Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are known as the “Wine Islands”. Combined, they have more than twenty wineries, as well as mead (honey wine) and cider producers.Learn more about Wine Tours on Vancouver Island: Wineries to Visit Each winery has its own distinctive ambience, surroundings, and of course, wines. Discovering what makes each winery unique is part of the fun of a wine tour. Some of the highlight wineries in this region, include:
Cherry Point Vineyards is one of two Aboriginal-owned and operated wineries in British Columbia. Learn about winemaking, explore the vineyard and taste award-winning blackberry dessert wine paired with Vancouver Island artisan chocolates on a seasonal “Wine and Chocolate” tour.
Tucked between the ocean and a tall cliff face, Saturna Island Family Estate Winery is the largest of the Gulf Island wineries. In summer, wine and dine on the bistro patio and watch for peregrine falcons soaring above. Church & State Wines , located on the scenic Saanich Peninsula, has vineyards on Vancouver Island and in the Okanagan Valley and produces award-winning wines. This is Vancouver Island’s largest winery, and is conveniently located en route to popular Butchart Gardens .
Visit Wineries & Vineyards to learn more about wineries in this region.
Where are the Wineries Located? The majority of wineries are clustered in the southeast corner of the island along the Saanich Peninsula or the Cowichan Valley . Most are within easy driving distance from Victoria or the BC Ferries terminals near Sidney or Nanaimo , and are accessible from Highway 17 or Highway 1 (between Victoria and Duncan ).
Two route options connect the Saanich Peninsula to the Cowichan Valley: a drive over the Malahat Pass on Highway 1 or a trip on the Brentwood Bay/Mill Bay “shortcut” ferry. Both routes offer scenic views.
Wineries are also scattered across some of the larger Gulf Islands , such as Salt Spring, Saturna, and Pender. Ferries connect the islands to each other and to Vancouver Island, so it’s possible to blend both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands into one wine tour.
Self-guided Wine Tours Spend one or more days driving to wineries on Vancouver Island. Ask local Visitor Centres for winery information and maps, and follow the burgundy and white wine route road signs.
The Gulf Islands have fewer wineries than Vancouver Island, so consider combining winery visits with other favourites: browsing art studios, cycling along the rolling landscape or tasting locally-grown produce and handmade foods. Spend up to a week island-hopping or focus on one or two islands for a shorter trip.
Guided Wine Tours Have someone else do the driving with a guided tour on Vancouver Island. Most winery tour operators offer half or full day trips, visit between three and five wineries and a cidery (depending on tour), and leave from Victoria ; alternate pick-up points are sometimes available or can be arranged.
Or, exercise your legs and your taste buds on a guided full day cycling tour of Cowichan Valley – a great way to enjoy the scenery, fresh Pacific air, and some Vancouver Island vintages.
Guided wine tours of the Gulf Islands are limited; some kayak or boat cruise operators can offer a winery visit as part of a guided tour or private charter. See all wine tours listings
When to Visit Most wineries are open May to September for tours and tastings, though some are open year-round. To make the most of a wine tour, visit on a weekend; most wineries welcome visitors Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. During the week or in the “off” season, call the wineries and see if they offer tastings and tours to suit your visit.
Practical Points Visit Wine Touring and Tasting Tips for helpful information about booking tours, group travel, wine tasting, legal drinking age and more.
Wine Islands has a comprehensive list of wineries, as well as maps and helpful information about visiting the region.
For Gulf Island travel, check the BC Ferries sailing times and be aware of seasonal variations.