On Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, life, food, and wine are shaped by the ocean breeze. With dewy temperate rainforests and windswept beaches, the Pacific coastline is biodiverse and alive with activity. Early-risers heading out for a fresh catch, kelp forests swaying in the waves, and whales gliding through churning currents. Coastal culture is rooted in the living cultures of Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations Peoples, who have lived here and stewarded the land and sea for millennia.

These two unique wine-growing areas are within Canada’s only Mediterranean climate, enhanced by the salt air blowing in from the coast. The small-but-mighty Southern Gulf Islands have their very own micro-climate, influenced by their big sister, Vancouver Island. The islands are a paradise for the epicurean inclined, grounded in a food philosophy of seasonal, local, and ethically-sourced ingredients that naturally pair well with wines from the same terroir.

Here’s what’s in store when you visit The Infinite Coast for wine tasting.

Photo: Sage Hayward Vineyards

Days 1 & 2: Soak in Coastal Living on Saturna Island

Begin your tasting adventure with a proper wind down (or should we say wine down) in the Gulf Islands wine region. Hop on BC Ferries to the Southern Gulf Islands, nicknamed the “string of jewels,” where Saturna Island awaits. Nestled near Mayne and Salt Spring islands, it is one of the quieter islands and perfect for a laidback coastal retreat that features intimate wine tasting. 

One of your first stops should be Sage Hayward Vineyards, a family-estate on the southern edge of the island that stretches down toward the historic Saturna Beach. The winery, which even boasts its own mooring buoy and dock slips for boating guests, produces Vitis vinifera varieties ranging from Pinot Noir to Gewürztraminer. Visit for a scenic tasting, or come for their annual Harvest Fest in September, featuring friendly competition, live music, and wood-fired pizza.

Beyond the winery, there is much to explore. Watch for orcas from the bluffs, hike or bike up Mt. Warburton Pike, or visit one of the tranquil public beaches for a swim. East Point Regional Park is famous for its sandstone cliffs, whale-watching, and views of Mount Baker in Washington State to the south. Wherever you roam, go at your own pace because you are officially on Island time now.

Photo: Blue Grouse Estate Vineyard & Winery

Day 3: Find Down-to-Earth Charm and a Mediterranean Climate

Leapfrog to Vancouver Island wine region via BC Ferries and continue the leisurely wine tour in the Cowichan Valley wine sub-region, one of the largest in British Columbia that has been producing wine since the 1920s. On these fertile lands, you’ll find a collection of vineyards focused on sustainable production. The wine region is so impressive that famed chef, James Barber, coined it “Canada’s Provence.” Here, wine tasting is unhurried with a breezy, laidback feel. So take your time. 

Visit Blue Grouse Estate Vineyard & Winery, a family-owned winery near Duncan that places sustainability at the forefront. Their environmental stewardship runs the gamut from geothermal heating to green architecture and regenerative farming. Blue Grouse produces a full flight of wines, including red, white, Rosé, bubbles, and dessert wines. Choose one of their themed wine tastings, from Mediterranean-style with Italian bites to an in-depth exclusive tour that includes a visit to the cellar. Their large tasting room has a sun-drenched patio, hosting live music and a pizza pop-up in the summer months.

Photo: Unsworth Vineyards

Next up is Unsworth Vineyards in Mill Bay, another family run sensation that is steeped in stewardship. The winery specializes in coastal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, though their collection extends to sparkling, Rosé, and several other white and red varietals. Enjoy a flight with cheese pairing in their tasting room and garden patio, or linger longer at The Restaurant for elevated dining with a west coast menu. You can also book an exclusive tour of the vineyard and visit the barrel cellar.

Outside of Cowichan vineyards, you’ll find more than a dozen down-to-earth communities shaped by First Nations cultures, agriculture, and the outdoors. Visit farmers’ markets, specialty shops, and local breweries, orchards, and distilleries to savour local flavours. The area is home to charming towns like Duncan, Ladysmith, and Saltair, where hiking, biking, and attractions like the Malahat Skywalk are all on offer. Take the time to experience the stories, art, and language of the Coast Salish and Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations Peoples. The public display of 44 hand-carved totem poles in Duncan is not to be missed.

Where to Dine:

The many bistros and restaurants that are sprinkled across Vancouver Island celebrate the breadth of coastal cuisine. In Brentwood Bay, 20 minutes outside of Victoria, the Arbutus Room showcases the depth of elevated west coast cuisine. Meanwhile, The Restaurant at Unsworth Vineyards artfully crafts a menu shaped by sustainable ingredients from valleys, coastline, and gardens, all paired with award-winning wines.

On Saturna Island, the Feral Goat Bistro at Sage Hayward Vineyards serves up seasonal fare and shines a light on local ingredients sourced from neighbouring farms. The bistro is named after the many feral goats that roam the island.

Where to Stay:

On Vancouver Island, cozy up in the countryside at Lavender View in Cobble Hill near Duncan, just 50 minutes outside of Victoria. The charming bed & breakfast features an airy suite, a cedar sauna, hot tub, and an outdoor hammock gazebo. On Saturna, you can stay in a seaside cottage at Four Winds B&B, a charming space perched on a scenic bluff.

Getting Here:

Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are located on The Infinite Coast, an iconic stretch of coastline that runs along the Pacific edge from the southern Island to the very top of British Columbia. Getting to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands is part of the journey, with BC Ferries offering daily sailings. You can also take to the skies and hop on a floatplane to major Vancouver Island cities like Victoria and Nanaimo, as well as Saturna Island.