The Vancouver Island wine region has a different feel from the more well-known Okanagan Wine Region. You notice its uniqueness immediately. The coastal air is cooler and fresher, a mix of ocean breeze and the damp scent of cedar from the old-growth forests. It evokes a strong connection to nature and the environment, which sets this wine region apart and directly impacts the distinct grape varietals and wine styles produced. It’s the kind of place that pulls you in and makes you slow down with its laid-back lifestyle. Influenced by the glacier soils, varied topography, and coastal climate, Vancouver Island vineyards are making exceptional award-winning wines with remarkable character, including artisan sparkling wines, using various methods from traditional to modern that rival the best.