Vancouver Island

Coastal Wines, Farm-to-Table Dining & Untamed Beauty

Vancouver Island, Canada’s 11th largest and second most populous island, has quietly become one of British Columbia’s most exciting wine destinations. With a temperate maritime climate, the island offers ideal grape-growing conditions, especially in a year like 2024 when other regions, such as the Okanagan, suffered heavy crop loss due to extreme cold.

Protected by coastal mountains and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver Island experiences a longer, more stable growing season, with fewer threats from frost and sub-zero temperatures. This unique weather pattern—often referred to as “Maritime Mediterranean”—supports a flourishing cool-climate wine industry.

A Young but Promising Wine Scene

Although winemaking on Vancouver Island began as early as the 1920s with loganberries, it wasn’t until the 1990s that grape cultivation truly took off. Today, the island boasts:

• 2 dozen wineries

• Over 320 acres of vineyard

• A designation as its own BC Geographical Indication (GI)

• A Sub-GI for Cowichan Valley

The Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley are the most concentrated and renowned wine regions on the island, benefiting from drier microclimates and passionate wine producers. Visitors can enjoy handcrafted wines often made with organic, sustainable practices, in welcoming tasting rooms tucked into idyllic countryside settings.

Culinary Capital of BC

The island is as much a destination for food lovers as it is for wine enthusiasts. As highlighted in Decanter Magazine, Vancouver Island features a robust farm-to-table culture, where organic produce, grass-fed meats, and fresh Pacific seafood (like Dungeness crab and wild salmon) are the stars of the menu.

Artisanal cheeses, small-batch ciders, and locally grown ingredients complete the epicurean experience, making this region a dream for culinary tourism.

Outdoor Adventures & Natural Wonders

Beyond the vineyard, Vancouver Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers:

• Kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and storm watching

• Hiking, biking, and horseback riding

Old-growth forests, sandstone cliffs, and coastal Garry oak ecosystems

Whether you’re wandering wind-swept beaches or exploring dense temperate rainforests, the island is a natural playground.

Victoria: Heritage Charm by the Sea

At the heart of it all is Victoria, the island’s capital and largest city, home to nearly half of its 900,000 residents. This oceanside metropolis offers a unique blend of historic elegance and modern creativity:

• Stroll the Inner Harbour

• Admire heritage architecture and vibrant gardens

• Enjoy afternoon tea in classic British style

• Dine at award-winning restaurants

With its laid-back atmosphere and Old World charm, Victoria serves as both a cultural hub and a perfect base for exploring the region’s wineries.