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Did you know that Vancouver Island is home to a number of incredible wineries? It’s true, and many of them are in close proximity to Victoria. This summer, with travel restrictions in place and great importance placed on staying local, we have a unique opportunity to explore our truly beautiful backyard and discover all the wonders it has to offer—including delicious wine. If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, be sure to pencil in these wineries and vineyards to your itinerary.
Church & State Wines was originally founded on Vancouver Island in 2004 before it expanded to its immense 80-acre location in the Okanagan Valley. Each winery focuses on the unique topography and climate of its vineyard, and the island boasts a number of wonderful varieties including a sparkling Pinot Gris with refreshing notes of citrus, pear, and apple. Church & State is Vancouver Island’s largest winery and only a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria.
Nestled in the Cowichan Valley over a sprawling 65 acres, the family-owned Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard prides itself on its exceptional natural resources, with their vines requiring little fuss when it comes to fertilization and irrigation intervention due to the prime location. Some of the original vines that the Kiltz family discovered after buying the property in the 1980s are even still intact. When you’re there, be sure to try their Black Muscat: Blue Grouse is the only known producer of it in Canada, so pick up a bottle and savour a whiff of aromas of blueberries, lychees, lavender, and spice.
Also located in the Cowichan Valley, this family-owned and operated winery handcrafts small batch, award-winning wines. Unsworth Vineyards, named for the matriarch of the Turyk family who spent summers at the local lake as a child, has a fantastic tasting room where visitors can enjoy a special selection of limited production and popular wines. Try Ovation, a smooth, port-style wine, or the Cuvée De L’ile, which has hints of apple, clove, and orange peel.
Each of these wineries has its own set of COVID-19 safety regulations and procedures, so be sure to check those out before your arrival. And, don’t forget to book your stay with us here at Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel Victoria for boutique accommodations in the heart of Victoria. With our convenient location in the Lower Johnson District, the city’s top attractions, including the wineries, are right at your doorstep. Get in touch to make your reservations today.
