Winemaking is an Artform at Gary Oaks Winery on Salt Spring Island
Under the picturesque peak of Mt. Maxwell, on Salt Spring Island, in the Strait of Georgia, sits Gary Oaks Estate Winery. Some of the most beautiful scenery on the island includes views of its vineyards nestled in this beautiful little valley. Gary Oaks is an estate winery, one of the island wineries that includes a vineyard, so they have special control over the grapes they use to make their wine. All the Gary Oaks wines are made from grapes grown on the island.
If you visit Salt Spring Island and enjoy fine wine, Gary Oaks is a must-visit destination. Once you arrive on the island from the ferry that takes you from Victoria to Fulford Harbour, your drive through Canada’s first olive farm, which brings you to Gary Oaks’ seven acres of vineyards– beautifully green in the summer and reddish gold in the fall. Thanks to Nalini Samuel, Gary Oaks Estate Winery also maintains sustainable farming practices like TCA-free corks (no Trichloroanisole) and a mulching and composting program that utilizes cuttings and manure from surrounding farms and converts that into nutrient-rich soil.
The Gary Oaks Estate Winery Experience
It was determined early-on that the Austrian Zweigelt grape would be ideal for this winery in the mountain-side Gulf Islands region. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer grapes are also grown and used to make these artfully crafted wines. From Fridays to Mondays, noon to 5 pm, during the summer months, the winery offers tastings, which is a lovely way to sample their full variety of wines. Your wine tasting concludes with a relaxing view of the Burgoyne Valley with your favourite glass. This boutique winery is another fine example of the bounty and high-quality flavour of Salt Spring Island.
Wine and Dine with Gary Oaks Estate Wines
It is important to know that Salt Spring Island is home to many gourmet delights, many of which can be paired with Gary Oaks wine. Local cheeses and other farm-to-table gourmet delights go well with Gary Oaks wine.
Some of the island’s best seafood dishes are a great match with the Gary Oaks Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer. Fine dining like that found at the restaurant Manor Dining provides a superb culinary experience and an impressive wine list that includes Gary Oaks wines.
All over the island, farmers are growing it, baking it, or crafting it. Some of the finest food on the island pairs well with Gary Oaks wine.
Mariner’s Loft Also Pairs Well with Gary Oaks Estate Winery
Spend time on this beautiful island, experiencing fine gourmet foods and sipping the finest wine at Gary Oaks Estate Winery. After your wine tour, relax in the comfortable luxury of Mariner’s Loft. Enjoy Mariner’s Loft scenic views of Ganges Harbour in the beautiful little town of Ganges, where you can add a little island life to your day of wine tasting.
Gary Oaks Estate Winery and Mariner’s Cove are two experiences you don’t want to miss. This will be a gourmet getaway you won’t soon forget. Book a Salt Spring Island vacation by contacting us today.