BC's only designated Geographical Indication for wine — the Cowichan Valley produces cool-climate wines found nowhere else in the province. Discover the island's emerging wine country.
From the Cowichan Valley to the Saanich Peninsula
One of Vancouver Island's most acclaimed wineries, Averill Creek sits on the sunny slopes of the Cowichan Valley with views across the lake to Mount Prevost. Their Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir have won numerous awards. The modern tasting room is a destination in itself — locals recommend the patio in the late afternoon.
Silverside is a small-batch cidery and orchard in the Cowichan Valley that focuses on traditional method ciders and perry. They grow heritage apple varieties and source locally. The tasting room is intentionally unfussy — picnic tables, a fire pit, and serious ciders. A favourite of people who find commercial ciders too sweet.
A boutique winery on the Saanich Peninsula focusing on cool-climate European varietals. Geoffrey & Co. is one of the few Vancouver Island wineries producing serious sparkling wines using the traditional Champagne method. The tasting room is in a charming converted barn. Their Blanc de Blancs has been compared favourably to quality Champagnes at a fraction of the price.
Enrico is Vancouver Island's oldest winery, established in the 1980s on a family farm in the Cowichan Valley. They were pioneers in proving that quality wine could be made on the island. Today they produce a range from everyday table wines to premium reserve bottles. The rustic farm setting is part of the charm — this is not a polished tasting room experience, it's an authentic working winery.
Church Bell Estate is a small boutique winery on the Saanich Peninsula producing premium cool-climate wines. Their vineyard sits on south-facing slopes that benefit from the Olympic Mountain rain shadow, giving them consistently ripe fruit. The winery is known for their aromatic whites — Gewürztraminer and Viognier are standouts. Tastings are by appointment, making it feel genuinely exclusive.
Blue Grouse is one of the Cowichan Valley's most beautiful winery settings — a working vineyard on the benches above the valley floor with mountain views in every direction. Their focus is on Ortega and other German-inspired varietals that thrive in the island's cool climate. The tasting room serves local cheese and charcuterie alongside their wines. Summer outdoor tastings are a seasonal highlight.
Unsworth is one of Vancouver Island's most complete wine experiences — a working winery, a celebrated restaurant, and a luxury inn all on one property. Their vineyard produces a full range of varietals, and the restaurant's farm-to-table philosophy extends to the wine list. The annual "Harvest Party" in October is one of the island's best food and wine events.
Damachi Wine Lab is Victoria's urban winery — a small-batch operation in an industrial building that sources grapes from Vancouver Island and the Okanagan. They're known for experimental batches, unusual varietals, and wines made with minimal intervention. The warehouse tasting room attracts a younger, curious wine crowd that appreciates the anti-snob approach to wine.