The wine tours of Vancouver Island pack serious value for travelers, especially in two prime regions: the Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley. Small-group tours (my favorite way to go) run daily, offering good bang for your buck with included transportation and tastings. The best operators use comfortable mini-buses and keep groups intimate – usually 8-12 people max.
I’m particularly fond of the tours hitting family-run wineries in Cowichan Valley. These include behind-the-scenes peeks at production and thoughtful food pairings. The Saanich Peninsula tours, while shorter, work well for travelers based in Victoria.
Let’s look at the standout wine tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
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The Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour and the Victoria to Cowichan Wine 6-Hour Guided Tour offer intimate wine experiences with luxury transportation and front-of-the-line access.
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The Victoria Wine Tour With Wine Tastings and Charcuterie and the Nothin to Wine About Winery Adventure in Cowichan Valley provide private tastings, guided tours, and light meals at acclaimed wineries.
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The Victoria Boutique Winery Tour showcases scenic drives through the Saanich Peninsula with tastings of fine wines, craft spirits, and exceptional ciders.
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The Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour With Tastings features three local wineries, a light lunch, and round-trip transportation from downtown Victoria.
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The tours offer maximum group sizes ranging from 6 to 25 participants, ensuring personalized and intimate wine experiences on Vancouver Island.
Victoria Boutique Winery Tour
For those seeking an intimate and exclusive wine tasting experience on Vancouver Island, the Victoria Boutique Winery Tour offers a delightful opportunity. This 5-star rated tour takes visitors on a scenic journey through the Saanich Peninsula, visiting premier vineyards, distilleries, and cideries.
Travelers are transported in a luxury Tesla, allowing them to soak in the breathtaking views of volcanic hills, coastal roads, and orchards along the way. The tour includes tastings of fine wines, craft spirits, and exceptional ciders, with optional gourmet meals available at select locations.
Highlights include visits to Deep Cove Winery, Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery, and Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. The knowledgeable and friendly guides ensure a personalized and engaging experience, tailoring the itinerary to the group’s preferences.
With a maximum group size of 6, this boutique tour offers an intimate and memorable wine tasting adventure on Vancouver Island.
Read our full review: Victoria Boutique Winery Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour
Nestled in the heart of Vancouver Island’s picturistic Cowichan Valley, the Premium Wine Tour offers an unparalleled exploration of the region’s finest vineyards, cideries, distilleries, and breweries.
Hosted in an elegant Tesla Model S 85, this full-day experience provides front-of-the-line access to premium tasting destinations, allowing guests to indulge in gourmet samples of wine, spirits, beer, and cider.
The tour includes a delectable charcuterie lunch with vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gratuities.
Travelers can enjoy the scenic landscapes and customize their pickup arrangements, with wheelchair-accessible transportation and service animals welcomed.
With a maximum group size of 6, the tour ensures a personalized and intimate experience.
Highly rated by previous guests, the Premium Wine Tour has received glowing reviews for its knowledgeable guides and the stunning beauty of the Cowichan Valley.
This is a must-do experience for oenophiles and adventure-seekers alike, offering a perfect blend of luxury, exploration, and exceptional local flavors.
Read our full review: Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Victoria to Cowichan Wine 6-Hour Guided Tour
Though the Cowichan Valley is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, the From Victoria to Cowichan Wine 6-Hour Guided Tour offers a convenient way for visitors to explore the region’s burgeoning wine scene.
This 6-hour tour departs from Victoria and is led by an energetic guide who’s knowledgeable about the Vancouver Island wine route. Travelers can expect private tastings exclusive to the group, as well as a behind-the-scenes winery tour. With a maximum of 25 participants, the experience promises an intimate and personalized outing.
However, a recent review suggests potential issues, as a customer reported that the tour bus didn’t show up and the contact number for reservations was disconnected.
Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, and it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Nonetheless, for oenophiles seeking a convenient way to discover Cowichan’s wineries, this tour may still be worth considering, provided these limitations are taken into account.
Read our full review: From Victoria to Cowichan Wine 6-Hour Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Victoria Wine Tour With Wine Tastings and Charcuterie
The Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie offers a delightful opportunity for oenophiles to explore the picturesque Saanich Peninsula.
This intimate tour, limited to 15 passengers or fewer, provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into three renowned local wineries: Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard, Enrico Winery, and Unsworth Vineyards Tasting Room.
Guests will enjoy private wine tastings, a guided tour, and insights from an expert guide with extensive knowledge of the region’s wines.
The tour also includes a light lunch and charcuterie, as well as discounts at select wineries.
With a 94% recommendation rate and a 4.8-star rating, the Victoria Wine Tour has earned rave reviews from past travelers who praised the knowledgeable guides and the stunning winery settings.
The tour departs at 10 AM from downtown Victoria, and the minimum age requirement is 19 years.
While not recommended for pregnant travelers, the tour is stroller-accessible and operates in all weather conditions.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Victoria Wine Tour With Wine Tastings and Charcuterie Review
Book now: Check availability
Nothin to Wine About Winery Adventure in Cowichan Valley
Situated amidst the picturesque Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, the “Nothin to Wine About Winery Adventure” offers visitors a delightful opportunity to explore the region’s renowned vineyards.
This guided tour includes visits to three acclaimed wineries, allowing participants to savor a diverse array of local wines through tastings. Travelers can look forward to a hassle-free experience, with door-to-door transportation and no need to worry about driving.
The tour also includes free time in the charming seaside village of Cowichan Bay, adding to the day’s enjoyment. With a maximum of 16 travelers per group, the experience promises an intimate and personalized exploration of the Cowichan Valley’s winemaking heritage.
Positive reviews highlight the quality and diversity of the wines, as well as the overall satisfaction of past participants, with 100% recommending the tour.
Whether a wine connoisseur or simply curious, the “Nothin to Wine About Winery Adventure” is an excellent way to discover the flavors of Vancouver Island.
Read our full review: Nothin to Wine About Winery Adventure in Cowichan Valley Review
Book now: Check availability
Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour With Tastings
Offering an excellent way to explore Vancouver Island’s renowned wine region, the “Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour With Tastings” takes visitors on a delightful journey through the picturesque Cowichan Valley.
With a 99% recommendation rate from travelers, this tour provides an immersive experience, showcasing three local wineries and their distinct offerings. Guests can expect to visit Enrico Winery, Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard, and Unsworth Vineyards, where they’ll enjoy tastings and tours led by a knowledgeable local guide.
The tour also includes a light lunch at a boutique winery, allowing visitors to savor the breathtaking vineyard views. Lasting approximately 5 hours, the tour departs from downtown Victoria, offering round-trip transportation for a hassle-free experience.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a delightful day in the countryside, the “Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour With Tastings” delivers a memorable and highly recommended adventure.
Read our full review: Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour With Tastings Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Vancouver Island’s wine tours offer a diverse range of experiences, from intimate boutique winery visits to comprehensive guided excursions through the renowned Cowichan Valley. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a delightful day out, these tours provide an excellent opportunity to discover the region’s exceptional vintages and picturesque landscapes. With a variety of options to choose from, visitors can curate their perfect wine-tasting adventure on Vancouver Island.