Vancouver Island Wine Guide
Winemaking began on Vancouver Island as early as the 1920s, with fruit wine made from local berries—a traditional that endures today, with not only fruit wine but honey wine (mead) and still and sparkling wine from grapes made here. It was a provincial government research project in the 1980s, tasked with identifying grape varietals that could thrive in the maritime climate (such as many hardy hybrid grapes), that really fuelled the modern wine industry. Today the Island boasts around 30 wineries, from the Comox Valley on the northeast coast down to Sooke, near the southern tip.
Most are boutique-sized estates with grapes grown and wine made on site, and among them are many family-run enterprises where you’ll find a welcoming clan member pouring your tasting. Some offer tours and tastings only seasonally; if you’re visiting outside the June to September period, check ahead to confirm hours. In the summer and early fall season, even many wineries that don’t have full-service restaurants offer lovely picnic areas licensed for wine consumption with the food you’ll surely source from other local farms and producers.
Plan your Island wine route with a designated driver and enjoy responsibly at the region’s wineries, restaurants and tasting bars.
Comox Valley, Denman, and Hornby Island Wineries
With a focus on sustainable farming and grape varietals suited to this cool coastal climate, boutique wineries here (including one owned by Titanic director James Cameron) excel at crisp, aromatic wines.
Central Island Wineries
Cowichan Wineries
A long growing season means the wineries of this valley can produce lovely red, white, fruit, dessert and sparkling wines. A weekend stay or day-trip from Duncan gives a taste of equally vibrant cultural and agricultural scenes, where many local wineries proudly feature local art on their walls and restaurants and cafés proudly serve local food.
South Island Wineries
A summer drive around the rural Saanich Peninsula charmingly meanders past not only wineries, but farm stands with “honour boxes” to pay for everything from eggs to pies.
Southern Gulf Islands
From the sun-drenched slopes of Saturna Island to the verdant hills of Salt Spring Island, these wineries embody the essence of terroir-driven viticulture, producing wines that reflect the distinctive character of their island home. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey of discovery as they explore vineyards framed by sweeping ocean views, sip on handcrafted wines infused with the essence of the Pacific Northwest, and immerse themselves in the warm hospitality of these idyllic island retreats.