Looking for the best wineries and cideries near Victoria, British Columbia? Nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the Saanich Peninsula is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts in British Columbia, Canada.
Known for its natural beauty, lush landscape, and rich history, the Saanich Peninsula’s fertile soils and temperate climate attracted European settlers in the mid-19th century. Agriculture became a central part of the region’s development, with settlers growing a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and grains.
The agricultural industry has remained a cornerstone of the Saanich Peninsula’s economy to this day, with a focus on viticulture and winemaking. This region offers a unique microclimate and diverse terroir, making it an ideal place for vineyards and wineries. In this guide, we will introduce you to the best wineries and cideries near Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula. Each with its own distinct character and exceptional wines.
First on our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria is Church and State Wines. Located only 15 minutes from downtown Victoria, this winery has gained a well-deserved reputation for producing high-quality wines in a picturesque setting.
Church and State Wines was originally established on Vancouver Island in 2004, and expanded to include over 80 acres of property in one of British Columbia’s prime wine-producing regions, the Okanagan Valley, specifically along the Oliver/Osoyoos corridor. The winery’s story began with a commitment to crafting premium wines from meticulously cultivated vineyards.
This dedication to excellence has allowed them to flourish in both locations on the island and in the Okanagan Valley, continuing their mission to produce outstanding wines while embracing the unique terroir of both regions. The Vancouver Island location in particular is a top bet among our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria.
The term “Church and State” refers to “freedom of belief”. Church and State Wines hopes that their wines will “speak for themselves.” With that, they desire to leave all judgment and appraisal in the hands of their guests. Church and State Wines boasts an impressive portfolio of wines crafted with dedication and precision. The vineyards are surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Saanich Peninsula. Their commitment to quality and sustainable practices makes them a top destination for wine enthusiasts.
Offering a diverse and impressive wine selection, you can expect to be wowed with varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and a red blend they playfully call their Lost Inhibitions Red. Plus, here you get to enjoy the best of both worlds, as wines from their Vancouver Island and Okanagan Estate Vineyards are poured!
A visit to Church and State Wines in Victoria provides a memorable wine-tasting experience in a stunning setting, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the vineyards and take in the scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
2. Muse Winery
Next on our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria is Muse Winery. Tucked into the charming community of North Saanich on Vancouver Island, Muse Winery is a true hidden gem. This boutique winery is celebrated for its idyllic setting, exceptional wines, and a dedication to creating a memorable wine-tasting experience.
Jane & Peter Ellmann bought Chalet Estate Winery in 2008. Having both come from a background of food, beverage and hospitality, it was a natural move for the couple, and a dream come true. As an homage to Jane, his life inspiration, Peter renamed the winery MUSE.
As for their grapes, Peter & Jane carefully select grapes from regions across Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands and the Okanagan Valley. The beauty of blending is found in the end result — varietals that boast character, vivaciousness, and sophistication.
Muse is a must see on the Saanich Peninsula, where varietals from Cabernet Merlot and Syrah to Marechal Foch and Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed. Fans of white wine will be spoiled with choice, as their white portfolio includes Ortega, Gewürztraminer, Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and two variations of Viognier.
In the summer, guests can enjoy Bistro Muse and a taste of the island while dining al fresco on the terrace in the vineyard, watching the eagles soar above. The historic location and charming ambiance make it a delightful place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. A fan favourite, the bistro is a top choice for food among our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria
3. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
Coming in third on our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria is Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. Their journey began with a deep appreciation for tradition and a dedication to sustainability. The owners, Kristen and Bruce Jordan, sought to create a place where the art and craft of cider-making could be celebrated, and with that, their farm was opened to the public for business in 2007.
The couple are guided by a strong mission statement and a clear focus. Not only are they dedicated to growing apples organically, which, in turn, they use to make traditionally fermented artisan ciders, they also aim to promote local agriculture on the peninsula and support the local community. Sociability, sustainability and community involvement mark the three pillars of Sea Cider’s business. We’ll cheers to that!
On a visit to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, guests will enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping on cider while gazing out over panoramic water views that expand across the Haro Straight right over to James Island. The farm often hosts orchard tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to stroll through the heritage apple orchards, learn about the apple varieties, and witness the cider-making process.
One of the best options on our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria, flights of ciders can also be expertly paired with organic cheese and other local delectables. Although it’s impossible to pick favourites, there are a few standouts amongst their ciders worth noting. The “Pippins” is juicy, expressive, packed with flavour, and will be sure to win over the most novice of cider drinkers.
Their “Ruby Rose” is semi-sweet, infused with rhubarb, and smells just like grandma’s rhubarb pie. The “Bramble Bubbly” combines the juicy sweetness of cider apples with the tart twist of organic blackberries for an irresistible finish. With a cider for every palate, this is one stop you won’t want to miss on your tour of the Saanich Peninsula! We highly recommend Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse as one of the best stops among our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria.
Next on our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria is Symphony Vineyard. A small farm that has been family owned and managed for over 60 years. Their land has been family farmed since the late 1950’s, beginning first with strawberries and then loganberries. The first vines were planted in 2004. The winery focuses on crispy, dry, aromatic white wines and rosé and lightly barrel aged, fruit forward reds.
Unlike many other wineries in the area, Symphony Vineyard’s wines are 100% Saanich grown. Grown on the estate are Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Ortega, Pinot Noir, Millet, and Marechal Foch. The winery’s stunning vineyard setting provides a tranquil atmosphere for wine tasting, and will leave you feeling like you’ve discovered your own secret garden.
Number five on our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria is Deep Cove Winery! Any visit to Vancouver Island wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Deep Cove. Nestled between the rolling hills of Horth Hill Regional Park and the sparkling waters of Deep Cove Beach, why not pay Deep Cove Winery a visit before heading to the nearby beach or marina!
Deep Cove Winery marks the fulfilment of a family dream. The family turned their dreams into reality in 2017 when they opened for business, and have been taking great pride in their hand-crafted estate wines ever since. Their pride stems from the work conducted as a family in the vineyards during hot summer days all the way through to harsh winter mornings preparing for the season to come. For them, vineyard work represents the chance for family bonding and an opportunity to create lasting memories.
This unrelenting hard work and commitment comes full circle each time a glass of wine is poured.
Deep Cove Winery boasts three acres of grapes grown over 22 years ago. Situated in the warmest spot in the region, Deep Cove Winery enjoys an optimal climate for growing grapes. Grapes are carefully sourced and selected from both the Okanagan and Osoyoos regions in conjunction with estate grown grapes to craft unparalleled vintages that the family hopes will showcase the love and passion for all that they do.
On a visit to Deep Cove Winery, the savvy thing to do would be to enjoy a flight of their 4 featured wines alongside one of their succulent cheese and charcuterie platters. Expect to be dazzled by their tropical Ortega, their crisp and refreshing Pinot Gris, their seductive Pinot Noir and their “Alchemy”, a Bordeaux style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet franc.
6. Victoria Cider Co.
Last on our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria is Victoria Cider Co. As is the case with many of the wineries, ciders and breweries on the island, Victoria Cider Co. is a family affair through and through. Bravely led by father and husband Wayne, this family run operation welcomes you in for a visit during your stay on Vancouver Island. Wayne is the resident cider maker and is supported by wife Maureen and their four children Kirstie, Jamie, Daniel, and Emily.
The quaint, cute, light and bright space is outshone only by the absolutely mouthwatering ciders on offer. An instagrammer’s paradise, entering into this space feels like stepping into the apartment of your much cooler, much more stylish older cousin.
A menu of just about a dozen ciders are available for sampling, ranging from dry as a dessert to semi sweet. As if the welcoming space weren’t enough, the cidery is also family friendly and dog friendly! Stay a while and enjoy a variety of card games, Jenga, and Cornhole. Feeling peckish? Their sumptuous charcuterie boards will fit the bill, paired perfectly with one of their ciders. We can’t imagine a better way to spend the afternoon!
The properties listed above in our list of the best wineries and cideries near Victoria offer the best of the Saanich Peninsula. Each offering a diverse and exciting wine and cider tasting experience. From traditional wineries with a rich history to more contemporary cider houses, there’s something to suit every palate.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply seeking a scenic and relaxed wine-tasting journey, the Saanich Peninsula has much to offer. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vineyards, savor exceptional wines and ciders, and take in the breathtaking landscapes that define this beautiful region.
To learn more about the incredible wine, beer and cider experiences on Vancouver Island, please check out our Victoria Tours
