Vancouver, BC | Posted: May 30th, 2017
By Sarah Lafontaine
Searching for the best wines around the world can be tough work, but it’s a feat most wine lovers are willing to take on. If you live in or have traveled to Canada, you’ve likely heard of the Okanagan Valley, where wineries are plentiful and plenty delicious! Rightfully, the region has earned the title as the “Napa Valley of Canada”.
This summer, however, why not venture over and try some Vancouver Island wineries? A short flight, or leisurely, photo-friendly ferry boat ride away from beautiful Vancouver, BC., Vancouver Island is a jewel in the West. “The Island” is home to 37 amazing licensed wineries, cideries, and if you’re looking for something special, even a meadery.
We’ve hand-picked 5 of the best and beautiful stops for wine lovers looking to discover a whole new wine region. Enjoy!
One of the first licensed Vancouver Island wineries, Cherry Point produces award-winning wines and offers guests a feast of delicious food from their bistro. The vineyard boasts ten main grape varieties and eight limited varieties are planted including Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Zweigelt, Epicure and Cabernet Libre, Pinot Noir, Agria, Ortega, Seigerrebe and Castel.
Suggested Tasting: Local mussels steamed in white wine and fresh herbs paired with María Bonita. Follow with the Explosion of Berries dessert (mixed berries marinated in their famous Blackberry Dessert Wine with a topping of whipped cream). Yum!
The official first winery of Vancouver Island, Zanatta is owned and operated by the Zanatta family. Since the 1950s, the Zanatta family has been working the farmland, and in 1986 started the winery with just 5 acres of vines. Zanatta is known for creating some of the most iconic flavors of the Cowichan Valley region. They were the first winery on the island to specialize in champagne-style wines and offers wines for every palate. Their restaurant Vinoteco is set in the original farmhouse, built in 1903, and offers delicious local cuisine.
Suggested Tasting: Sunday brunch with their famous Brut Tradizionale sparkling wine. DiVINE!
Located on the Saanich Peninsula, close to Victoria, Sea Cider is set on 10 acres with stunning views amongst organic orchards. Since 2007, Sea Cider has been creating organic, traditionally fermented ciders and have won numerous awards. Tastings here are fantastic as you get the chance to taste their award-winning ciders! Feel free to bring kids to explore the property, as the farm is family friendly!
Suggested Tasting: Medium Flight (taste 5 ciders) and the Artisan Lunch Plate. *We highly recommend the Kings & Spies for those who like a dry cider.
Damali is well known on the Vancouver Island wineries circuit for their beautiful lavender farms and natural lavender oils, sprays, soaps and more. In 2011, Damali released their first wines and now have an offering of grape and fruit wines made with fruit grown in the Cowichan Valley. A few of their wines incorporate lavender, which is introduced just prior to bottling.
Suggested Tasting: Bring a picnic of local bread, cheese, cured meats, smoked or candied salmon and enjoy on their licensed picnic area amongst the vines and lavender fields. Make sure to taste the “Alba” and the delicious dessert wine “Dolce Mora”. Yum!
In 1990, Merridale started creating unique ciders from English and French cider apples that are rich in taste, with no artificial colors, flavors or added sulfites. Set on a beautiful farm with a picture-perfect farmhouse and surrounding orchard, Merridale offers guests gourmet, fresh, local food from the farmhouse bistro, with views of a working cidery in action. Merridale launched their distillery in 2007, offering spirits made 100% from BC grown raw materials grown at the farm.
Suggested Tasting: Open-faced Pork Sandwich paired with the Scrumpy Cider. Follow with a slice of the Apple Pie with salted caramel and vanilla bean whip. Heavenly!
Bonus stop:
Tugwell Creek is the only meadery on Vancouver Island, and are passionate about their bees and keeping the operations sustainable. Located outside of Victoria in Sooke, Tugwell Creek keeps wild foraging bees which produce honey from local berries. If you’re unfamiliar with mead, you will not want to miss this unique honey wine with a rich history. Discover the first fermented beverage at a beautiful property close to the ocean! If you’d like a tour of the meadery, make sure to book an appointment 24 hours prior to your visit.
Suggested Tasting: Original Sin Apple Quince Cyser Mead, followed with a slightly sweeter Solstice Metheglin. Keep an eye out for Tugwell’s to-die-for honey chocolate truffles.