Updated 2023
The Saanich Peninsula in Victoria is often referred to as Canada’s ‘Provence’ thanks to its mild climate, beautiful landscapes and rolling hills which surrounded by several freshwater bodies including ponds and lakes. Once a primarily farming community, the peninsula continues to be a major agricultural producer, in addition to engaging in farming, logging and real estate development. In spite of the spurt in commercial and residential development, the Saanich Peninsula continues to protect its green areas and has numerous parks and farmlands which have been shielded from rezoning.
The Saanich Peninsula and Victoria is home to several small towns including the quaint seaside town of Sydney which can be reached via BC Ferry. Many First Nation tribes also reside here, including the Coast Salish who have called Saanich home for millennia. The Saanich Peninsula is a popular tourist area featuring attractions such as themed botanical gardens and increasingly, a good number of wineries offering award winning, locally produced wines. Saanich, which is situated just 30 minutes from Victoria, is a wonderland of outdoor activities including cycling, kayaking and other water sports, cafe culture and wine tours. Canadian Craft Tours offer service to most of the wine regions in The Saanich Peninsula, allowing you to fit in 4-5 wineries and sample as many wines as possible while enjoying the pristine countryside.
The Saanich Peninsula Wine region is one of the two closest wine producing areas to Victoria, and along with the Cowichan region, takes only 30-60 minutes to reach. Located to the North of Victoria, this wine region can be accessed via BC Ferry or via shuttle from various operators who conduct tours in the region. A wine tour in the Saanich Peninsula is ideal because it allows you to fit in up to 5 wineries in the span of one day and still make it home in time for your favourite TV show. Over 60 wine varietals are produced in this region, which means that you will not lack for a winery offering your favourite alcoholic beverage. Canadian Craft Tours organizes tours to several of the top wineries in the region. We pick you up from your Victoria location via luxury shuttle or minivan and provide you with an itinerary that includes wine samplings, al fresco lunches or picnics at selected wineries, discount on wines purchased and many other exciting activities. The following are some of the wineries you can expect to visit on your Victoria wine tour:
This winery located in Brentwood is Victoria’s largest wine producer and features a vineyard, tasting bar, wine shop and bistro. Located just 15 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, the winery features an unmatched tasting experience of award winning wines combined with uniquely created meals from the bistro. Each meal comes with suggested wine pairings to help you make the best of your experience. The winery is open for booking for both corporate and private events such as weddings.
Symphony Vineyard is the quintessential family owned wine producer, churning out aromatic dry white wines and light reds that are extremely popular. The Vineyard has an onsite deli, timber tasting room, and shop. Vineyard tours are available most months of the year, along with tastings and meals from the deli. Berries, grapes, wines and preserves are available from the shop, with discounts on selected products depending on the season. A friendly family atmosphere, wide array of wines and spectacular views are just a few reasons why you should consider visiting this quaint and well run winery.
Pro tip- Call ahead to make sure they are both open and have room for tasting.
Sea cider farm and Ciderhouse is one of the top attractions in Saanich, and is a working orchard featuring over 1500 apple trees with over 50 heritage varieties. Using traditional fermentation techniques and organically grown apples, the farm produces award winning ciders that are sold on site as well as all over British Columbia and Alberta as well as in several states in the USA. Tastings are available throughout the year and visitors can enjoy a glass of clean, crisp cider against a panoramic view of the Haro Straight. The farm is also open for corporate events and weddings. Bitings are available to accompany the delicious ciders and customers are free to browse through several handcrafted farm products available for sale.
Deep Cove Winery (Formally Muse Winery) produces wines from grapes grown on site as well as those sourced from all over BC. A small family run unit, the Deep Cove winery allows you the opportunity to sample a variety of red and white wines full of character, flavour and aroma. A bistro set smack in the middle of the vineyard allows you to sample creatively made meals using fresh local produce while enjoying your favourite Muse wine. The winery is a popular wedding venue offering plenty of room for guests, beautiful gardens and an onsite chef who is willing to customize menus to suit your own personal taste. The wine shop and tasting rooms are open on weekends and offer a variety of wines, gourmet products and gift baskets. **Note, if you are going to visit Deep Cove call ahead as it could be closed for the season. New Owners doing a great job bringing this winery back to life.
Located in the beautiful Saanich Valley, Church & State Wines is a unique winery experience perfect for special occasions. With two wineries owned by the same company, this charming destination produces award-winning wines that can be enjoyed at their tasting room and/or during a meal at one of their on-site restaurants.
Church & State is a great location for weddings and other special events. The winery boasts panoramic views of the Saanich landscape, making it the perfect place to celebrate your love with family and friends. For an additional fee, the creative staff at Church & State are also available to organize private catered dinners or lunches in their stunning event spaces.
In addition to providing picturesque scenery and excellent service, Church & State offers premium wine tastings as well as occasional open kitchen meals. Local produce combines with on-site crafted recipes to make every meal an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re looking to enjoy an afternoon sampling award-winning wines or join them for a private event, Church & State has something for everyone.
Canadian Craft tours is committed to ensuring that your wine tour meets and exceeds all your expectations. Our carefully crafted itinerary is designed to allow you to visit the best wineries and sample the best vintages on offer. We have special deals with many wineries to ensure that you receive exclusive treatment on your visit, as well as special discounts on a variety of wines.
Contact us to find out how we can make your next wine tour the best ever.