Creating a Natural Community

The Saanich Peninsula: Drink It In

Never mind the Loire Valley, and Napa can definitely wait. As it turns out, a memorable winery tour isn’t something that requires great expense, planning or even time when you live at Woodland Heights. From here, you’re within easy driving distance to some of BC’s most notable wineries and the island’s very own cider house.

In fact, taking a day (or two) to tour the Saanich Peninsula makes an ideal staycation complete with a spectacular drive with rows of lush vineyards and orchards, as well as remarkable local fare.

Along the way, you’ll find a handful of charming locally owned and operated wineries boasting some award-winning and memorable wines from crisp, fruity whites to bright rosés and robust reds.

The Symphony Vineyard, a short 20-minute drive up island, is an ideal spot to grab a picnic basket, a bottle of Symphony wine and load up on some Saltspring and Vancouver Island cheese, along with locally sourced charcuterie and smoked wild Canadian salmon for an easy (yet wonderfully indulgent) gourmet picnic.

Farther north is the Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, which grows and presses its own certified organic apples using the traditional rack-and-cloth method, then ferments the juice slowly before aging it to perfection. Take a tour, then take in a glass of delicious cider and some lunch while watching the waves roll by from the Ciderhouse deck. 

Project: Two St. Thomas