Wines from Vancouver Island, the newest kid on the block, absolutely delightful!

Dear Wine Ladies,

I was recently introduced to a couple of wines which surprisingly came from Vancouver Island; one was from the winery Zanatta and the other from Averill Creek.

Dear Wine Ladies,

I was recently introduced to a couple of wines which surprisingly came from Vancouver Island; one was from the winery Zanatta and the other from Averill Creek.

I didn’t realize the island grew wine grapes or had any wineries, thinking that was the sole domain of the Okanagan. I thoroughly enjoyed Zanatta’s fresh and fruity white wine, Damasco and was really impressed with the Pinot Noir 2006 from the Averill Creek winery of which I am eager to learn more about. What is this wine’s availability?

Jacob
Guelph,Ontario

Dear Jacob,

Indeed Vancouver Island, although the newest wine growing region in B.C. has definitely come into it’s own over the last few years with many experts claiming it to be, or having the potential to be one of the best wine growing regions in North America. Averill Creek Winery, which is located on the slope of Mount Prevost in the Cowichan Valley, is home to the largest estate grown vineyard and winery on Vancouver Island. The Pinot Noir 2006 you so enjoyed was produced from five year old vines, was aged for twelve months in new, two and three year old Burgundian oak barrels with the final
product definitely expressing true Pinot characteristics with a black cherry nose, a hint of tobacco and a touch of leather. We too, had an opportunity to sample this estate grown Vancouver Island Pinot several weeks ago courtesy of Kyla-Rae Wareham from the Inn at Laurel Point, a sumptuous and serene inn located in Victoria. Thank you Kyla, we hope to enjoy the 2007 vintage at the up-coming Olympics!

The wines are available for purchase at the winery during tasting hours as well as at a variety of retailers on Vancouver Island, in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. Unfortunately the Pinot Noir 2006 you so enjoyed is sold out.