Types of Grapes

In British Columbia, government-sponsored experimental vineyard plots were set up to determine which varieties of grapes would ripen properly in BC’s climate. The knowledge gained from these experiments gave winemakers the head start they needed to produce quality wines without years of trial and devastating errors they would have otherwise suffered. Some of these test plots were located on Vancouver Island and grew as many as 65 different varietals. Some of these plots are still operating as vineyards today, growing only a small number of varietals that do well on the Island.

Crisp, fruity and clean white wines are Vancouver Island’s trademark products. Vancouver Island’s red wines are also delicious and Pinot Noir, a sophisticated medium-bodied red wine, has probably had the most success on the Island.

Although some of the finest ice wines are created in British Columbia, the climate on Vancouver Island does not allow local winemakers to produce ice wine. The temperatures here rarely reach the minimum -8°C to freeze the grapes on the vines, which is essential to make the famed dessert wine.

Unlike France and Germany, here in Canada the name of the grape is retained as the name of the wine. Some wineries also produce blends and these wines warrant an original name. The standard grapes grown and wines produced are on Vancouver Island are: