A visit to the best Victoria wineries promises an unforgettable experience for everyone from the casual wine enthusiast to the seasoned sommelier.
Nestled in the lush landscapes of the nearby Saanich and Cowichan Valley wine regions, you’ll find a hidden treasure trove of vinicultural delights. Victoria’s wineries are not just about the exquisite wines they offer; they’re an invitation to a sensory journey.
Whether you’re a local connoisseur or a tourist with a taste for adventure, join us as we uncork the secrets of these enchanting wineries near Victoria, BC.
Victoria Wineries
Victoria, BC, is a charming coastal city known for its stunning scenery, thriving arts scene, and delicious food. But did you know it is also a hidden gem for wine lovers?
With its ideal climate, unique varietals, and picturesque wineries, Victoria’s Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley are must-visit destinations for any wine connoisseur.
But what makes Victoria, BC, such a great destination for wine lovers? Let’s explore some of the factors that contribute to its growing reputation in the wine world.
- Ideal Climate for Growing Grapes: The mild and moderate climate in Victoria, BC, is perfect for grape cultivation. As Canada’s only Maritime-Mediterranean climate, the region experiences warm summers and mild winters, creating ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines.
- Unique Varietals Grown in the Region: The Island is known for producing unique varietals not commonly found in other wine regions, such as Ortega, Maréchal Foch, and Siegerrebe. Other popular varieties include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer.
- Stunning Scenery and Atmosphere: Victoria wineries are nestled in picturesque landscapes, making them the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. Many wineries also offer outdoor seating and picnic areas, allowing visitors to soak in the beautiful surroundings while sipping on a glass of their favourite wine.
The Top Victoria Wineries
Now, let’s take a look at some of the top Victoria wineries to visit on your tour. I’ve focused on location in the nearby Saanich Peninsula, a mere 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria hotels. But you’ll also find a couple of options from the more distant Cowichan Valley, which most consider to be Vancouver Island’s premier wine region.
- Church & State Wines: The island’s largest winery is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts with its stunning vineyard views and award-winning wines. The winery also offers a bistro serving locally sourced food, making it the perfect spot for a wine and food pairing experience. Not to mention, its location near Butchart Gardens makes for a fantastic pairing.
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery: This boutique winery is known for its estate-grown Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Ortega. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and cellar, followed by a tasting of their award-winning wines.
- Symphony Vineyard: This family-run Victoria winery offers stunning views of the Saanich Peninsula and the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while sipping on their wines and learning about the winemaking process.
- Roost Farm Winery: Situated in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula, Roost Farm Winery is a family-run estate that blends agricultural charm with the art of winemaking. Visitors can enjoy a range of handcrafted wines, all made from grapes grown on their picturesque farm, along with a delightful farm-to-table dining experience in their bistro.
- Averill Creek Vineyard: A leading estate winery in the Cowichan Valley, Averill Creek is known for its innovative winemaking techniques and stunning terrace views.
- Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse: While not a winery, in my opinion, this family-owned and operated cidery is a must-visit. It specializes in producing an array of artisanal ciders using traditional methods. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the orchard and tasting room while learning about the cider-making process.
More of a beer fan? Check out our article on the vaunted Victoria craft beer scene.
What can you expect while visiting these Victoria wineries?
- Tastings and Pairings: To state the obvious, most Victoria wineries offer tastings of their wines, allowing visitors to try different varieties and find their favourites. Many wineries also offer food pairings or have on-site restaurants, creating a unique wine and food experience.
- Guided Tours of the Vineyards and Cellars: Visitors can take a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars, where they can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery.
- Opportunities for Wine Education and Learning: Many wineries offer educational sessions on wine tasting, food pairings, and the different varietals grown in the region. Visitors can expand their knowledge and appreciation for wine during their visit.
The Top Victoria Wine Tours in 2024
When it comes to wine tasting, there are numerous options to choose from on Southern Vancouver Island. Unfortunately, most of the top wineries in Victoria are located well outside of town in the Saanich Peninsula or the Cowichan Valley wine regions.
Consequently, a visit for cruise passengers or travellers without a vehicle can be difficult and expensive. But luckily we’ve found a solution! A number of providers offer organized Victoria wine tours that offer custom pick-up from local hotels or the cruise port and transport to and from the most popular Victoria wineries.
This is perfect for visitors or locals looking to leave the car at home to indulge in their tastings fully. Let’s take you on a journey through the best wineries near Victoria for you to explore. So grab a glass, and let’s begin our tour!
Saanich Wine Tours
The Saanich wine region is the closer of the two, at around 30-40 drive from downtown, not far from Swartz Bay Ferry terminal. This vibrant and emerging wine area’s proximity to Victoria makes it the most convenient and popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
⛴️ Coming in from Vancouver? Check out our guide on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver from $18.50.
Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour
Region: Saanich Peninsula | Duration: 4-5 hrs | Price: From $195 CAD | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Read 10+ reviews
Get ready for a half-day adventure that’s all about sipping, savouring, and sightseeing! Picture this: you’re kicking off a fabulous private tour right from your hotel in the Greater Victoria area. In your own ride, you, a small group, and your guide, Marianne, are off to explore the charming Saanich Peninsula’s wine country.
Imagine vineyards as far as the eye can see, with grapes just begging to be turned into your next favourite wine. You’ll hop from one winery to another, each with its own unique twist. And oh, the tastings! They’re not just sips of wine; they’re a whole experience. You’ll get the lowdown on what makes these grapes so special, all while your taste buds are doing a happy dance.
Includes:
- Custom pick up/drop off from Victoria Hotel/short-term rental
- Transportation amongst 6 Victoria wineries (Symphony, Deep Cove, Church & State, Roost, and Rathjen)
- Tutored tastings at each location
- Knowledgeable local guide
Related: The Top Victoria Brewery Tours
Private Local Libations Tour, Victoria, BC
Region: Saanich Peninsula | Duration: 4-5 hrs | Price: From $195 CAD | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Read 8+ reviews
Not the biggest wine fan? Or maybe you’re looking for a tour that encompasses the diversity of Victoria’s craft beverage scene. Then why not dive into the heart of Victoria’s drink scene with a private tour that’s as unique as you are?
You’ll start by being scooped up from your place of lodging, and off we go, whenever suits you best. Then it’s off for four stops at the coolest, quirkiest beverage hotspots around – think wineries with grapes that dance on your tongue, cider houses where apples find their true calling, breweries that craft liquid gold, and distilleries where spirits soar. Each place you’ll visit is handpicked to tickle your fancy in a different way.
Includes:
- Local pick up/drop off
- Visit to 4 local producers (Sea Cider, Category 12 Brewing, Church & State Winery, & a local distillery)
- Tastings at each location
- Knowledgeable local guide/driver
Related: The 13 Best Victoria City Tours for Locals & Visitors
Cowichan Valley Wine Tours
Vancouver Island’s second major wine region is located in the temperate area known as the Cowichan Valley. It’s located about 90 minutes north of town, but don’t let that scare you. We’ve got a host of organized Cowichan Valley wine tours that’ll help you explore the Island’s premier wine region with ease.
Protip: If you’ve got your own wheels, be sure to stop in at the Malahat Skywalk. This awe-inspiring attraction features 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from a 600-metre spiralling tree walk.
Cowichan Valley Wine, Food & Farms Tour
Region: Cowichan Valley | Duration: 6 hrs | Price: From $159 CAD | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Read 80+ reviews
Hop on board with Island Time Tours for a chill and delightful jaunt to the stunning Cowichan Valley from Victoria. Once you arrive, you’ll hit up three of the most charming vineyards around. At each location, you’ll have access to each winery’s finest tastings; just be sure to note they’ll come with a small fee.
But don’t worry; this tour includes kick things off with a bit of sparkle – that’s bubbly mixed with orange juice (only if you fancy it) paired with some freshly baked goodies that’ll make your taste buds dance. Just sit back, breathe in that fresh country air, and soak in the gorgeous views.
Come lunchtime, you’re looking at a feast of afternoon tea goodies, with wine, of course! If the weather’s playing nice, you’ll dine al fresco, right in the heart of nature. And the cherry on top? Dessert with wine at another picture-perfect vineyard. It’s a day of scrumptious eats, top-notch wines, and breathtaking scenery.
Includes:
- Transport to/from Victoria to the Cowichan Valley
- Visit to 3 area wineries
- Tastings available at each stop (fees not included)
- Glass of local sparkling wine with orange juice
- Charcuterie picnic lunch/baked goods
- Stop at local cheese farm (Fri-Sun time permitting)
Related: Cowichan Bay Whale Watching Tours
Private Wine Tasting in Cowichan Valley
Region: Cowichan Valley | Duration: 5 hrs | Price: From $175 CAD | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Read 6+ reviews
Embark on a carefree journey to the Cowichan Valley’s wine country, just you and your pals, no need for a designated driver! You’ll embark on your journey in a cozy passenger van, zipping up the Malahat with mountains on one side and the ocean winking at you on the other.
Once you arrive, you’ll hop from one top-notch winery to another, savouring the best they’ve got – think three or four stops, each with its own charm. It’s all about kicking back, soaking in the views, and letting the wine do the talking.
Cheers to a day of vineyard adventures without a single worry about who’s behind the wheel!
Included:
- Hassle free pickup/drop off from your accommodation or residence
- Private tour of 3 Victoria wineries (Blue Grouse, Unsworth, Cherry Point)
- Tastings at each location
- Lunch
Related: The Top Day Trips from Victoria
Victoria Wineries FAQs
What is the best wine region on Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island is renowned for its diverse and flourishing wine regions, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Cowichan Valley. Nestled around an hour north of Victoria, this region is a paradise for wine enthusiasts, boasting a unique microclimate that nurtures a variety of grapes.
What are the top wineries to visit in Victoria, BC?
Some of the best Victoria wineries to visit include Church & State Wines, Symphony Winery, Roost Winery & Farm, and Blue Grouse Winery. Each offers a unique and diverse wine-tasting experience, with exceptional quality wines and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
What is the Cowichan Valley known for in terms of wine?
The Cowichan Valley, located an hour away from Victoria and Nanaimo, is known for its cool coastal climate and diverse soils, making it an ideal location for grape varieties such as Ortega, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. It is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling waters.
What is the annual average temperature in the Cowichan Valley?
The Cowichan Valley has the highest annual average temperature on Vancouver Island, which itself is the most temperate region in Canada. In fact, the valley is named after the Salish word Khowutzun, or ‘warm land.’ This makes it a prime location for grape growing and winemaking.
Which winery offers a unique dining experience in Victoria?
Unsworth Vineyards, located in the Cowichan Valley, offers a vineyard terrace restaurant where visitors can enjoy delicious wines paired with locally sourced and organic dishes. The winery also has a certified organic berry farm, making it a must-visit for food and wine lovers. Roost Farm Centre in Saanich is also a great option, featuring a vineyard, tasting room, bakery, and bistro.
What are the top varietals to try at Victoria wineries?
Victoria’s wineries are a treasure trove for those keen to explore unique and exquisite varietals. When visiting, be sure to try Pinot Noir, a standout with its complex flavours and silky texture, a true reflection of the region’s terroir. Another must-try is the Ortega, a lesser-known but delightful white varietal that offers floral aromas and a fresh, crisp taste.
Is taking an organized tour of Victoria wineries worth it?
Absolutely! An organized tour of Victoria wineries is a fantastic way to experience the region’s viticultural offerings. These tours take the hassle out of planning and transportation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wine-tasting experience.
With knowledgeable guides, you’ll gain insights into the winemaking process and local history while exploring a curated selection of vineyards. Not to mention, you can leave the car at home and fully indulge in the tastings in a safe manner.
All set to pop the cork on your visit to our favourite Victoria Wineries?
As our exploration of the top wineries near Victoria, BC, draws to a close, whether you’ve journeyed alone or with a group, one thing is clear: the experience is as enriching as it is enjoyable.
From the sun-dappled vineyards to the intimate tastings, these delightful vineyards offer a blend of adventure and tranquillity, perfect for any wine lover.
So, raise your glass to the memories made and the exquisite wines savoured at your favourite Victoria wineries.
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