temperatures in the country, ideal for grape growing. Unique fruit wines are made using local berries.
Wines of the Saanich Peninsula This fertile strip of rolling farmland is located a short drive north of Victoria. Winding roads lead to vineyards and wineries. The mild temperatures see production of fruity, white varieties such as Pinot Gris and Ortega, and light- to medium-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir and Marechal Foch. As well, fruits such as kiwi, apple and blackberry create full-bodied fruit wines and cider.
Gulf Islands WinesA short ferry ride from Vancouver Island leads to the Gulf Islands, where several islands offer small, family-run wineries. Experinces include hilltop views of terraced vines cut into sloping hills, a winery that was converted from a 100-year old sheep farm on Salt Spring Island, and a winery nestled between a sandstone cliff face and the Pacific Ocean on Saturna Island. Wine tasting and enjoymentMost wineries here offer tasting rooms and some offer on-site restaurants. Local wines can also be enjoyed in many area restaurants.
Some vineyards and wineries of note in the Vancouver Island region include: Cherry Point Vineyard The exceptional wines of this superior Cowichan Valley vineyard swept 11 awards at the 2006 All Canadian Wine Festival and 2006 Northwest Wine Summit, including "Best in Category.” -
Choose from three different wine tours, enjoy a tasty bistro meal or relax in the vineyard’s picturesque picnic area. -
Visit the Solera Room to view the fascinating barrel-aging process Cherry Point uses for its renowned “Solera” blackberry port. -
Spectacular traditional native masks hang above the barrels, each one hand-carved by a local Coast Salish artist. Marley Farms Located in Saanichton, this family-run boutique winery is charmingly situated on a traditional working farm and open for tours during the summer months. Marley produces luscious fruit wines, including gooseberry, kiwi and blackberry, and is renowned for its artisanal vinegars. Winchester Cellars This award-winning winery makes small-lot, handcrafted wines from its certified organic vineyard in the Saanich Peninsula as well as from Okanagan Valley grapes. Winchester also produces robust fruit wines. Zanatta Winery and Vinoteca restaurant and wine bar Located in Duncan. This Cowichan Valley winery pairs fresh and delectable country cuisine with its own stellar wines. Blue Grouse Estate Winery Located in Duncan, the heart of the Cowichan Valley, Blue Grouse is one of Vancouver Island’s original estate vineyards. For more information and planning your wine visit to BC:
> See Wine Tips for Touring and Tasting To learn more about BC's exceptional wineries and vineyard businesses, click on the link below:
>Show all Wineries & Vineyards listings
|