Still relying on Santa for the same old big box store holiday gift ideas?
It is time you checked out some superb offerings from Vancouver Island winemakers. Anyone of these is bound to make you one popular elf.
How about a day trip to an Island winery, or a multi-day Vancouver Island wine tour? For that extra special person on your wish list, a stay at a cozy Cowichan Valley vineyard getaway could be the perfect gift. Emandare Vineyards Tractor Shed guest house is just minutes from Duncan; emandarevineyard.com.
If a romantic vineyard side dinner is more your style, might I suggest Unsworth Vineyards Restaurant in Mill Bay; unsworthsvineyard.com.
Perchance a food friendly Vancouver Island Pinot Noir is more fitting your budget. A multi-award-winning B.C. Pinot Noir grower commented during our recent conversation, “that while no two wine regions are exactly the same, Oregon’s success producing bold fruity Pinot Noir is because of their maritime influence, cool climate and volcanic rock terroir.”
He could’ve just as easily been describing Vancouver Island’s wine regions. Island Pinot Noirs benefit from moisture stripping mountain ranges, the Salish Sea’s maritime influence and the remnants of an active volcanic past. This region is ideal for cool climate grapes. Here’s a selection of Pinot Noirs, which I’d be pleased to find in my stocking:
Cherry Point Estate 2022 Old Vines Pinot Noir Reserve boasts a Gold Medal from the 2024 All-Canadian Wine Championships. This single block Pinot Noir spent three years in oak and exhibits cherry and raspberry aromas, which continue onto the palette.
Averill Creek Vineyard owner Andy Johnston and Winemaker Brent Rowland have fostered a reputation for fine Pinot Noir. From their floral yet spicy 2022 Pinot Noir, to the 2009 Reserve they have a Pinot Noir for all recipients on your list. The latter is at its peak now, complex and rich yet dry and will please the most discernible of your gift recipients.
Unsworth Vineyards 2022 Pinot Noir is a true expression of Island Pinot. This low-production wine is light, while complex, with aromas of berries and flowers with earthy flavours. Available in limited quantities, their 2021 Saison Vineyard Pinot Noir limited edition was selected for its nuance, spice and lengthy finish.
A wee bit further north, our Comox Valley offers up 40 Knots Vineyards and their 2022 Pinot Noir. Amphora aged it exhibits a combination of velvety tannins, cherry on the nose and palate with an understated earthy finish. You may also want to put away a bottle of their 2023 Classic Pinot Noir.
Thank you to Ethan and Oliver at Open Collar Men 146 2nd Ave. in Qualicum Beach for allowing us to share some holiday cheer with them.
A resident of Qualicum Beach, Chris Herbert is a wine enthusiast who enjoys sharing everything that B.C. wines have to offer. He looks forward to hearing from you with your questions and comments via email at spillthatvino@gmail.com
