You don’t need to travel to the Okanagan to try delicious B.C. wines. Drive less than an hour from Vancouver to Langley and Fort Langley to find some of the Lower Mainland’s best hidden treasures for your wine cellar, or simply enjoy an afternoon of discovery. [Image courtesy of Backyard Vineyards]
While relatively new in the B.C. winery industry, Backyard Vineyards have made a splash and can be found, often on tap, at theatres, restaurants and bars throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond. Their tasting room is modern yet welcoming, industrial yet cozy, and large enough to fit many groups looking for either a tasting flight or something more long lasting, such as the tasting plates, specially designed to match their wines. Take one of these delicious dishes and a bottle of their Neighbour White to the outdoor patio in the summertime.
This vast, well-appointed estate could easily be at home nestled into the countryside of Bordeaux. Luckily, it’s much closer to home for B.C. residents. The family-run estate launched in 1981 and has been producing both white and red wines ever since. They now produce more than 20 varieties every year, all from B.C. VQA grapes. Open the wooden tasting room doors to be greeted by friendly staff and a beautiful boutique of bottles and accessories for purchase. The Bacchus Bistro, just next-door, cooks authentic French cuisine and is the ideal spot for a mid-afternoon break, or an intimate dinner.
Township 7’s Fraser Valley tasting room is one of two in B.C.; the original is situated in the Naramata Bench of the Okanagan. Those who visit the local version are still in for a treat. A cozy, intimate tasting room matches the Old World style of Township 7’s wines. Larger groups can enjoy a different atmosphere in the larger tasting room with floor-to-ceiling windows and long tables, often used for wine tasting dinners or parties. Offering a range of varietals in both red and white, their wines are a delicious option for varying budgets.
To visit this farm and winery is to step into a world of pastoral bliss. See the vines used to create wine, walk around the orchards or bump into a friendly farm cat (or maybe even a chicken). Set on 10 acres, Vista D’oro offers a range of tasting experiences. Visitors can enjoy a tasting session of their wines – such as fortified walnut wine, or pear wine, or pinot noir – or browse the locally produced preserves and snacks at the Farmgate Shop. Budget more time for this location – this is more of an experience than a tasting.
Step into The Fort Wine Company’s tasting room and you’ll be stepping into a more traditional time. The welcome atmosphere features cozy decorations, traditional wood furniture and delightful sundries on display. Their 10 different wine varieties, many from the farm’s own blueberries and cranberries, include red, white and dessert wine, each with sassy names such as “Saucy”, “Cold Snap” and “Bite Me.” Fort Wine also uses its fruit to create gift-perfect wine jellies and balsamic vinegars.