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Vinifera: A species of grape–Vitis Vinifera–that produces the classic wine grapes that have spread from the vineyards of Europe.*

Expansion: There are now 138 wineries in BC and more than 20 with licenses pending, up from just 13 in 1984.

Varietal: When the grape variety in the wine is named on the label (Chardonnay, Merlot), the wine is a varietal.*

Fermentation: The natural process in which yeast converts sugar to alcohol.*

Geography: The southern Okanagan Valley in the area between Oliver and the border is classified as part of the Sonora Desert, which runs south to the Baja Peninsula in Mexico.


*Schreiner, John - British Columbia Wine Country, Whitecap Books Ltd., 2003

 
 
VANCOUVER ISLAND
 

WINERIES VISITED

 

1. Church & State Wines
 

Home to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, Vancouver Island is a mix of heritage and pristine natural environment. Captain Cook was one of the first non-First Nations people to chart Vancouver Island in 1778. His first-mate, George Vancouver, returned fourteen years later as captain of his own ship to chart it extensively and, of course, give it his name. 

Located off the southwest coast of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is the largest North American Pacific island and our newest winegrowing region. It encompasses land within the geographical limits of Vancouver Island and neighbouring islands. The wineries in the region cover more than 200 acres of scenic hillside vineyards and provide spectacular views for travelers to historic towns in the area.
THE TOUR
  From BC Ferries Terminal Swartz Bay, follow PROVINCIAL ROUTE 17A south along the Saanich Peninsula. Wineries are clustered along the peninsula approximately 10 - 15 km from the ferry terminal. Designated WINE ROUTE markers will take you directly to Church & State Wines in the Brentwood Bay area.

From downtown Victoria, follow PROVINCIAL ROUTE 17A north (The Pat Bay Highway) toward Sidney and BC Ferries and turn left at Keating X Road. Follow Keating X Road just past West Saanich Road. The Church & State Wines Gate is on the left.

With one of the mildest climates in Canada, the Victoria region offers the perfect growing environment for predominantly Germanic style white wines. Church & State is a 25-acre estate with views of the valley and ocean. It produces estate wines from 11 acres of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris and has an additional 80 acres in the Okanagan Valley.

Industrial meets sophistication in their exquisitely designed winery building that utilizes natural fibres, timbers, metals and concrete. Large windows and doorways lead you to a wrap-around deck overlooking the vineyard and the perfect spot to enjoy a light lunch.

NOTE
If the ferry line ups are long or if you prefer, you can continue on HIGHWAY 17 SOUTH from the Saanich Peninsula until it meets HIGHWAY 1 NORTH. Take HIGHWAY 1 NORTH toward Nanaimo. The drive is slightly longer, but no less scenic than the trip by ferry. When you reach Mill Bay, continue the tour as above.

TOTAL DRIVING TIME (ONE WAY): 20 MINUTES

RECOMMENDED TOUR TIME: FULL DAY (FROM VANCOUVER)
  HALF DAY (FROM VICTORIA)
DESIGNATED DRIVER
  Wines should be consumed responsibly. DO NOT taste and drive. Each winery will offer you several samples and over the course of a tour, and it is easy to consume far too much wine to be able to drive. Plan ahead and choose a designated driver before you begin your tour.
 
© 2006 British Columbia Wine Institute.  All rights reserved.