If you enjoy discovering local wineries when you travel, Victoria, BC is a lovely place to spend a day or two. Vancouver Island is home to more than 30 wineries, and Victoria is a practical spot to serve as your home base for exploration.
The wineries here aren’t about big, showy production; they’re more about small-batch wines, relaxed tastings, and a coastal kind of charm. You’ll find cool-climate grapes, scenic vineyard settings, and plenty of wines that pair beautifully with the island’s seafood, farm produce, and easygoing pace.
What makes the region especially appealing is how well it suits grapes that like a cooler maritime climate. Vancouver Island’s wineries tend to focus on varieties that keep their freshness and aroma, which means you’ll often see crisp whites, aromatic blends, light reds, and the occasional sparkling wine.
If that sounds like your kind of tasting day, let’s get sipping!
The Flavor of Vancouver Island
Victoria’s wine scene may fly under the radar compared to British Columbia’s famed Okanagan Valley, but that’s part of what makes it interesting. I love finding those wine areas that are often overlooked.
The Vancouver Island wine region is officially designated as a sub‑GI (Geographical Indication) of the larger British Columbia wine region. It benefits from a cool coastal climate influenced by the surrounding Salish Sea. Mild winters, long summer days, and ocean breezes help maintain bright acidity in the grapes.
The soils here are a mix of glacial deposits, clay, and sandy loam. That combination of soil and climate favors early-ripening grape varieties. The result? Distinctive, aromatic whites and light‑bodied reds with a freshness that feels tailor‑made for seafood dinners and afternoons on the patio.
The wineries around Victoria focus on sustainable farming and small-scale production. Many are family‑run, and practice organic or regenerative viticulture. The atmosphere is refreshingly down‑to‑earth and intimate, with tasting rooms where the winemaker might pour you a glass and swap stories about this year’s harvest.
Grapes That Grow Well on Vancouver Island
Victoria and the surrounding Saanich Peninsula have a climate that naturally favors early-ripening grapes. That means the wines often lean bright and lively rather than heavy and bold.
A few grapes and styles you’re likely to see:
- Pinot Gris: Fresh, clean, and usually full of pear, apple, citrus, and sometimes a little mineral note.
- Ortega: One of the region’s standout whites, with floral aromatics, stone fruit, and a soft but crisp finish. If you’re not familiar with Ortega, put it high on your to-try list. Although not a big white wine fan, I found this was thoroughly enjoyable, and have become a fan.
- Gewürztraminer: Highly aromatic and a little spicy, often with lychee, rose, or tropical fruit notes. This one is a little too sweet for me, but I was tasting with friends who found it a big hit.
- Pinot Noir: Typically light-bodied and elegant here, with red cherry, earth, and gentle tannins. There’s a big difference is Vancouver Island pinot as compared to the more full-bodied, dark-fruited pinot of the Willamette Valley (Oregon). This is a good opportunity to compare and contrast.
- Maréchal Foch and other hybrids: These cool-climate grapes can produce deeper-colored reds with berry, plum, and earthy flavors. I was unfamiliar with this grape, so enjoyed discovering it.
- Sparkling wines: A nice fit for the region, especially when made in a traditional style.
- Ciders and fruit wines: A fun bonus in the area, especially if you like branching out beyond grape wine.
Wineries Worth Visiting
Here are a few spots that are especially worth adding to your Victoria wine itinerary, whether your visiting in one-stop or selecting a few for a day of wine tasting.
As always, drink responsibly. Limit your tastes, select a designated driver, or take a cab or ride service when doing wine tasting.
Church & State Wines
Church & State is one of the better-known names in the area, and it’s a nice stop if you want a more polished tasting room experience. They work with fruit from both Vancouver Island and the Okanagan, so you get a broader look at the winery’s style. The setting is easy to enjoy, and the wines usually offer a good mix of familiar varieties and more ambitious bottlings.
The tasting rooms has a bistro menu and also offers special occasion brunches. The venue is popular for weddings and other events,
Address: 1445 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC (about 15 minutes from downtown Victoria). They also have vineyards and a tasting room in the Okanagan Valley.
Official website here.
Symphony Vineyard
Symphony Vineyard has a more intimate, estate-grown feel, which is part of its appeal. It’s the kind of place that feels especially connected to the land, with wines that reflect the cooler conditions of the Saanich Peninsula. Expect crisp whites, rosé, and lighter reds that are made with food in mind.
Charcuterie, locally made cheese, and local farm produce is available to accompany your wine tasting.
Address: 6409B Oldfield Road, Saanichton, BC (about 10 minutes out of Victoria and close to Butchart Gardens).
The website is currently unavailable.
Deep Cove Winery
Deep Cove Winery is a relaxed, scenic stop where you can slow down and really enjoy the tasting. It’s small and family-run, and is located in the warmest spot in the region.
With a restaurant onsite, it’s a great stop to pair lunch and tasting. Try the Ortega here.
Address: 11195 Chalet Road, North Saanich, BC
Official website here.
Unsworth Vineyards
Unsworth is another one-stop winery that can combine wine tasting and food. The on-site restaurant makes it a popular lunch spot for a destination-style experience.
Try their chardonnay and pinot noir.
Address: 2915 Cameron-Taggart Road, Mill Bay, BC
Official website here.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery
Blue Grouse is a good fit if you want to enjoy one of the island’s more respected estate wineries. It’s known for sustainable farming and for wines that express the Cowichan Valley’s cool-climate character, including aromatic whites and structured reds.
This was a favorite stop on my Vancouver Island wine tasting excursion. The venue was lovely, I respect their philosophy of stewardship in what they do, and the wine was great, too. I enjoyed their Ortega, and the Rose is a perfect patio pairing pleaser.
Address: 2185 Lakeside Road, Duncan, BC
Official website here.
Cherry Point Estate Wines
Cherry Point is a solid addition because it gives the guide a more heritage-rich, established-winery feel. It’s one of the better-known names in the Cowichan area, with a reputation for a broad range of wines and a scenic vineyard setting that appeals to visitors who want a classic winery stop.
This winery is a bit farther out, about 32 miles from Victoria, but if you have a car and are exploring the island, it’s a good stop.
Address: 840 Cherry Point Road, Cobble Hill, BC.
Official website here.
Enrico Winery
Enrico is another family-run Cowichan Valley winery with a strong local identity. The winery partners with local and Canadian companies to bottle and distribute their BC-grown products.
Enrico is known for Ortega, and the winery has a good reputation for offering approachable, island-friendly wines that fit the region’s cool-climate strengths. I particularly enjoyed Celebration, a sparkling wine made in the Charmat method with estate grown pinot gris grapes. It was a pleasant surprise and a bottle went home with me.
Address: 3280 Telegraph Road, Cobble Hill, BC
Official website here.
Venturi-Schulze
The family run Venturi-Schulze estate is tucked into the Cowichan Valley, and was one of the early licensed Vancouver Island wineries. The tasting room is set in a farmhouse that dates back to 1893, and feels like you are stepping into a friend’s home.
Wines are 100% estate grown using natural viticulture practices. this means no chemical pesticides, herbicides, and no irrigation.
The winery is also known for its ancient-method balsamic vinegar. Take some home; I did. Jams, syrups, and other products made with estate grown fruit is also available. I particularly liked the Blackberry Balsamic Jalapeno jam. That sounds like a lot flavors happening, and it is. When I included it on a cheese platter, there were rave reviews.
Address: 4235 Vineyard Road, Cobble Hill, BC
Official website here.
Why This Region Is Fun To Taste Through
Vancouver Island is fun for wine tasting because it feels more like a scenic mini-adventure than a formal wine region. You can move from Victoria’s urban energy to coastal countryside, vineyard patios, and small family-run tasting rooms in a pretty short drive, which makes the whole experience feel relaxed and easy.
Since a lot of the wineries here are boutique-sized and family-run, the tasting experience feels personal, rather than generic. You’re more likely to chat with someone who actually works the vineyard or winery, hear the story behind the grapes, and get recommendations that feel genuinely local.
Part of the appeal is the scenery. The island pairs vineyard visits with ocean views, farms, heritage towns, and outdoor activities, so the day feels like a blend of wine tasting and coastal travel rather than just a series of stops. It’s true, wine tastes even better with a view.
It’s also fun because the region is compact enough to make planning simple. A tasting day can include a handful of stops without long drives, and many wineries offer picnic areas, patios, or restaurant service, so the day can be as casual or as full as you want it to be.
Getting to Victoria. B.C.
The FRS Clipper (formerly branded as the Victoria Clipper, and if you’ve lived in Seattle for any length of time, you’ll probably still call it that) is the fastest and most enjoyable way to travel from Seattle to Victoria. The Clipper began service between Seattle and Victoria in 1986 and is a passenger only; no cars.
It’s takes about 2:45 for the crossing, giving you plenty of time to relax, grab a bite to eat or drink, get some work done with the complimentary wi-fi, and enjoy the great scenery from the water. If you’re lucky, like we were, you’ll spot a whale (or whale spout) or two. Keep your eyes peeled, although announcements of whale sightings are made over the P.A system.
You can do this trip to Victoria as a day trip, but if you’re going to enjoy wine tasting, you’ll probably want to plan to stay in Victoria for at least a couple nights. There’s plenty to do in Victoria besides wine tasting.
Check the Clipper timetable here.
You can order your tickets via the Fever App or straight on the FRS Clipper website. There are three types of tickets to pick from: Economy, Vista, and Comfort. Think of these classifiations like on an airplane – economy, premium economy, and business/first class, each with a little better seating and a few more amenities.
Pricing will vary, of course, but for general planning purposes start at $160 round trip per person. Outboard (widow) and upper deck seat have the best views and are priced slightly more. Prices are higher during high season.
The Clipper departs from Pier 69 (2701 Alaskan Way), and recommend check in time is a minimum of 40 minutes prior to departure. I recommend at least an hour.
The Clipper arrives and departs from Victoria’s Inner Harbor ferry terminal (254 Belleville Street). This location is close to a number of hotels, and within an easy walking distance of a few.
Where to Stay for Your Vancouver Island Wine Tasting Getaway
I like the Inn at Laurel Point which has 194 guest rooms, nearly all with a water view. It’s location on the point of the Inner Harbour is walking distance to the ferry terminal via a dedicated path. It’s easy walking distance to most downtown attractions, shopping, and entertainment, and the front desk is helpful in helping with wine tasting information and arrangements.
A few other popular selections, all of which I’d take a look at, include:
- Fairmont Empress – A historic landmark hotel overlook the Inner Harbour. I consider it the Grand Dame of the city. Historic hotels come with magnifient history and impressive decor, but also comes with quirkiness.
- Hotel Grand Pacific – Modern accommodations with harbor views.
- Magnolia Hotel & Spa – A boutique hotel close to the Inner Harbour.
- Oswego Hotel – An all-suite hotel that offers a residential feel
