Visiting British Columbia’s Wine Islands

With a balmy climate sometimes compared to the Mediterranean, the Gulf Islands are a favorite retreat for outdoor adventurers—and, more recently, wine lovers.

Grape growing is relatively new to the Gulf Islands. The first vines in the region were planted on Vancouver Island in the 1980s; commercial sales didn’t really begin until the late 1990s. Now, business is booming and the awards are sailing in. Currently there are seven wineries and about 100 acres planted to grapes on five Gulf Islands.