British Columbia's Fraser Valley

Artisan Sakemaker at Granville Island

1339 Railspur Alley,
Vancouver, BC V6H 4G9

This was Canada’s first sake house when it opened in 2007. Even the minority who knew something about sake likely had never seen how this iconic Japanese rice wine is made.  You can watch the entire process in the open kitchen concept. Masa Shiroki, the soft-spoken owner , diminutive evangelist of sake, never tires of explaining the process.*

Their product is Osake. Osake is the first "fresh premium"Junmai Sake [Namazake] of its kind produced in Canada. Fermented from top-quality Japanese sakamai, then hand-pressed and hand-bottled, Osake is left unfiltered to optimize its fresh, delicate, fruit-like aromas and flavours. Unlike premium sakes imported from Japan, which are typically produced once a year in winter, Osake is made in small batches several times a year in cycles roughly corresponding to the changing of the seasons. This departure from tradition allows Masa to explore and produce versatile wines that complement the varied in-season bounty of our local west coast cuisine-from fish and shellfish in spring and summer to heat-warming braises and stews in fall and winter

Products are Osake Junmai Nama, Junmai Nama Nigori, and Junmai Nama Gonshu

Sakemaker: Masa Shiroki

Blackwood Lane Vineyards & Winery

25180 8th Avenue
Langley, BC

Located close to Greater Vancouver just a little southeast of Langley town centre. The winery is owned by Carlos Lee and Winemaker Charles Herrold. They have 12.2 acres and take advantage of their south facing, well drained slope, unique terroir, and favorable microclimate.

One of their objectives when starting the winery was to find a good location close to the Greater Vancouver area. Charles' residence is on Blackwood Lane so when he first started the winery, his late best friend Bob suggested "Blackwood Lane" and this name was made permanent when Carlos formed the company

The tuscany style building is home to the only barrel cave in the area and is open on the weekends and by appointment Monday to Friday. The vineyard was optimized to produce Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. With additional grapes grown in the Okanagan.

Future plans include adding a Bistro Restaurant, B&B and Spa along with a Pavilion for weddings and special gatherings.

Winemaker: Charles Herrold
Philosophy: Bonus Vita et Bonus Amici” (Good Life and Good Friends)

Signature wines: Flagship is the Sommelier Series "Alliance", a Bordeaux Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Sommelier Series include a single Vineyard Merlot and traditional Cabernet Franc

Blossom Winery

5491 Minoru Boulevard
Richmond, BC V6X 2B1

John Chang and Allison Lu selected the Richmond area for their winery as it would be close to the rich fruit producing areas of Delta and not too far from the Okanagan. The winery is also close to the Vancouver airport

John comes from Taiwan where he grew up in his Grandmother's house, where one room was set aside for making fruit wines. The style of Blossoms Wines reflects the memory of his Grandmother's wines and his perception of the Asian palate. John has been working with wine consultant Ron Taylor.

Blossom focuses on xxports and produces over 8.000 gallons (30,000 litres) of icewine. The grapes are crushed in the Okanagan then processed in Richmond.

Moved to Lulu Island Winery

They also own the Lulu Island Winery

Blue Heron Fruit Winery

18539 Dewdney Trunk Rd
Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2R9

The winery is located on the north side of the Fraser River opposite The Fort Winery Company. George and Ragna Flynn started farming his property in 1946 opened the winery in 2003 at the age of 84. The name comes from the large number of Blue Herons found in the area.

His 20 acres originally was composed of cranberries and blueberries. George hired Dominic Rivard at The Fort Winery to produce the initial wines for Blue Heron. The wines include Blueberry, Strawberry and Cranberry, as well as dessert wines including peach/apricot; also a very sweet, very smooth iced apple dessert wine.


Winemaker : Richard Flynn

Philosophy:
I have observed during complimentary tastings at our winery that people are pleasantly surprised with our wines. Our winery offers something that appeals to everyone as our fruit wines are diverse in both flavor and sweetness. Our signature blueberry and cranberry wines seem to be especially popular. Working with the different fruits has certainly been a challenge as they have such varied characteristics. Similar to grapes there are significant differences in color, flavor, sugar content and quantity of juice you obtain when pressing different varieties of blueberries.

The blueberry musts are quite easy to prepare as they typically have sufficient nutrient for yeasts and require only sugar and a little acid to be added.  Cranberry juice is very acidic and requires a significant acid reduction and addition of nutrient before yeasts will flourish in the must.  I avoid using essences to achieve fruit flavor, aroma and color in our wines.  I prefer to use lots of fruit as we have more than enough available from our farm.  I always wait with anticipation to see how each batch turns out and then decide the best way to finish it that will best achieve a top quality wine and meet our production needs
Signature wines: Blueberry and Cranberry Table Wines

 

Constantin-Vasilca Winery

1385 Frost Road
Lindell Beach, BC V2R 4X8

Nestled on the hillside of the Columbia valley at the south end of Cultus Lake, John Stuyt founded his winery in 1997. He sold the property to Constantin and Vasilica Nemtanu. They purchased the farm to escape the harsh climate and city life of Montreal where they had settle after arriving in Canada from Romania.

Vasilica recruited consultant Ron Taylor to make the wines for her a leading consultant for fruit wines. Velvet Royal made from a blend of raspberry and red currant is very popular. The farm has 7.5 hectares of hazel nuts from which a fortified
wines hazelnut liqueuris made.

Domaine de Chaberton Estates

1064-216th St.,
Langley, BC V2Z 1R3

The first of the the Fraser Valley wineries, Domaine de Chaberton was opened by founder's Claude and Inge Violet. This very successful winery was named after their vineyard that they had owned in France. The Fraser Valley location was selected for its proximity to Vancouver, the micro climate, south facing slope and quality of soil and low rain fall.

The Violet family has been involved in winemaking since 1644. With Claude's background in winemaking, the expertise of winemaker, Dr. Elias Phiniotis, and the long sunny days, Domaine de Chaberton produces only the finest 'cool climate' wines. The winery was sold in 2008 to Anthony Cheng and Eugene Kwan

While the majority of the white varietals are grown in Langley, red wine grapes are grown on additional acreage in the "Golden Mile" area of the South Okanagan. Currently Domaine de Chaberton produces 14 wines, 10 white,7 red and two dessert wines

Home to the famous Bacchus Bistro, (which is located adjacent to the vineyard), guests can relax and enjoy fabulous French Bistro cuisine. Prepared fresh daily from only the finest ingredients, the bistro offers a vast selection of authentic bistro cuisine.

Producers of Canoe Cove Wines

Winemaker: Dr Elias Phiniotis
Philosophy:   With dedication to traditional grape growing and using the latest technology available,
produce award winning, 100% BC wines

Signature wines: Bacchus, Chaberton Blanc, Chaberton Rouge, Gewürztraminer and Gamay Noir

Kermode Wild Berry Wines

8457 River Road
Dewdney, BC V0M-1H0

A natural fruit berry winery located in the village of Dewdney (near Mission) along the Fraser River. The winery is owned by Fritz and Bob Sprieszl
The winery name comes from the Kermode or spirit bear which is now the official animal of B.C. The Kermode is an extremely rare white phase of black bear found predominately on BC's north coast, along with several of the winery's signature berries.  The Kermode is now the official animal of BC and might be the mascot for the 2010 olympic games.

This family run winery currently has 8 varieties of wine cellared with 4 more next year. They plan to had up to forty varities. Signature wines include Himalayan blackberry wine, Alpine Blueberry and Himalayan Blackberry port

 

Winemakers: Fritz and Bob Sprieszl
Philosophy: With over 40 kinds of edible wild berries growing in B.C., it is the aim of the brothers to include as many as possible in their rapidly growing selection of unique blends. Whether out in the wilderness picking the berries or at the plant wild crafting the wines, the rewards come at the end of the day. Keeping true to the humble beginnings of the winery, friends and family are always the first to taste the ‘fruits', or shall it be said ‘wines of our labor.' It is their expressions and words of praise after trying each new wine that gives the brothers of Kermode Wild Berry Wines the assurance of a job well done and the motivation to continue to strive for more. For Fritz and Bob Spriezl this is not a job, but a way of life; simply their passion. 
our goal is to make the best  wines, ports and liqueurs from 100% natural wild berries. 

Himalayan Blackberry Port named the best Fortified Fruit Wine at the 2006 All Canadian Championship

Lotusland Vineyards

28450 King Road
Abbotsford BC V4X 1B1

A family owned winery located just west of Abbotsford. Nestled in the Fraser Valley surrounded by snow topped mountains and just 27 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, Lotusland's three and one half hectare vineyard offers not only spectacular views, but also the perfect coastal climate for growing some of the world's finest wine grapes.

The original name A'Very winery; the name plays on the surnames of the Owners David and Liesbeth (Liz)Avery. The winery name was changed in November of 2003. They began planting in 1998 after two years of preparing the land for the vineyard. All of their wines will be made exclusively from organically grown grapes David the winemaker implements the strict organic guidelines. A tasting room and picnic area awaits visitors where you may sample their exceptional cool climate wines or purchase a glass of wine and light fare in the picnic area over looking the vineyard.

Winemaker: David Avery:
Philosophy: I let the grapes speak for themselves through my wine. I don't manipulate but instead guide them in style fairly unique to our terroir.

Summer Hours:  Wed-Sat 11-6pm, Sun and Mon 12-5pm
Winter Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 11-5pm Tours by appointment.

Lulu Island WInery

16880 Westminster Highway
Richmond, BC

John Chang and Allison Lu  have succesfully operated Blossum winery since 2001.  Since Blossom was located in a strip mall and visitors wanted a greater experience they opened Lulu Island Winery a few miles away. The facility is situated on 14 acres of land. It has multiple tasting rooms and a restaurant will be opening soon. The grape vines were planted more than a year before the completion of the new facility.

The winery focuses on exports Signature wines: Merlot, Icewine

 

Neck of the Woods

3033 – 232nd Street
Langley, BC V2Z 3A8

Proprietor Ewen Stewart has made a living in real estate development ever since his fourth year at the University of
Manitoba. He purchased the former G  Winery in 2007. Ewen also owns Pepin Brook Vineyards (Backyard Vineyards)
The large facilities at Neck of the Woods a 20,000-case winery that had been making between 2,500 and 5,000 cases per year
allows Ewen to produce his Pepin Brook wines there while  the winery is being built

Pacific Breeze Winery

6-320 Stewardson Way
New Westminster BC V3M 6C3

The winery operates without owning a vineyard bringing in grapes from California, Washington and British columbia. Their goal is to craft Bold, Powerful, Intense food friendly styled wines

Winemakers: Dan Jones and Don Kellett

 

Dedicated to make the world's finest icewines. Owned by James Stewart who selected the name because he believed the family property in Naramata was so beautiful.

Paradise Ranch is the largest icewine producer in British Columbia and the world's only winery specializing exclusively in icewines. Paradise Ranch has a long list of awards presented to it for icewines and late harvest wines.

Paradise Ranch has exported wine to over 20 countries and currently offers the following wines: Chardonnay Icewine, Riesling Icewine, Pinot Noir Icewine, Chardonnay/Riesling Late Harvest, Pinot Noir Late Harvest and Merlot Late Harvest. Signature wines: Merlot Icewine and Chardonnay Icewine

Winemaker: Jeff Martin
Philosophy: To make the world's finest icewines

River's Bend Winery

15560 Colebrook Road
Surrey, BC V3S 0L2

Located in south end of Surrey between the Fraser River and the USA border. A number of smaller rivers run by the vineyards including the Serpentine River. The winery is located where the river bends as it turns towards the coast. It is the first and only winery in Surrey.

Court Faessler is applying his fifteen years experience of growing grapes at this location to establish wine production, including both red and white wines that excel in variety and characteristics. The winery produces it own grapes growing Chardonnay and PInot Gris

Winemaker: Court Faessler

Sanduz Estate Winery

12791 Blundell Road
Richmond, BC V6W1B4

The winery opened in 2006 specializing in fruit wines, it is owned by Dave and Neeta Sandhu. They use local fruits from their 140 acres of farmland

Signature wines: Blueberry Table, Dry Blueberry Table, Granny Smith Apple Table, Merlot, Dry Gewürztraminer.

Winemaker: Ron Taylor
Philosophy: To make excellent wines with quality fruit and as close to perfection as we can.

St. Urban Winery

47189 Bailey Road
Chilliwack, BC V2R4S8

Named for the Patron Saint of vine growers and winemakers Wines are made in the traditional European Style

The Fort Wine Co. Estate Winery

26151 84th Avenue,
Fort Langley, BC V1M 3M6

Located just minutes from the charming and historic town of Fort Langley, BC, this winery was founded by Wade and Erinn Bauck. The Baucks, their business partners, winemaker and staff share a passion for producing the highest quality innovative fruit wines and fortified dessert wines in Canada. Fort Wine Co. fruit table and dessert wines have been winning many noteworthy awards for their innovation and taste, including Best Dessert Wine in Show (Iced Apple) at the Northwest Wine Summit in 2004 (competing against all BC, Washington and Oregon Ice Wines!) and Best Dry/Off-Dry 100% Varietal Tree Fruit Wine (Peach Apricot) at the Canadian Wine Awards in 2003

Winemaker:Toby Bowman
Consultant: Christine LeRoux

Township 7 Vineyards and Winery

21152 16th Ave.
Langley, BC V2Z 1K3

The South Langley countryside is home to this rapidly gowning winery that goes by the name of Township 7 Vineyards and Winery. The winery was originally owned by Corey and Gwen Coleman, who in 1999 bought the five-acre piece of property in Langley Township which today houses the winery, tasting room and vineyards. A few years later having achieved success they opened a second location in Naramata. (2001). The winery was sold to Mike Raffan in June 2006

Winemaker: Brad Cooper
Philosophy: Committed to handcrafting limited quantities of wines that are complex, flavorful and well-balanced

Vista D'oro Farm

20856 4th Avenue
Langley, BC V2Z 1T6

Dedicated to providing an ultimate agritourism experience, Vista D'oro Farms grows heirloom tomatoes, heritage orchard fruits and culinary herbs all of which can be found in the Farmgate Shop in some form – whether it be a Green Tomato Garam Masala Preserve, a fresh baked Almond Pear Tart or Purple Basil Pesto.

Their vineyard was planted in 2008 with Schonberger, Pinot Gris, Marechal Foch, Ortega and Siegerrebe grapes

Winemaker: Patrick Murphy

Westham Island Estate Winery

2170 Westham Island Road
Delta BC V4K 3N2

The idea for a winery on Westham Island was that of fruit grower Andy Bissett. Unfortunately in 2002 just before his dream was realized Andy suddenly passed away. His wife Lorraine has taken her husband's dream to completion.

Wellbrook Winery

4626 88th Street
Delta, BC V4K 3N3

Terry Bremner's fruit winery opened June 2004 in Delta.  As a young boy Terry use to deliver newspapers to the  Wellbrook farm. For over 30 years the name Bremner's has been synonymous with the provision of the highest quality farm produce in BC. terry purchased the property then spent 2 years carefully restoring the buildings of Wellbrook using reclaimed wood and materials. An old grainery was redesigned for the wine shop.

There is always something happening at Wellbrook, operas and plays performed in the old barn, christmas light displays, cooking classes, summer festivals, local artist exhibitions, classic car show. the goal is to become a destination where people can come, relax and enjoy themselves

The wine selections include cranberry peach and fortified wines such as Ice Apple produced from 90 acres Signature wines: Blueberry, BlueCran and WhiteCran Apple

Philosophy: We will make no compromise when it comes to our wines, we use only the best selection of fruit  and methods to produce Wellbrook wines.