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

963 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.