ARE WHERE THEY

The Wine Islands continue to be one of the fastest wine growing regions in the world. Close to 40 wineries dot the countryside of Vancouver Island from the Saanich Peninsula to the Comox Valley, from Salt Spring Island to Hornby.

Here, in a small geographical area, you will find wines from traditional European grape varieties, crafted with intense variation. They are delightful experiments in matching old varieties with a new landscape.
The most widely planted classic - grape varieties on the island are Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The Pinot Noir is a medium bodied, elegant and long lived wine that complements local specialties like salmon and lamb. This same grape is sometimes known as Pinot Grigio. These wines are distinctive, innovative examples of classic grape varietals. Lesser known varieties such as the Ortega, Siegerrebe and Bacchus that flourish in cool European climates are also popular amongst the island wineries.

Muse Winery, formerly Chalet Estate, is now in its tenth year of production on the Saanich Peninsula. It offers unique variations of traditional varieties and blends, such as Bacchus, with hints reminiscent of tart apples, key lime and mango popsicles.

Nestled further up the island in the Comox Valley is Beaufort Winery, the first winery in that region to receive its license. Each of its wines, some of which have yet to be released, has received an award.
A short ferry ride away, on Hornby Island, Carbrea Winery is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Its location and wine - making style produces Pinot Noir characterized by aromas of cherry, raspberry, allspice and pepper, while lending a nose of citrus, green apple and melon to the Pinot Gris.

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The warm lands of the Cowichan Valley, with Canadas highest average temperatures, are home to many wineries, including Cherry Point and Blue Grouse Vineyards. Cherry Point produces blends that evoke their own unique flavours. Not far down the road is Blue Grouse Winery, one of the islands founding wineries. With an exceptional site for its vineyard, Blue Grouse is well situated for soaking up the valleys sun.
Beyond the fine wines that our Wine Island conditions generate, we are proud to boast exceptional ciders and meads. BCs first meadery, located in Sooke, is Tugwell Creek Meadery. Blending varieties of local honey and berries, it draws on the age - old art of fermentation to create a product that is unique to the area.

Vancouver Island is also home to two of Canadas few craft cideries, Merridale Ciderworks and Sea Cider. They use cider - specific apple varieties, such as Tremletts Bitter, Michelin, Yarlington Mill, Dabinett, Chisel Jersey, Kermerien, Julienne, Judaine and Frequin Rouge to craft old - world - style ciders, producing a very full bodied drink that is rich in tannins and acids.

What truly defines our wines, however, is their exclusivity. As small - lot production wineries, we are unique, award winning and not mass produced. In fact, its unlikely you will find many of the island products on the shelves of the government liquor stores. Why?

It is cost prohibitive for most wineries, cideries and meaderies to sell there. Further, many of the products sell out early in the season to those in the know, so become acquainted with your favourite wineries to ensure that you dont miss out on the opportunity to taste and purchase. If you dont have the time to visit the winery itself, look for Wine Island products at your neighbourhoods private liquor store or ask for them at your favourite restaurant.