 Salt Spring Vineyards, Andrea Johnson photo
Vancouver Island's Wine LandsSouthern 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 also offer dining or have picnic facilities and host special events.
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.
Learn more about the Wineries, Vineyards, Food and West Coast Cuisine of BC
"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.
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.
A short ferry ride from Vancouver Island leads to the Gulf Islands, where several islands offer small, family-run wineries. Experiences 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 FestivalsEach September, the Annual Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival brings together Vancouver Island wines, local artists and musicians along with gastronomic creations. Visitors can enjoy numerous events including tastings, tours, free culinary and cheese-making seminars. October, 2009 marks the 17th Annual Nanaimo Wine Festival, showcasing over 200 wines and dozens of Island wine and food exhibitors. Wine ToursWine tours are a great way to seek the expertise of local wine connoisseurs and hit Vancouver Island’s winery highlights. Learn more about wine tours (self-guided or guided), the “high season” and some helpful touring tips on our Vancouver Island Wine Tours page.
Breweries, Distilleries and CideriesVancouver Island is also gaining a reputation for its breweries, distilleries and cideries. More information is available on the Vancouver Island Breweries, Distilleries and Cideries page.
Some vineyards and wineries of note in the Vancouver Island region include:Cherry Point VineyardChoose from three different wine tours depicting the unique barrel-aging process Cherry Point uses for its renowned “Solera” blackberry port, a bronze medal winner at the 2008 Northwest Wine Summit. Traditional native masks hang above the barrels, each one hand-carved by a local Coast Salish artist. Enjoy the bistro or relax overlooking the vineyard’s picturesque picnic area. Zanatta Winery and Vinoteca restaurant and wine barThe winery pairs fresh and delectable country cuisine with its own stellar wines, showcasing the best of the Cowichan Valley. The Vinoteca is situated in the family’s 1903 farm house, restored to its original turn-of-the-century character. Saturna Island Family Estate WineryIts location between the ocean and sandstone and granite cliffs creates a unique micro climate. The result? Winning gold for their Pinot Noir at the 2008 All Canadian Wine Championships. The tasting room and bistro overlook the ocean and the area provides easy access to whale watching, ocean kayaking and diving. Access to Saturna Island is via BC Ferries. Salt Spring VineyardsPairing local island foods with the winery’s traditionally crafted champenoise-style, white, red & dessert wines has landed Salt Spring Vineyards a bronze medal at the 2008 Northwest Wine Summit for its 2007 blackberry port. A must stop during your visit to Salt Spring Island is the Saturday morning market in the town of Ganges. Access to Salt Spring Island is via BC Ferries. 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:
|