Discover
Gulf Islands Wine Country
Gulf Islands Wine region
Savour wines shaped by sea air and rooted in unique coastal communities.
Artsy and offbeat, these small islands invite laid-back coastal travel and small-batch sipping across a dozen intimate wineries. Sprinkled throughout the Salish Sea between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland, the Gulf Islands are dotted by characterful communities known for for craftsmanship and back-to-basics living. For millennia, Coast Salish First Nations have lived in harmony with these lands and waters, harvesting from nature in sustainable ways.
With a blend of rural landscapes and beachy vibes, Salt Spring, Pender, Saturna, Quadra, Gabriola, Hornby, and Denman islands are havens for creative spirits and unconventional thinkers. Wine tasting here is relaxed and personal, often accompanied by visits to artist studios, lush gardens, or rustic farm stands. You might stumble upon a quirky bookshop, a one-room museum, or shoot the breeze with a local shopkeeper. Circumnavigate each island by pedal, paddle, or car, exploring lesser-known trails, tucked-away bakeries, and secret beaches along the way. When you’re on island time, each day unfolds naturally at its own perfect pace.
Ocean Breeze in a Glass
The microclimate in the Gulf Islands is influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic topography of nearby Vancouver Island. Maritime influences bring moderate temperatures, while the mountains of Vancouver Island create a rain shadow effect, protecting vines from heavy rainfall and reducing excess moisture. Longer daylight hours in the summer, combined with cooler temperatures extend the growing season.
Layers of Time
The soils across the archipelagos share a similar composition with Vancouver Island and are rich in marine sediment, volcanic remnants, and glacial deposits. These ancient layers tell a story in every bottle, with wines shaped by coastal salinity, mineral complexity, and a deep sense of place.
11
Wineries
15+
varietals
110
ACRES PLANTED
Gulf Islands
WINERIES
Exploring British Columbia’s vineyards reveals the unique terroir & diverse varietals flourishing in this picturesque Canadian province.
Beyond Tastings: Regional Activities
The Gulf Islands are a welcome respite from the whirlwind of daily life. Slow down and slip into a soothing coastal dreamscape of cozy cabins, lighthouse lookouts, and forested hideaways. Each island has its own quirky personality, with a range of ways to explore. Hike to panoramic vistas, cycle country roads, or spend days in and on the water. Seasonal festivals that celebrate art, music, and food are the perfect way to connect with local communities and the island spirit.
Play Outside
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Cycling
- Watersports
- Fishing
- Scooter rentals
- Boating
- Camping
Adventure Together
- Museums & galleries
- Live music
- Heritage attractions
- Festivals & events
unwind
- Farms
- Shopping
- Spa & wellness
- Markets
- Festivals
- Wineries, cideries, breweries & distilleries
EXPLORE
MORE BC WINE REGIONS
The Okanagan Valley
10,920
Acres Planted
210
Licensed Grape Wineries
With an ever-changing panorama, the valley stretches over 250 kilometres, across sub-regions, each with distinct soil and climate conditions suited to growing a range of varietals from sun-ripened reds to lively fresh and often crisp whites.
Kootenays
117
Acres Planted
7
Licensed Grape Wineries
Located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, the Kootenay region is home to pristine rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs, alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains.
Shuswap
107
Acres Planted
6
Licensed Grape Wineries
Wines have been produced here since 1997, predominately of cool climate varieties, which is understandable as it is one of the most northerly grapegrowing regions in North America.
Thompson Valley
93
Acres Planted
3
Licensed Grape Wineries
Nestled amongst the natural beauty of the North and South Thompson Rivers in and around Kamloops, the rain shadow of the high coastal mountains, the semi-arid conditions and diverse microclimates provide many creative options for our winemakers to shine.
The Similkameen Valley
768
Acres Planted
17
Licensed Grape Wineries
The Similkameen Valley is a pristine stretch of vineyards, set amongst the dramatic backdrop of rugged and awe-inspiring mountains. Considered the “organic capital of Canada”, the area is known for small farms and producers dedicated to creating quality produce, delectable foods, and award-winning wines.
Fraser Valley
194
Acres Planted
28
Licensed Grape Wineries
Encompassing Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, New Westminster to Delta, Langley, Aldergrove and Abbotsford in the east, the Fraser Valley wine region is dedicated to producing high quality, handcrafted wines with diverse varieties and styles: from unique fruit wines to delicious sparkling wines to fresh, fruit-forward table wines to fortified.
Lillooet
51
Acres Planted
2
Licensed Grape Wineries
One of the oldest towns in the province, Lillooet is located at the southern tip of the Cariboo Chilcotin region of British Columbia. The climate is very similar to the traditional grapegrowing regions in the Okanagan Valley with long, hot, dry summers. However, nights are cooler, making average summer temperatures slightly lower than the Okanagan, but at the same time preserving the fresh crisp acidity in the wines.
Gulf Islands
110
Acres Planted
11
Licensed Grape 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.
Vancouver Island
321
Acres Planted
22
Licensed Grape Wineries
On Vancouver Island, grape winemaking really began after a provincial government-funded trial – the Duncan Project – identified Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and Ortega as promising varieties for this unique seaside environment.
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