After visiting Chateau Wolff Estates the Riga’s fell in love with the beautiful property and its unique history. In 2019 the winery and tasting room first opened to the public. The exception proves the rule though: I love Petite Milo for its unapologetic, bold stance,” said Timmermans. We craft wines distinctly shaped by ocean breeze and sun-soaked climate. The Cowichan Valley winery is unique in that it is the only vineyard on Vancouver Island also growing lavender. The Cowachin Valley winery would be Tim Turyk’s retirement project from the fishing industry. Glenterra Vineyard’s farming practices include extensive canopy management to create airflow through our vineyard, which greatly reduces mildew and botrytis pressure, mechanical weed control under the vine rows to create a mulch which suppresses the weeds and creates organic matter and moisture as it breaks down. So yes, these Vancouver Island wines are vegan friendly! The Venturi family share a passion for Pinot Noir, dry bottle-fermented sparkling, racy whites, and a unique process to create naturally sweet wine, the Brandenburg No.3. Roost Farm is one of the best Wineries on Vancouver Island for families. About Vancouver Island Wine Tours - Tours Offering afternoon or day wine tours in Victoria and Cowichan Valley wine regions. We lined the feature walls with the old white cedar siding that used to be on the exterior. The struggle between the two, and delicate balance that is found.”. Nestled between Horth Hill Regional Park and Deep Cove, the clay soil land is not only protected from wind and moderated by the Pacific overlooks, it offers the warmest spot in the region, advantageous for the ripening of the 3 acres of grapes that were originally planted almost 20 years ago.”. To the northwest of Saturna Island is Thetis Island, location of Thetis Island Vineyards. At wineries around Nanaimo, Parksville and the Alberni Valley you’ll find delicate, crisp white... Cowichan Wineries. The 54 acre property was originally purchased in 1999, when the land was used as a livestock farm. What was originally a 32 acre dairy farm located in North Cowichan has been transformed into a 20 acre vineyard. 40 Knots is one of the largest wineries on Vancouver Island, farming biodynamically on 24 stunning acres. Jim took over winemaking from Loretta and quickly became the chief winemaker sometime in the late 90’s. Along with a dedicated team of friends and family and 25 acres of overgrown farmland, a vineyard was planted. The current owner of the Enrico Winery is Jim Smith. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic, or grab one of their charcuterie boxes. Rocky Creek Winery produces wines on the dry side. If you’re planning a road trip of the island, stay at one of these beautiful accommodations in Victoria or the Cowichan Valley. 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. 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.”. Inglis added, “Many medals from Canada and United States adorn our shelves, including the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in British Columbia Wines. Posts, drainage, irrigation and field layout for the first 11 acres started early 2004. The Rathjen Winery and tasting room are housed in one third of the original honey warehouse. Our bar was created by using the previous owners solid fir work bench. The first vines were planted in 2007 by the original owners. James Cameron and Suzy Amis Cameron purchased Beaufort Winery in 2014. The family grew over 20 acres of loganberries for Growers Winery, which was established in 1921 as the first commercial winery in British Columbia. Book the best local tours on Viator. We suggest celebrating your arrival onto Vancouver Island with a tasting at one of these celebrated vineyards. The Zanatta family began experimentation of vinifera varieties in 1981. The Camerons enlisted the help of a small and dedicated team to manage the Vancouver Island winery and farm land. Plan a road trip of Vancouver Island to experience some of British Columbia’s most scenic wineries and cider houses. This means that if you book through our site, Dobbernationloves will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The entire property is approximately 80 acres. On Vancouver Island, grape winemaking really began to boom after a provincial government-funded trial – The Duncan Project – identified Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and Ortega as promising varieties for this unique seaside environment. The Comox Valley has a deep farming history – Beaufort was once a mixed use farm and cattle ranch. Bailey Williamson has been the resident winemaker at Blue Grouse Winery since 2012. You could call our wines natural, but we much prefer to say that we just steward the wine and happen to do it naturally.”. $2,500,000. Zac Brown is Alderlea Vineyard’s resident winemaker and has a penchant for making crisp, aromatic whites and cool-climate reds. Isla de Lerena Vineyard is another one of our favourite Hornby Island Wineries. Vancouver Island is a result of volcanic origin and ancient seabed uplifting followed by glaciation. In 2014, they sold their restaurant in Ontario and moved with their newborn daughter to revive the vineyard. It is close to 5 feet under ground, which keeps the temperature in the building very consistent. Popular Glenterra wines include Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and several beautiful blends featuring Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muller Thurgau, Ortega and Bacchus. 7 E 7th Ave. Mount Pleasant. Thistles Cafe offers indoor and outdoor patio dining. The winery is currently owned by Jim Moody and Loretta Zanatta. Damali also produces fruit and grape wines, some of which are even flavoured with lavender! We have added a few of our favorite "Tap houses" to the list of tasting rooms. The tasting room is unique as a cedar tree is the main structural support. Located a short 5 minute drive from Departure Bay Ferry, Millstone is a fun and tasty tourist stop for those sailing to and from the mainland. Listings (163) Canada (10) British Columbia (7) Cowichan Bay (1) Wineries For Sale (1) Vancouver Island Winery & Vineyard For Sale. The first winery on Vancouver Island was Zanatta Winery, which opened in 1992. The first vines were planted in 2001. Cherry Point produces all estate wines, best enjoyed on its sun-soaked outdoor patio. No chemical herbicides, systemic fungicides or pesticides are used, only natural fertilizers with organic ingredients and composted pomace for the vineyard. We suggest these comfortable walking shoes for urban adventures or these waterproof hiking boots when embarking on a hike holiday. Dionisio Zanatta, my father, was very enthusiastic and believed in the Cowichan Valley as an optimal location for certain styles of wine.”. Vancouver Island Wine Tours. The coupled opened the winery in the Fall of 2015. You’ll also find a large patio area, best enjoyed on beautiful summer days. With plenty of Craft Brewery's to choose from in both Vancouver & Victoria, few tours are the same. Vancouver Island's climate is ideal for producing quality grapes. So what inspired the winery’s name? If you travel often be sure to purchase a multi-region adaptor. We also are in love with apples and all the history of the heritage apples in our valley added the ability to work with so many different flavour profiles.”. Vancouver Island & Victoria Brewery Map. Vancouver Island Wine Tours operates tours beginning early in the spring up until the end of harvest time in the fall. Nestled with a view of the glacier and adjacent to the Salish Sea, enjoy our Cellar Tasting Lounge, Balcony, Vineyard Terrace, and stroll in our vineyard. Resident winemaker, Brent Rowland, joined Averill Creek Vineyard in August of 2018. Vancouver Island Wine Trails Comox Valley Wineries. 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. Colin’s family picked up the property in 2011 and did a beautiful job fixing it up and restoring the fields to gently sloping pasture. Your support helps us to produce comprehensive content. Unsworth is Tim’s mom’s maiden name. It was a local institution and I have customers coming in all the time regaling me with stories of the Babe’s Honey era. The winery building is a former home, which was redesigned a few years ago to increase the spacing in the tasting room. 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. Treat the kids to breakfast or brunch before sipping a few wines at the onsite tasting room. 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. Zanatta Winery is now located on a 27 acre vineyard. The valley’s name comes from the Salish word Khowutzun which means ‘warm land’, thanks to its temperate year-round climate. The ocean inspires our everyday. "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." The A-Symmetrical roof line facilitates convection in the ceiling which sucks out hot air and pulls in cool air. The Cowichan Valley has the largest collection of wineries. The current winery was completed in May 2015, constructed with the shape, colours and textures inspired by the blue grouse. Averill Creek features a Tuscan-style terrace offering panoramic views of the ocean and the Cowichan Valley. Guests can sip fine wine at Beaufort Vineyard’s cozy tasting room or outdoor picnic area, which overlooks the vineyard and Beaufort mountain range. The 1903 farmhouse features a wrap around verandah, where wine lovers can sit and sip their glasses. The warm micro climate has established a long-standing tradition of farming on the island. 2020's top wineries & vineyards in Vancouver Island include 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery, Enrico Winery + Church and State Wines -Brentwood Bay. Many of the original materials like the beams, posts and siding were saved and reincorporated into the modern barn design. Today the winery tends to over 23 acres acres of vineyards. If you’re visiting Vancouver Island in the summer, we suggest planning your trip around the annual Cowichan Valley Wine Festival. We also took silver for our blackberry dessert wine.”. Over the years the Vancouver Island winery has evolved to offer a range of activities including a vineyard, tasting room, gift shop, labyrinth and orchards. Just north of Victoria along the Saanich Peninsula, mild temperatures, fertile valleys and expert vintners offer quality wines across the spectrum. Book your wine tasting event. Here on Vancouver Island, we live and breathe the ocean. The Cowichan Valley winery was first founded in 1990 and its tasting room opened in 1993. The 34 acre property is currently owned and managed by Xavier and Maria Bonilla. 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. Emandare Vineyard is owned and operated by Mike and Robin Nierychlo. 1854 Myhrest Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N1, Canada. Andrew John Virtue Dobson is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Dobbernationloves. 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. There are also wineries in Victoria, Saanich, Nanaimo, Sooke, Port Alberni, and the Comox Valley. In 2007, John and Catherine Windsor grew De Vine Vineyards & Spirits from a strong love of wine, community, and Vancouver Island. Today, the vineyards original barn is its warehouse. We sow symbiotic crops in the alleyways between the vines; nitrogen fixing legumes for example, as well as tillage radishes. Visitors to the island should make sure to visit Hornby Island Estate Winery, Isla De Lerena Vineyard and Middle Mountain Mead. The farm that the cidery is now located was originally a well established blueberry farm in Courtenay going back to the early 80’s. Continue driving north from Cowachin Valley to Comox and you’ll find the scenic oceanside city of Nanimo. is an award-winning lifestyle site created by Toronto-based writer and photographer Andrew John Virtue Dobson. Denman Island features one winery, Corlan Farm Vineyard, which you can visit before cruising on a ferry to nearby Hornby Island. Since their 2010 vintage, Glenterra’s winemaking has emphasized a minimalist and natural approach. 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 … While working on the island in pulp and paper he saw the island was a growing wine region. As a young region we still have much to explore and dial in.”. There are plenty of great ways to explore the wineries on Vancouver Island. If you’re hungry during your Vancouver Island winery tour enjoy a wine-paired with a picnic trug. 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. The Cowichan Valley was historically a diary farming community and has been since the late 1800s. 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. Symphony Vineyards first opened its doors as a Vancouver Island winery in 2012. Vancouver Island, British Columbia wineries, vineyards and wine tours are based on local geography and wine growing regions. Located in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula, Church & State Wines is one of the largest winery buildings on the island. It’s no surprise. Winemaking on Vancouver Island began in the early 1920’s with wines produced from loganberries by the Growers’ Wine Company. The lovely curve of the grouse’s head and neck inspired the roofline. Alderlea Winery and Vineyards ~ Duncan . Blue Moon Winery first opened in June, 2009 as a fruit winery. 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. 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. He also owned the original Auchinachie Road Farm for more than 10 years. Coastal Black Winery is owned by Terry and Bonnie Ludwig and first opened its doors near Comox in 2009. The Damali vineyard was originally planted in 2006. 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. Enrico winery is the only recipient of this award on Vancouver Island.”. The blueberries, sheep, and a unique vineyard, all add to the authentic experience enjoyed on this truly unique winery on Vancouver Island. Mead is “wine” made from honey and water, often flavoured with herbs, fruits, spices and other botanical elements. On Sundays during the high season, guests enjoy Sunday EATS, lunch specials offered in partnership with local caterers and food trucks. He has a strong affinity for traditional method sparkling Vancouver Island wines. Glenterra Vineyards is proud to have been farming Cowichan Valley Winery property in this eco-friendly manner for over 20 years. We encourage pollinators and almost all vineyard tasks are completed by hand — pruning, de-leafing, tucking, thinning, harvesting.”. 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. 10/31/2020 . In September 2019, Beaufort Vineyard became the first certified organic winery on Vancouver Island. 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