Wineries & Vineyards
- worth a visit
Monday, September 29 2008
There are more than 20 wineries and vineyards located in the Vancouver Island region, the majority of which are concentrated in three areas: the Cowichan Valley and Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, as well as the southern Gulf Islands.
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.
The Cowichan Valley is the largest and most prominent grape-growing region on Vancouver Island. Beyond the traditional Ortega, Bacchus and Foch varieties, vintners are growing Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Siegerrebe, Gamay Noir and Merlot. The mountains on the west and warmest and 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.
The Saanich Peninsula is a fertile strip of rolling farmland 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.
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