Vancouver Island wines from the Cowichan Valley in British Columbia
Not everyone associates Vancouver Island on the west coast of British Columbia in Canada immediately comes to mind with wine. For most people, the island is more about rugged coasts, nature, whales and bears that can be seen there in the wild. In the Cowichan Valley, however, you can also get to know Vancouver Island wines. This makes this valley one of the Canada's wine regionsA visit there is definitely one of the Activities for Connoisseurs on Vancouver Island.
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Fertile island Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island offers more. Due to the mild climate, especially in the southern part on the east side of the island, plants thrive here that would otherwise not grow in these latitudes. The Cowichan Valley region in the southern half of Vancouver Island is a fruit and vegetable garden. Its fertility gave rise to many farms over the course of the settlement's history. Many of them have been in the same family for generations.
How did the winemakers bring the wine to Vancouver Island?
People like to try new things on Vancouver Island. So it happened that new immigrants tried to grow wine on the island. Few of them had any experience in growing wine. They often embarked on an adventure. But they started experimenting with types of wine. The first Vancouver Island Wines were made in the 1920s from berry varieties that grew locally.
The first wine for sale was grown south of Duncan in the Cowichan Valley in 1970. A test project started with the support of the provincial government. More than 100 types of wine were tested for cultivation on Vancouver Island. Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and Ortega turned out to be the varieties that promised the best yield.
Finally, in 1992, the first winery opened its doors in the most fertile valley on the island, the Cowichan Valley. Almost 80 vineyards have grown from these beginnings. Wines from more than 40 wineries grow here. Part of it is on the Gulf Islands, off Vancouver Island. Like the island vintners, they too can enjoy the climate on the east side of Vancouver Island. This is mild and sunny enough for wines to thrive.
Vancouver Island wine also comes from the Gulf Islands
Few people know that these regions of Vancouver Island have a climate similar to the best wine-growing regions of France, with warm summers and mild winters. In addition, the amount of rainfall is not particularly high due to the mountains to the west. Vancouver Island wines that thrive here are:
Pinot Noir Vancouver Island
The red grape from Burgundy is the most widely planted Vancouver Island wine. The wine is particularly popular because it goes well with regional dishes such as salmon or lamb.
Maréchal Foch
This grape is hardy and can withstand the cold. It makes a full, earthy red wine with a rich color that goes well with grilled meat and stews.
Ortega Traube
This grape with a Spanish-sounding name is a cross between German wines: Müller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe. These are also grown on the island. Ortega grapes make a light, flowery wine with a light citrus taste. It tastes particularly good with mussels and crabs, of which there are plenty on the island.
Pinot gris
Finally, Pinot Gris is a grape that thrives in Alsace and Oregon. On the island, it is processed in two different ways. Gris matures in oak barrels. This produces a rich and spicy wine. If the grape is matured in other barrels, however, a light, sometimes semi-dry Vancouver Island wine is produced.
The Best Cowichan Valley Wineries for Wine Tasting on Vancouver Island
Here are five highly rated wineries in the Cowichan Valley:
Blue Grouse Estate Winery
This family-run winery is one of the oldest on Vancouver Island and is known for its sustainable farming practices as well as its award-winning wines, including Pinot Gris and Ortega. Visitors can sample wines in the modern tasting room and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding vineyards.
Unsworth Vineyards
Unsworth Vineyards offers a wide range of wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Cowichan Valley. The winery also has a restaurant serving local cuisine and invites visitors to explore the idyllic landscape.
Averill Creek Vineyard
As one of the largest wineries on Vancouver Island, Averill Creek Vineyard produces high-quality, estate-grown wines. It is also particularly well-known for its Pinot Noir, which has received international recognition. The winery offers stunning views of the Cowichan Valley and invites visitors to tastings.
Cherry Point Estate Wines
One of the first licensed wineries on Vancouver Island, this winery produces award-winning wines using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Visitors can take guided tours, taste wines and enjoy West Coast cuisine in the bistro.
Venturi-Schulze Vineyards
Venturi-Schulze Vineyards places great emphasis on sustainability and produces not only first-class wines but also traditional balsamic vinegar. The winery does not use irrigation, herbicides or pesticides and offers visitors the opportunity to taste both wines and vinegars.
These wineries offer unique wine experiences and contribute significantly to the Cowichan Valley's reputation as a first-class wine region. You can find more wineries on Vancouver Island at Tourism Victoria just like Tourism Cowichan.
Events for Wine Lovers on Vancouver Island
There are numerous events in the Cowichan Valley that will delight wine lovers. Here are some highlights:
Cowichan Valley Wine Festival
This month-long festival takes place every August and a special pass allows you to visit 12 participating wineries and taste their unique wines. It's also an excellent opportunity to discover the diversity of the region.
Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival 2025
This festival will take place in June 2025 and highlights bluegrass music. Enjoy live music combined with local wines in a relaxed atmosphere.
These events give you the opportunity to experience the wine culture of the Cowichan Valley and help make your visit unforgettable.
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Source Vancouver Island Wine: Vancouver Island Tourism and on-site research. Our opinions remain our own.
Text Vancouver Island Wine: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos Vancouver Island Wine: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Canva
