The Gulf Islands

Nestled in the Georgia Strait which separates Vancouver Island from the mainland, and connected by a network of small ferries, the Gulf Islands are home to 12 wineries.   A vibrant community of wine producing islands – Salt Spring, Pender, Saturna, Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, Denman – offer a glimpse into an easygoing lifestyle that allows time to savour the quiet moments with a fitting variety of unpretentious wines.

FACT:The Gulf Islands region is home to vineyards on Salt Spring, Pender, Saturna, Quadra and Bowen Islands. The first vineyards were planted on Saturna Island in 1995.

FACT:A wine tour of the Gulf Islands is enhanced by farmers’ markets, farm to table cuisine, artisan galleries and inviting places to stay.

FACT:Easily accessible by ferries and float planes, the Gulf Islands are world-renowned for stunning scenery featuring vineyards, orchards, rolling hills, lush valleys and ocean vistas.

Terroir

1,011 growing degree days. ( Saturna Island)

The mild climate of the Georgia Strait is very conducive to grapegrowing, although scarcity of water and extreme aridity in summer can present challenges.