Vancouver Island isn’t just about rugged coastlines and lush forests—it’s also a surprisingly rich wine region. With vineyards stretching across the rolling hills of Cowichan Valley, the island offers a variety of wine experiences that appeal to both casual sippers and serious connoisseurs. We’ve highlighted options like the Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings for its compact yet comprehensive taste of the region, complete with visits to four different wineries and a scenic vineyard lunch. Whether you prefer a quick getaway or a full-day exploration, Vancouver Island delivers authentic tastes and stunning vineyard scenery.
For those seeking a deeper dive, the Victoria Full Day Guided Wine Tour with 4 Wineries offers a leisurely journey through nine vineyards, perfect for wine enthusiasts craving variety. If privacy and personalized attention are your priorities, the Private Wine Tour at Church and State Wines in Victoria BC Canada provides a customizable experience with expert guides and exclusive access. Finally, for a fun, party-focused celebration, the Victoria Bachelorette Full Day Guided Wine Tour with 4 Wineries ensures a memorable day with your best friends, complete with special toasts and bubbly.
1. Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings
This half-day tour from Victoria is perfect if you’re short on time but want a genuine taste of Vancouver Island’s wine scene. For around $113, you’ll spend about five and a half hours exploring four different wineries in the Cowichan Valley, which is often called British Columbia’s “Napa of the North.” The tour includes round-trip transportation from downtown Victoria, making it a hassle-free way to indulge in local wines without worrying about driving.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of multiple winery visits—Blue Grouse Estate, Enrico Winery, Unsworth Vineyards, and Cherry Point Estate—each offering unique styles and atmospheres. The highlight is a lunch at a boutique vineyard, surrounded by vineyards and countryside. The guide, a local wine lover, shares insights into the region’s wine-making process and history, adding depth to the experience. Guests rave about the friendly guide, the generous tastings, and the scenic drive. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a condensed, enjoyable introduction to Cowichan Valley wines without the fuss of a full day.
Bottom Line: A compact, well-organized introduction to Vancouver Island’s wine trail, with excellent value for a half-day escape from Victoria.
2. Victoria Full Day Guided Wine Tour With 4 Wineries
For those who want to immerse themselves fully, the Victoria Full Day Guided Wine Tour offers a comprehensive experience covering nine wineries in the Cowichan Valley. This six-hour adventure is priced at approximately $140 and includes visits to some of the region’s most acclaimed vineyards, such as Cobble Hill Winery and Unsworth Vineyards.
The tour starts with a scenic 45-minute drive north of Victoria into BC’s second-largest wine region. It features tastings of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, with each winery offering a different flavor profile. Cobble Hill Winery, a relatively new operation, impresses with aromatic whites and reds on a former lavender farm. Blue Grouse Estate boasts modern facilities and outdoor seating, perfect for tasting their renowned sparkling rosé. Guests report that their host, Lee, made the experience especially enjoyable with engaging commentary and relaxed pacing.
Guests love the variety and depth of this tour, making it suitable for wine lovers eager to learn and taste more. The inclusion of multiple wineries and the relaxed pace make it an excellent choice if you’re serious about exploring Vancouver Island’s wine scene thoroughly.
Bottom Line: Great for a full day of tasting and learning, ideal for those who want to sample a wide array of wines with minimal hassle.
3. Private Wine Tour at Church and State Wines in Victoria BC Canada
If you’re after a tailored experience, the Private Wine Tour at Church and State Wines offers a personalized 3 to 4-hour journey. For $91, you enjoy the exclusivity of a private guide and the flexibility to customize your visit. Located in Victoria itself, this tour is perfect if you prefer a more intimate, boutique-style tasting.
The tour includes transportation and focused attention from a licensed professional guide. The winery, renowned for its wines and beautiful vineyard setting, offers a relaxed environment for learning about the winemaking process. While tasting fees are additional, you have full freedom to choose your favorites without feeling rushed or crowded. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you get an insider’s view of the wine scene. This experience is especially well-suited for wine enthusiasts who enjoy a more contemplative, relaxed pace and personalized service.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private option for a close-up look at one of Victoria’s most admired wineries, perfect for couples or small groups wanting a customized experience.
$91.69 per person
4. Victoria Bachelorette Full Day Guided Wine Tour with 4 Wineries
This bachelorette-focused tour is tailored for celebrating with friends, combining wine tasting with fun and socializing. At around $154, it’s slightly more upscale and designed for a festive day with your bridal crew. Over six hours, you’ll visit four top wineries, including Cobble Hill, Blue Grouse, Unsworth, and Enrico, with domestic bubbly and special toasts included.
The tour kicks off with a visit to Cobble Hill Winery, where you’ll enjoy aromatic whites and reds. Blue Grouse offers outdoor cabana-like seating for their sparkling wines, perfect for catching up and taking photos. Unsworth Vineyards features a secret-garden vibe with dreamy pond views, ideal for a leisurely tasting. The experience emphasizes celebrating the bride, with a toast, bubbly, and plenty of opportunities for fun photos.
Guests appreciate the lively atmosphere and the thoughtful itinerary, making it suited for groups wanting a memorable, festive day. It’s an excellent choice if you want a mix of wine tasting with party vibes and a bit of luxury.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a bridal party or friends celebrating, combining the best wineries with a lively, social spirit.
$154.04 per person
How to Choose the Right Vancouver Island Wine Tour
When selecting your perfect wine tour, consider your priorities: shorter trips like the Half-Day Victoria to Cowichan Valley suit busy schedules, while full-day tours like the Guided 4 Wineries work if you want more variety and depth. For personalized experiences, the private option offers flexibility, while groups celebrating special occasions might prefer the bachelorette tour.
Think about your budget, time availability, and whether you’re interested in tasting a specific style of wine or exploring multiple vineyards. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and tour.
Final Thoughts
Vancouver Island offers a surprising variety of wine experiences suitable for all tastes and occasions. For a quick, scenic escape from Victoria, the Half-Day Cowichan Valley Tour delivers a balanced mix of tastings, scenery, and local charm. If you want a comprehensive day of wine tasting and learning, the Full Day Guided Tour provides excellent value and variety.
Looking for something more intimate? The Private Tour offers personalized insights, while the Bachelorette Tour guarantees a lively celebration. Whichever option fits your style, booking early ensures you’ll enjoy this delicious slice of Vancouver Island’s wine scene.
Plan ahead, pick the experience that excites you most, and get ready to enjoy some of British Columbia’s best wines amidst beautiful vineyard surroundings.