Lavender remains a key facet of the business. On Sundays during the high season, guests enjoy Sunday EATS, lunch specials offered in partnership with local caterers and food trucks. They planted the estate vineyard primarily experimental to try for bolder reds. Owners Lamont Brooks and Pat George has been farming the land with their family in Central Saanich since 1959. OUR WINE Located in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island BC, Emandare Vineyard sits on a unique south sloping hillside in the rain shadow of Mount Prevost overlooking Somenos Lake. (604) 318-0642. There are additional wineries near Nanimo, Comox and on some of the surrounding islands like Hornby and Denman. The winery originally started on Rocky Creek in Ladysmith, British Columbia as the first home based winery in Canada. Cherry Point produces all estate wines, best enjoyed on its sun-soaked outdoor patio. Many of the original materials like the beams, posts and siding were saved and reincorporated into the modern barn design. The Parsell and Miles families arrived on Vancouver Island as early pioneers and farmers in the late nineteenth-century, and by the 1920s were growing loganberries for the peninsula's first wineries. Established in 2002, the owners of Isla de Lerena Vineyard were drawn to Hornby Island by the people and serenity of this remote and magical place. There are no enzymes used at crush, indigenous yeast fermentation is utilized and no animal based fining products. The Divino Estate Winery was constructed using the wood from the trees felled to plant the grapes. Visit Morning Bay Vineyards on North Pender Island, Gabriola Island Winery and Hornby Island on the east coast of Vancouver Island is home to three wineries. Mead is “wine” made from honey and water, often flavoured with herbs, fruits, spices and other botanical elements. Denman Island features one winery, Corlan Farm Vineyard, which you can visit before cruising on a ferry to nearby Hornby Island. The current winery was completed in May 2015, constructed with the shape, colours and textures inspired by the blue grouse. If you’re planning a road trip of the island, stay at one of these beautiful accommodations in Victoria or the Cowichan Valley. If you’re planning a road trip make sure to compare the best local car rental options. “The approach to my winemaking career was quite premeditated. Most of the Denman winery building was constructed of material milled from trees that were cleared. Tour the diverse selection of wineries in the Cowichan region that serve the world from Vancouver Island. Since 1999, Hornby Island Estate Winery founders and owners, John Grayson and Joan Costello, have been producing delicious wines, ports, and sherry made with local British Columbia fruits and berries. Turyk explained, “In August, 2020 the British Columbia government officially announced the creation of the Cowichan Valley sub-region on Vancouver Island. 2020's top wineries & vineyards in Vancouver Island include 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery, Enrico Winery + Church and State Wines -Brentwood Bay. The Roost sits perched over 10 acres of farmland where farmers grow many items used to produce the food the chef’s in the Vineyard Bistro proudly serve. Vancouver Island wineries are concentrated in two main geographical areas – the Saanich Peninsula and the Cowichan Valley. We sow symbiotic crops in the alleyways between the vines; nitrogen fixing legumes for example, as well as tillage radishes. The onsite restaurant highlights wine tastings and food pairings, which can be enjoyed in the dining room or scenic verandah. The slow conversion to a winery began in 2003 with land clearing and prep for the planting soon to follow. In 1989, Vigneti Zanatta was created and licensing was finally issued in August of 1992. The lovely curve of the grouse’s head and neck inspired the roofline. Add these and more to your travel plan Keen to avoid driving so you can sip with glee? Layne Robert Craig and wife Brenda Hetman-Craig purchased 40 Knots Estate Winery in July, 2014. Winemaker and Master distiller, Ken Winchester, lives on site to lovingly watch over the vintage German copper pot still, Brünhilde. If you’re feeling hungry, Glenterra’s Vineyards is one of our favourite Cowichan Valley Wineries offering an onsite restaurant. A Vancouver Island Road Trip of Crisp Wines and Gigantic Trees On southern Vancouver Island, among some of the world's most ancient forests, Jayme Moye … We lined the feature walls with the old white cedar siding that used to be on the exterior. The wineries of Vancouver Island's Cowichan Valley. Guests are invited to enjoy the winery’s beautifully landscaped tasting room patio as well as a pizza patio with a vineyard viewing area. Damali also produces fruit and grape wines, some of which are even flavoured with lavender! The Cowichan winery’s scenic pastoral ambience and bistro double as a venue for weddings and special events year-round. Book the best local tours on Viator. Thistles Cafe offers indoor and outdoor patio dining. Jim took over winemaking from Loretta and quickly became the chief winemaker sometime in the late 90’s. Come discover the Island’s best – we are always happy to answer any questions to assist in choosing the tour that is right for you. Powell explained, “Alderlea is probably the hottest vineyard site on Vancouver Island with a sloping, south-facing vineyard over a lake, in the rain shadow of Mt. Our crush pad converts into a glass walled private tasting lounge during the summer months where we conclude private tours with a lovely sit down tasting.”, Mike described his Vancouver Island Wines as “Bright, fresh, crisp, juicy and clean. Guests can sip fine wine at Beaufort Vineyard’s cozy tasting room or outdoor picnic area, which overlooks the vineyard and Beaufort mountain range. Chardonnay, Trebbiano, Castel, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio form the core of the mix of varietals on the Busnardo Vineyard. The Vancouver Island Cider producer and winery is located just outside of Comox on Vancouver Island. He makes small batch wines that are distinctly Vancouver Island. Prevost. The previous owner, Roger Dosman, had a vision to pioneer grape growing in a new region of British Columbia. 11/20/2020 . The duo purchased the property in 2017 but the vineyard has been growing grapes since 1994. The wine-growing season here is long and characterized by temperate temperatures and low risk of frost. Symphony Vineyards first opened its doors as a Vancouver Island winery in 2012. We have some great smaller venue spaces we rent out such as our balcony and deep-seated lounge. Our children had no desire for dairy farming but wanted to stay on the land and create their own enterprises. Dobbernatinloves had an opportunity to chat with Vancouver Island wine expert Chris Turyk from Unsworth Vineyards. Continue driving north from Cowachin Valley to Comox and you’ll find the scenic oceanside city of Nanimo. Resident winemaker Arnaud Thierry has been tending the vineyards since January, 2019. Explore the best wineries on Vancouver Island with a stop at Deep Cove near downtown Victoria. The majority of Vancouver Island wineries are located in the Cowichan Valley, located between Victoria and Nanimo. Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, Langley. After visiting Chateau Wolff Estates the Riga’s fell in love with the beautiful property and its unique history. We have had sheep ever since we moved here. Enjoy good conversation with friends while enjoying a scenic vineyard view. If you’re visiting Vancouver Island in the summer, we suggest planning your trip around the annual Cowichan Valley Wine Festival. If you’re feeling hungry on your Cowachin Valley wine hopping adventure, Blue Grouse Winery offers cheese, charcuterie and veggie boards year round. Visitors to Cowichan can enjoy unique wine tours, scenic biking and hiking trails, restaurant menus celebrating fresh seasonal flavours, kayaking and swimming in the Pacific Ocean and freshwater lakes in the valley and horseback riding. Corlan Vineyard is the only commercial winery on Denman Island. Vancouver Island Wineries ~ Saanich Peninsula - South Island ~ Cowichan Valley ~ Central - … The Canadian province is home to more than 250 wineries and 150 craft breweries. Our oldest son Philip has a custom wood milling business, which was beneficial as we created most of the unique spaces in our tasting room and outdoors with his beautifully milled cedar and fir.”, Bonnie continued, “Our son in law had the interest in planting berries to start the winery and our youngest son is a commercial bee keeper on the farm. Coming at cider making from a wine makers perspective and from using our own fruits became a delightful challenge because we were producing a different type of cider. Visit Coastal Black Estate Winery and you’ll find old dairy buildings that have been transformed into a tasting room, patio area and event barn. After searching for a place to live out our dream of growing wine and raising our family, we found this place that we now have to privilege to call home.”. Natalie shared, “The vineyard is one of the oldest on Vancouver Island. Rocky Creek Winery produces wines on the dry side. Harry searched over 300 locations ovrer three years to find the perfect micro climate to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.”. On Fridays, guests are invited to Friday Night Flights where three, 3oz glasses of wine are offered for $8 with accompanying food options that rotate weekly. Instead, I chose to work at Estates that I felt were the best at taking the Burgundian philosophy and adapting it to their specific region, make intelligent,” said Rowland. Vancouver Island Wine Trails Comox Valley Wineries. is an award-winning lifestyle site created by Toronto-based writer and photographer Andrew John Virtue Dobson. Plan a road trip of Vancouver Island to experience some of British Columbia’s most scenic wineries and cider houses. Rathjen Cellars first vintage was in 2015 and its first wines were released during Christmas in 2017. A tour through the natural beauty of lush green valleys, dense forested mountains, and … Hungry visitors can enjoy a small self-serve deli full of local snacks. Zanatta Winery is now located on a 27 acre vineyard. On the ferry, you travel across the water. Southern Vancouver Island is the second-largest wine region in British Columbia, after the Okanagan Valley . To the northwest of Saturna Island is Thetis Island, location of Thetis Island Vineyards. Visiting wine lovers should skip over to the De Vine Vineyards tasting room to enjoy popular Vancouver Island Wine varietals Ortega, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris or Siegerrebe. Timeline Photos . Giordano and Marilyn Venturi first established Venturi-Schulze Vineyards on Vancouver Island in 1988. Owner Loretta Zanatta explained, “We participated in a provincial trial of grape varieties called the Duncan Project. The crop was selected for the soil as it is pure peat, perfect for growing blueberries. Unsworth Vineyards offers visitors various tours, from self guided to private tastings. The Cowachin Winery’s tasting room building was once a barn for the original ranch. However, Canada’s westernmost province is also witnessing an explosion of cideries, and some of the best are on Vancouver Island. During the Winter and Fall, guests can enjoy Soup Saturday from 12-3pm, where kitchen staff prepare homemade seasonal soups. On Vancouver Island’s east coast, there are several smaller islands, called the Gulf Islands, worth visiting. It didn’t have a winery itself. In 2008, they expanded their operation, releasing their first vintage estate wine and opening their doors for public wine tastings. 11/11/2020 . They come furnished with a beautiful bedroom, tucked into the woods. The vineyard contains varietals such as Cabernet Libre, Castel, Siegerrebe, and Pinot Noir. Today, there are 32 licensed grape wineries covering a planted region of 432 acres. James Cameron and Suzy Amis Cameron purchased Beaufort Winery in 2014. The 12 wine varietals produced are solely dictated by the land with respect to its soil qualities. We produce fruit wine and mead as well as dry cider and also have a substantial blueberry, sweet corn and pumpkin selling business in the Summer and Fall.”. The Vancouver Island winery gets its name from the fact that it’s located on the Coast and its first and most popular Blackberry wine. Emandare Winery was built entirely by the Nierychlo family. The Wineries on Vancouver Island are spread out from the Saanich Peninsula near Victoria to Comox up north. Organize your own road trip or book one of these popular tours led by local experts. The restaurant is in a 100 year old farm house that we thoughtfully restored into Unsworth Restaurant as a venue to showcase our wines with delicious local food.”. Timeline Photos . The Cowachin Valley winery would be Tim Turyk’s retirement project from the fishing industry. Ehrler shared, “We wanted a small tasting room where we could sit with each customer and get to know them. Take a Vancouver Craft Brewery tour or a Victoria Craft Brewery tour. The warm micro climate has established a long-standing tradition of farming on the island. Although 2007 was the first year that Hornby Island Estate Winery bottled wine and offered tastings, John Grayson is actually an old hat in the British Columbia wine industry. Listings (163) Canada (10) British Columbia (7) Cowichan Bay (1) Wineries For Sale (1) Vancouver Island Winery & Vineyard For Sale. The farmland and orchard became the backdrop for outdoor celebrations and feasts.”, Limousin added, “We are cider drinkers from way back, drinking ciders from around the world. If you travel often be sure to purchase a multi-region adaptor. Bailey guides the estate portfolio that includes Blue Grouse Estate Bacchus, Ortega, Pinot Gris, Siegerrebe, Black Muscat and Pinot Noir. Glenterra Vineyards is located in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, this is a very well established area with the largest concentration of wineries on the coast and has shown substantial growth in recent years. Averill Creek features a Tuscan-style terrace offering panoramic views of the ocean and the Cowichan Valley. 10/31/2020 . Book your wine tasting event. Ask the right person in the Okanogan where all the Merlot came from and the answer should be Busnardo. We also took silver for our blackberry dessert wine.”. Along with a dedicated team of friends and family and 25 acres of overgrown farmland, a vineyard was planted. About Vancouver Island Wine Tours - Tours Offering afternoon or day wine tours in Victoria and Cowichan Valley wine regions. We suggest these comfortable walking shoes for urban adventures or these waterproof hiking boots when embarking on a hike holiday. Bonnie explained, “We were originally a dairy farm that we built on site from scratch on bare land in 1991. Vancouver Island is larger than Belgium or Israel, and it’s blessed with a mild, coastal rainforest climate. Nibble on all-natural products such as charcuterie, smoked salmon, cheeses, fresh-baked baguettes, chutneys, roasted nuts and dried fruits, and the winery’s famous pickled grapes. Discover the history and passion behind every bottle with the best wine tours in Vancouver Island. We have added a few of our favorite "Tap houses" to the list of tasting rooms. Dionisio Zanatta, my father, was very enthusiastic and believed in the Cowichan Valley as an optimal location for certain styles of wine.”. Some of these plantings are lesser known Vancouver Island Wines such as Bacchus, Müller-Thurgau, Pearl Of Csaba, and Black Muscat. Regardless of why you choose to visit Vancouver Island, you pass through the ocean to get here. The tasting room is unique as a cedar tree is the main structural support. Visit Damali Winery and you’ll find a farmstead-style building constructed with rustic wood, built in part with lumber fell from the land. Review Our Travel Checklist When Planning Your Next Adventure! With the help of designer Vasco Pavlov, Johnston embraced the opportunity to work with the inherent landscape, “Guided by gravity and slope, our facility incorporates three buildings structured together, allowing wine to flow down from one stage to the next without the need for pumps. The couple purchased the 21 year old vineyard in 2013. Here on Vancouver Island, we live and breathe the ocean. Visiting cocktail aficionados should also pay a visit to Wayward Distillery (honey-based vodka and gin) and Shelter Point Distillery (vodka and single malt whiskey). Life Style. On Vancouver Island, grape winemaking really began after a provincial government-funded trial – the Duncan Project – identified Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and Ortega as promising varieties for this unique seaside environment. 40 Knots is one of the largest wineries on Vancouver Island, farming biodynamically on 24 stunning acres. Abundant sunny days give vines a unique growing opportunity, allowing the Isla De Lerena winemaker to handcraft small batches of superior wines. Vancouver Island, British Columbia wineries, vineyards and wine tours are based on local geography and wine growing regions. Beaufort was the first winery in the Comox Valley. In 2019 the winery and tasting room first opened to the public. The winemakers of Vancouver Island have discovered the varietals that flourish in the local terroir, earning … Looking to book a tour or VIP experience on holiday? "The Enrico winery is one of the first of the 30-odd Cowichan Valley wineries that you encounter driving north from Victoria, and we really enjoyed a recent visit to their spacious tasting room." Blue Grouse Estate Winery is home to the some of the oldest vines on Vancouver Island. Matt Riga is Chateau Wolff Estates’ resident winemaker. Portions have been cleared and allowed to regrow over the years. Deep Cove Winery website shares, “Husband and wife team, Elyse and Tasem Ramadan saw the promise in the terroir and for their young family when they decided to begin their journey in the winemaking business. creation of the Cowichan Valley sub-region, Emandare Vineyard Guest House in Cowichan, Small Group Wine & Food Tour to the Cowichan Valley, Private Small Group Cowichan Valley Wineries, Butchart Gardens Seaplane and 3-Course Dinner, Canadian Road Trip Planning: Best Places to Visit in Canada, 10 Spots to Stop on a Road Trip of the Pacific Northwest, Best Cowichan Valley Wineries on Vancouver Island, Victoria Wineries: Best Saanich Peninsula Vineyards, Vancouver Breweries: Best Craft Beer in British Columbia, Salmon Run and Houseboat Fun in Shuswap British Columbia, Beamsville Wineries: Visit the Best Vineyards Near Toronto, Muskoka Breweries: Best Craft Beer in Ontario Cottage Country, Barrie Breweries: Craft Beer at Flying Monkeys, Barnstormer and Redline, Edinburgh Breweries: Scotland’s Best Craft Beer, Craft Breweries in Toronto to Romance Me Now, Best Craft Breweries in Kitchener Waterloo, Best Nuts and Bolts Recipe: How To Make Gourmet Holiday Snack Mix, Best Homemade Baileys French Toast Recipe, Gin and Cranberry Juice Cocktail Drink Recipe, Pomegranate Gin Fizz Cocktail Drink Recipe. Visitors to the island should make sure to visit Hornby Island Estate Winery, Isla De Lerena Vineyard and Middle Mountain Mead. $2,500,000. Enrico Winery’s original planting consisted of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Ortega, Cabernet Foch and Cabernet Libre. Rathjen described the history of the property, “The 15-acre property was a honey farm that dates back to the 1950’s. This means that if you book through our site, Dobbernationloves will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. While not technically one of the Hornby Island wineries, Middle Mountain Mead produces an ancient fermented beverage using honey instead of grapes. We suggest celebrating your arrival onto Vancouver Island with a tasting at one of these celebrated vineyards. At wineries around Nanaimo, Parksville and the Alberni Valley you’ll find delicate, crisp white... Cowichan Wineries. Pioneering British Columbian viticulturist John Harper planted an experimental vineyard on the site starting in 1986 with more than 150 different types of grape vines, some of which are still producing to this day. Vancouver Island is home to a dedicated community of family grapegrowers and winemakers. The 1903 farmhouse features a wrap around verandah, where wine lovers can sit and sip their glasses. There are also wineries in Victoria, Saanich, Nanaimo, Sooke, Port Alberni, and the Comox Valley. Visitors can skip into the retail store and wine bar, which is located in the original home of the Zanatta family. The previous owners for 30 years never sprayed, so the property has been at least 62 years an oasis free of chemical pesticides and herbicides.”. The majority of Vancouver Island’s wineries are located in the Cowichan Valley, 45 minutes north of Victoria with many Cideries to explore along the way. In 2012, the family launched Ravens Moon Craft Cider, adding hand-crafted fermented apple products to its already booming wine list. The entire property is approximately 80 acres. Pair a glass of wine or cider with locally sourced meats, cheeses, veggies and chips. It’s no surprise. The Bonilla’s adopt their wine philosophy using best practices from Europe. Ocean Friendly Island Never travel without insurance! Ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in Canada, Hornby Island offers scenic hiking trails, pristine national parks and beautiful beaches. Tours can be organized year round with advance notice. DOBBERNATIONLOVES is an award-winning lifestyle site created by Toronto-based writer and photographer Andrew John Virtue Dobson. The Cowichan Valley winery is unique in that it is the only vineyard on Vancouver Island also growing lavender. If you’re hungry during your Vancouver Island winery tour enjoy a wine-paired with a picnic trug. Timeline Photos . George explains the meaning behind the Vancouver Island wineries name, “Symphony Vineyards came from working the land and our feeling that the creation of wine from farm to glass has the emotion and physicality of the 4 movements of a classical symphony.”, George continued, “Our focus is very much on farming and winemaking. Just north of Victoria along the Saanich Peninsula, mild temperatures, fertile valleys and expert vintners offer quality wines across the spectrum. We didn’t see the longevity of the pulp and paper industry so we decided to start our own winery.”, Linda added, “We took over vineyards that had many varietals because the farmers that planted them at the time didn’t know what would harvest. The family grew over 20 acres of loganberries for Growers Winery, which was established in 1921 as the first commercial winery in British Columbia. Inside the tasting room, a curved ceiling reminds visitors of a grouse’s belly, and the entrance highlights a beautiful shade of blue from the grouse’s tail feathers. Gay Magic.”, Receive Updates When New Stories Are Posted. The location enables us not only to grow and ripen Pinot Noir, a fairly common wine for the Island, but also Merlot, a varietal not ordinarily found in a cool climate such as ours.”. 11/26/2020 . These award winning wines are vegan and gluten free. So what inspired the winery’s name? Vancouver Island is a result of volcanic origin and ancient seabed uplifting followed by glaciation. The farthest north wineries on Vancouver Island are located near the city of Comox. This gravity flow method allows for gentle handling of delicate varietals – helping to retain their elegant characteristics,” said Johnston. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Vancouver Island wineries grass patios are a great spot to sip and savour. Resident winemaker, Brent Rowland, joined Averill Creek Vineyard in August of 2018. The first harvest was celebrated in 2009. We are in an excellent location close to all amenities including world class private schools, outdoor recreation, shopping and only 45 minutes to Victoria. As a young region we still have much to explore and dial in.”. During Spring and Summer, weekends are busy at Blue Grouse Winery. Diners can enjoy a combination of soup, bread and a glass of wine for just $16. Your support helps us to produce comprehensive content. Timeline Photos . With the Pacific Coast less than 6 miles away, Millstone’s maritime influence results in wines with bright acidity, precise fruit and minerality. The Cowichan Valley has the largest collection of wineries. Glenterra Vineyards, a popular Cowichan Winery, maintains 5 acres of sustainably dry farmed vineyards. It is close to 5 feet under ground, which keeps the temperature in the building very consistent. Vancouver Island Wineries - 40 Knots Vineyard, Biodynamic farming resulting in clean natural wines with juicy acidity. The first winery on Vancouver Island was Zanatta Winery, which opened in 1992. Looking to sip and slurp the best Vancouver Island Wines? Six acres are planted on the estate farm, producing plump Vancouver Island Wines like Ortega, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and fruit trees. The A-Symmetrical roof line facilitates convection in the ceiling which sucks out hot air and pulls in cool air. They also produce a seasonal Wild Blackberry Wine and Craft Apple Cider. Growing up in France, Thierry was all but born into winemaking having spent much of his youth amidst the vines of Bordeaux. No chemical herbicides, systemic fungicides or pesticides are used, only natural fertilizers with organic ingredients and composted pomace for the vineyard. Blue Moon Winery and Cider Worx is a family affair run by George Ehrler and Marla Limousin alongside their sons Quinn and Matt. Andrew John Virtue Dobson is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Dobbernationloves. “We have a beautiful main event space, The Amphora Room, a versatile room with an intimate, yet expansive feel, vaulted ceilings and a flexible floor plan of 1800 sq ft. Open the double doors to the Vineyard terrace where the ocean breezes flows through the vineyard that surrounds you. Peckish guests can enjoy Italian nibbles at the Zanatta Winery Lounge. The family’s passion and focus is primarily on agriculture and cultivating the land using the experience and expertise they acquired in the Okanagan. Selwyn and Patricia Jones moved to Denman Island in 2006, clearing the land on their property so they could plant their first vines in 2008. Right now we can boast having 25+ year old wines that are just awesome that not just anyone gets to have and soft light island wines that dance on your tongue!”. You’ll also find a large patio area, best enjoyed on beautiful summer days. “We take a hands on approach in the vineyard to grow the best quality grapes possible and a hands off approach in the wine making to let the terroir speak for itself,” said Matt Riga. Timeline Photos . Purpose built and simply designed with some room to expand if necessary. Popular Comox wineries include 40 Knots Winery, Beaufort Vineyard, Coastal Black Estate Winery and Blue Moon Winery & Cider Worx. Located in a post and beam building, Millstone Estate Winery featuring a wine boutique on the main floor adjacent to a bustling production facility. Timeline Photos . If you’re visiting Victoria on holiday and pressed for time, head to the nearby Saanich Peninsula for a wine tasting day trip. Our logo was laser burnt into old fir gate panels that previously hung just outside the building. Owners Helen Grond and Steve McGrath tend beef hives, lush lavender fields, gorgeous herb gardens and offer an intimate mead tasting room. Mike explained, “We built the winery in 2014 and launched our first wines in 2015. Wine was first made on Vancouver Island in the 1920s from berries other … Launched in 2006 as a culinary tourism diary, Andrew’s informative and entertaining food and travel stories documented his three-year trip around the globe. Situated in the heart of North Saanich’s pastoral landscape, Roost Farm Winery near the Victoria Airport focucses on local food, wine, and sustainability. The Zanatta family began experimentation of vinifera varieties in 1981. Katie Phelan, Communications Manager explained, “Crop diversity underpins much of what we refer to as sustainable agriculture; in addition to grapes, we grow hazelnuts, haskap berries, sour cherries and garlic.”, Phelan added, “We champion a plant-based approach to farming and utilize amendments like green compost and biochar in the vineyard. This makes the soils of the island extremely diverse even across a small geographical area. Busnardo described the process of opening one of the first wineries on the island, “The drama of starting an industry in British Columbia that has just gone crazy and fighting the government at all levels makes for a good story. Mike Rathjen and Colin Mann are the owners of Rathjen Cellars, one of the Wineries on Vancouver Island located in the Saanich Peninsula. In 1999, the Deol family made the decision to move their wine operation from the Okanagan to Vancouver Island. 11/02/2020 . The Cowichan Valley was historically a diary farming community and has been since the late 1800s. Vancouver Island Wineries and Distillers. Marilyn explained, “Our homestead was one of the first in the area, having been built in 1893. Tim described the winery’s construction, “We wanted functionality for the winery. Our favourite Isla De Lerena Vineyard wines worth sipping on a visit to Hornby Island include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. The first winery on Vancouver Island was Zanatta Winery, which opened in 1992. The coupled opened the winery in the Fall of 2015. We suggest the pocket-sized Canon Powershot G7 or professional SLR we shoot with Canon EOS 6D. Brent’s focus is on producing quality Pinot Noir, having worked 20 international harvests at many leading Pinot Noir producers. , hot, dry summers Wednesdays are always a hit where we could sit with each customer and get know... The beautiful property and its tasting room is a must-see for visitors as it has highest... 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The pocket-sized Canon Powershot G7 or professional SLR we shoot with Canon EOS 6D on 24 stunning.... The orchard they also grow blackberries, raspberries, rhubarb and Black currants for the winery ’ s,... Having worked 20 international harvests at many leading Pinot Noir beautiful bedroom, tucked the. Also find a gorgeous glamping site, Dobbernationloves will earn a small and dedicated team to manage Vancouver. Wines were released in Spring 2011 the ferry, you get to know.... Are helping Vancouver Island, known to receive up to 2000 hours sunshine! Small tasting room building was once a mixed use farm and cattle ranch Valley was historically a diary farming and! In pulp and paper he saw the Island Raspberry wine established a long-standing tradition of farming on the vineyard,... And Editor-in-Chief at Dobbernationloves Mead produces an ancient fermented beverage using honey instead of grapes explained “! 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