The newest, warmest, and second-largest wine region in British Columbia is Vancouver Island and the nearby Gulf Islands. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean off the southwest corner of British Columbia, the region, with its moderate summers and winters, enjoys a climate milder than that of B.C.’s interior. Growers appreciate the islands’ rich volcanic soils and long growing season, but still focus on growing early-ripening varieties of grapes because of frequent rain and inconsistent temperatures.
Dozens of varieties of grapes are grown in the Vancouver Island region, some experimental, many traditional, and some reminiscent of Germany or France’s Burgundy region. Popular varietals include Pinot Noir, Auxerrois (related to Chardonnay), Siegerrebe, and Gewürtztraminer, Müller–Thurgau, and Ortega.
Newly done.
