Rathjen added, “We’ve maintained the warehouse-industrial feel, but exposed the vaulted barn rafters, added several windows and a huge glass door to brighten up the space and built a 20 ft bar made of reclaimed timber and wrapped in white honeycomb tile.”, Rathjen is the Vancouver Island winery’s resident winemaker, “My favourite wines are ones that taste of a place and pair well with food. The 30 acre vineyard was first planted in 2001, with its first vintage available in 2004. Denman Island features one winery, Corlan Farm Vineyard, which you can visit before cruising on a ferry to nearby Hornby Island. 40 Knots Vineyard farms biodynamic and makes its wine using traditional methods. Today, the majority of Wineries on Vancouver Island are located in the Cowichan Valley and Saanich Peninsula. The winery originally started on Rocky Creek in Ladysmith, British Columbia as the first home based winery in Canada. The Zanatta family began experimentation of vinifera varieties in 1981. If you’re visiting Vancouver Island in the summer, we suggest planning your trip around the annual Cowichan Valley Wine Festival. Vancouver Island Wineries - 40 Knots Vineyard, Biodynamic farming resulting in clean natural wines with juicy acidity. Once the original owners passed away, the property changed hands and it fell into disrepair. There are additional wineries near Nanimo, Comox and on some of the surrounding islands like Hornby and Denman. With plenty of Craft Brewery's to choose from in both Vancouver & Victoria, few tours are the same. Luxury Travel. The wee tasting room was designed by Victoria-based architect JC Scott and features locally salvaged maple and arbutus counters and windowsills created by local artisan Joe Gelinas. The 1903 farmhouse features a wrap around verandah, where wine lovers can sit and sip their glasses. 7 E 7th Ave. Mount Pleasant. The family grew over 20 acres of loganberries for Growers Winery, which was established in 1921 as the first commercial winery in British Columbia. 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.”. After converting the original barn into a winery, their first wines were released in Spring 2011. Andy Johnston is the founder of Averill Creek Vineyard in Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com | HotelsCombined | Agoda. “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. 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. The farm that the cidery is now located was originally a well established blueberry farm in Courtenay going back to the early 80’s. Today, Hornby Island Estate Winery’s orchard is 20 years old, producing juicy heritage English and French cider apples. We also have one unique vineyard that has Spanish varietals such as Tempranillo and Albarino.”. Resident winemaker, Brent Rowland, joined Averill Creek Vineyard in August of 2018. The winery’s name pays homage to the original name of the town of nearby Duncan. The warm micro climate has established a long-standing tradition of farming on the island. Tim said, “Unsworth strives to make unmistakable high quality, cool climate coastal wines from Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and a small handful of other varieties that are grown and produced with upmost quality in mind. With the Pacific Coast less than 6 miles away, Millstone’s maritime influence results in wines with bright acidity, precise fruit and minerality. Averill Creek features a Tuscan-style terrace offering panoramic views of the ocean and the Cowichan Valley. The Rathjen Winery and tasting room are housed in one third of the original honey warehouse. Beyond wine, Venturi-Schulze Vineyards also produces balsamic vinegar using an ancient method from Modena, Italy. Our guide to the Wineries on Vancouver Island features detailed descriptions for the best vineyards in Cowachin Valley, Saanich Peninsula, Nanimo, Comox and Hornby & Denman Islands. 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. 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. Dionisio planted 5 acres in 1985 before the wine regulations had formally been rewritten to allow boutique wineries. The Vineyard Bistro offers several Vancouver Island Wines by the glass, including Roost Farm’s Siegerrebe, Merlot & Syrah and Marechal Foch. The wine-growing season here is long and characterized by temperate temperatures and low risk of frost. Today, the majority of Wineries on Vancouver Island are located in the Cowichan Valley and Saanich Peninsula. Natalie shared, “The vineyard is one of the oldest on Vancouver Island. So what inspired the winery’s name? The onsite restaurant highlights wine tastings and food pairings, which can be enjoyed in the dining room or scenic verandah. The Divino Estate Winery was constructed using the wood from the trees felled to plant the grapes. Alderlea Winery and Vineyards ~ Duncan . In 2014, they sold their restaurant in Ontario and moved with their newborn daughter to revive the vineyard. Giordano and Marilyn Venturi first established Venturi-Schulze Vineyards on Vancouver Island in 1988. Corlan Vineyard is the only commercial winery on Denman Island. Roost Farm is one of the best Wineries on Vancouver Island for families. On the ferry, you travel across the water. The estate vineyard has been committed to sustainable growing practices since 2017 and will continue to ensure that its stellar Vancouver Island wines are a true reflection of the beauty that British Columbia has to offer. Families can book fun Vineyard & Farm Tours, an opportunity to meet the resident sheep and chickens. This means that if you book through our site, Dobbernationloves will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It was a local institution and I have customers coming in all the time regaling me with stories of the Babe’s Honey era. Vancouver Island Wine Trails Comox Valley Wineries. 11/02/2020 . Mike commented, “We stripped it right back to the slab and re-built it to look like it had always been there. The exception proves the rule though: I love Petite Milo for its unapologetic, bold stance,” said Timmermans. Harry searched over 300 locations ovrer three years to find the perfect micro climate to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.”. Lavender remains a key facet of the business. Vancouver Island is a result of volcanic origin and ancient seabed uplifting followed by glaciation. However, Canada’s westernmost province is also witnessing an explosion of cideries, and some of the best are on Vancouver Island. 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. Guests are encouraged to bring your own picnic which you can enjoy in our licensed picnic area. Averill Creek Vineyard. I like wines that are versatile and highly drinkable. The Cherry Point vineyard in Cobble Hill became a licensed winery in 1994. He also owned the original Auchinachie Road Farm for more than 10 years. Rathjen Cellars first vintage was in 2015 and its first wines were released during Christmas in 2017. They also produce a seasonal Wild Blackberry Wine and Craft Apple Cider. Zanatta Winery is now located on a 27 acre vineyard. Prevost. The first harvest was celebrated in 2009. They planted the estate vineyard primarily experimental to try for bolder reds. There are additional wineries near Nanimo, Comox and on some of the surrounding islands like Hornby and Denman. If you’re feeling hungry, Glenterra’s Vineyards is one of our favourite Cowichan Valley Wineries offering an onsite restaurant. Ask the right person in the Okanogan where all the Merlot came from and the answer should be Busnardo. On a plane, you get to witness the awe-inspiring view of the Pacific from above. Averill Creek’s 150-ton capacity winery is built into the side of Mount Prevost. Vancouver Island, British Columbia wineries, vineyards and wine tours are based on local geography and wine growing regions. 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. This is the first time a wine region outside of the Okanagan has been given such a distinction.”, He continued, “Some of the most planted grape varieties are Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir but there are hosts of others that have become local favourites including Ortega, Marachel Foch, Sauvignette and Petite Milo.”. 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.”. 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. Enrico Winery’s original planting consisted of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Ortega, Cabernet Foch and Cabernet Libre. 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. Gay Magic.”, Receive Updates When New Stories Are Posted. The up-and-coming wine region features two vineyards located a short drive outside of downtown Nanimo: Chateau Wolff Estate and Millstone Estate Winery. Timeline Photos . These cluster of wineries near Victoria are conveniently located near the airport and ferry terminal to Vancouver. Wineries in the Cowichan Valley are generally shielded from Pacific Ocean storms by nearby mountains and have a long growing season with low frost risk. 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. The Cowichan Valley has the largest collection of wineries. Located in a post and beam building, Millstone Estate Winery featuring a wine boutique on the main floor adjacent to a bustling production facility. Andrew John Virtue Dobson is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Dobbernationloves. Bailey Williamson has been the resident winemaker at Blue Grouse Winery since 2012. Since their 2010 vintage, Glenterra’s winemaking has emphasized a minimalist and natural approach. (604) 318-0642. Rocky Creek Winery produces wines on the dry side. Visitors can sample vodka created from strawberries, gin crafted from wine grapes, rum distilled from honey, and whisky from island-grown malted barley. We have some great smaller venue spaces we rent out such as our balcony and deep-seated lounge. Over 30 years ago Grayson was one of the first farmers to grow wine grapes in the Cowichan Valley while running the Aesthetic Research Centre of Canada in Duncan. The 54 acre property was originally purchased in 1999, when the land was used as a livestock farm. Church & State Wines is a Vancouver Island Winery that first opened its doors 15 years ago. Whether you’re marching through a city or exploring a rugged rural landscape, it’s important to ensure you’re traveling with comfortable footwear. Wine was first made on Vancouver Island in the 1920s from berries other … Geology nerds will find silt-loams, clay loams, gravel, and other complex soil types. 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. Continue driving north from Cowachin Valley to Comox and you’ll find the scenic oceanside city of Nanimo. This makes the soils of the island extremely diverse even across a small geographical area. Timeline Photos . Today, the majority of Wineries on Vancouver Island are located in the Cowichan Valley and Saanich Peninsula. Blue Moon Winery and Cider Worx is a family affair run by George Ehrler and Marla Limousin alongside their sons Quinn and Matt. 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. While many tourists visit the region on a day trip, we encourage wine lovers to book an overnight stay so you’re not rushing through the wineries and cider houses of Cowichan Valley. Explore our Golf and Wine packages for the ultimate pairing of golf and wine touring. 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. You could call our wines natural, but we much prefer to say that we just steward the wine and happen to do it naturally.”. Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings, Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove Rainforest, and Coombs Adventure with Hiking, Private Wine Tasting in Beautiful Cowichan Valley, 4-Day Vancouver Island Explorer Tour from Vancouver, 14-day Rocky Mountains Whistler Vancouver Island Pacific Tour from Vancouver, The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria, Cowichan Valley Wine Tasting: Explore Vancouver Island's New Wine Appelation, Nothin' To Wine about Winery Adventure in Cowichan Valley, Private Small Group Local Wine and Cider Tasting, Millions of travel reviews on TripAdvisor, Live like a local, find unique places to stay, 60 days in Canada, United States, South Pacific & Asia, Wineries and vineyards in Vancouver Island, The Best Scuba & Snorkelling in Vancouver Island, The Best History Museums in Vancouver Island, The Best Bars & Clubs in Vancouver Island, The Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Vancouver Island. Guests visiting between May and September have an opportunity to “create your own picnic basket” at the winery. These award winning wines are vegan and gluten free. 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. Vancouver Island's climate is ideal for producing quality grapes. Dionisio Zanatta, my father, was very enthusiastic and believed in the Cowichan Valley as an optimal location for certain styles of wine.”. Vancouver Island & Victoria Brewery Map. Look beyond the vinis vinifera vines and you’ll find a gorgeous glamping site, Hornby Islands most unique accommodation. Unsworth Vineyards offers visitors various tours, from self guided to private tastings. 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.”. The wineries are mostly along the eastern side of the Island with the exception of two in Port Alberni. What was originally a 32 acre dairy farm located in North Cowichan has been transformed into a 20 acre vineyard. Hornby is part of the Gulf Islands wine region, known for long, hot, dry summers. Roost Farm Winery offers a popular bakery and cafe featuring fresh breakfast plates, homemade sandwiches, soups, pies and poutine. In 2019 the winery and tasting room first opened to the public. The kitchen crafts a curated menu showcasing fresh local ingredients. De Vine Vineyards is unique on Vancouver Island for offering both fine wines and locally distilled craft spirits. The duo purchased the property in 2017 but the vineyard has been growing grapes since 1994. The Vancovuer Island winery has a picnic licence and offers locally produced snacks to purchase such as an artisan meat packs, candied local salmon and local cheeses. 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