The wines made in Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia (BC) Canada, reflect the diverse climate of the region. Sea, sun, wind and rain, all contribute to the crisp and unique flavour of the wines from these regions. The slight acidity and distinctive aromatic flavour found in the wines, is inherited from a land surrounded by water, cool coastal nights and the sunny warmth of daytime temperatures.
Named after George Vancouver, a British Royal Navy officer in the 18th century, Vancouver Island is the largest island on the Western portion of North America and the 11th largest Island in Canada. In the Strait of Georgia, nestled between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, are the Gulf Islands, comprised of hundreds of islets and islands. The vineyards of these areas produce wines and cider that are renowned around the world.
While the wineries in the Gulf Island and Vancouver Island are proud of the distinctive wines produces in their individual regions, the Vancouver Island Vintners Association (VIVA) monitors the quality of the wine produced and oversee the marketing and cooperative activities of the wineries. So whether you visit the Gulf Islands or Vancouver Island, you will be treated to a celebration of wine, year round. Local wines are featured at wine tours, special events and festivals on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Below is a list of some of the wine related activities you can enjoy.
Burning of the Vines: This ritual occurs in early spring. The idea behind this ritual is that if you burn the winter prunings from the last season, it provides the earth with much needed nutrients. Other festivities, like poetry readings and music often accompany these rituals and visitors are invited to witness the splendor and enjoy the entertainment.
Art Month: If you are both a wine lover and an art enthusiast, you will have the best of both worlds during Art Month in March. Vancouver Island and the Gulf Island have a vibrant art community so it only seems fitting that wine and art will be paired together. Wineries celebrate the artists by displaying their art work along with wine tasting tours. After a few sips of the delectable wines, you may wish to take some art work home with you.
Harvest Weekend: During the month of October, it is time to pick those grapes and time for yet another celebration. If you visit the wineries during this time, you will be able to see an important step in the wine making process. Watch the grapes being crushed, the fermenting of new wine, the final racking stage of old wine, and the turning of the barrels.
Wine Tours and Wine Tasting: Wineries and vintners are at their busiest time during the summer months. Festivals, outdoor celebrations and events are at an all time high during these months and so is the flow of wines and ciders. There is no shortage of wine festivals, wine and dinner parings, daily tours and hundreds of locations to sample the great wines of the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Islands.
While some wineries have tours year round, most are generally opened May to September for tours and wine tasting. Weekend visits, from Friday to Sunday, are highly recommended since the wineries are opened during this period but may be closed on specific days during the week. For more information on location, times, activities and more about the individual wineries in these and other regions of British Columbia, visit: The Wineries of British Columbia
The wineries in British Columbia benefit greatly from a moderate growing climate which contributes to the production of internationally renowned wines. The wines produced are fruiter, aromatic and with a higher acidity level. Wineries in the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island are among some of the wine producing areas of British Columbia that take great pride in the wines produced and are eager to share this treasure with visitors.