Record-breaking summer heat and drought-like conditions paying off for island wine producers
This summer we saw record-breaking heat and prolonged drought-like conditions, which made for the perfect combination for growing grapes on Vancouver Island.
Now, wine producers in the Cowichan Valley are reaping the rewards.
"Consumers are appreciating what the island can produce," said Brent Rowland, who is the winemaker at Averill Creek Vineyard.
The Cowichan Valley may never rival the Okanagan Valley in terms of volume, but the product here is unique and building a name for itself.
"What we can do here, that they can’t do, is produce wines with precision, poise, perfume, nuance and tension," said Rowland. "Wines that are a lot more consumable, a lot fresher, a lot more nuanced."
There is science behind that claim, and it all has to do with our cool climate and how grapes mature.
In warm summer climates like what B.C.’s Interior experiences, grapes mature faster, meaning a shorter picking window. Those grapes can have lower acidity and high sugar content, giving it a very rich character.
On the West Coast, however, we have mild falls with longer daylight hours.
"The fruit can sit there and develop flavours without losing acidity – which is freshness – and gaining sugar, which is alcohol," said Rowland.
The result is a refreshing wine that is often used for pairing with food.
This summer’s heat gave the Cowichan Valley’s grapes a great start to the growing season. Then a cooling trend hit towards the end of the summer, allowing those grapes to mature while keeping their acidity and developing their flavour.
Grapes picked at Averill Creek Vineyard in North Cowichan: (CTV News)
"In the Cowichan Valley we’re in the realm of about 13 or 14 producers," said Kali Philp, sales and marketing manager at Averill Creek Vineyard.
There are about 30 producers in the Vancouver Island region, which also includes the Gulf Islands.
"We’re really happy with the quality that came out," said Bailey Williamson, who is the winemaker at Blue Grouse Estate Winery Vineyard.
At Blue Grouse, the growing season was fantastic as well. Unfortunately, with all those heavy rains towards the end of September, picking those perfect grapes quickly became a priority.
"It’s like everything, you know? Molds and mildews is probably our biggest challenge in the rainforest here and when it gets moist, things grow," said Williamson.
A freshly picked vineyard at Blue Grouse Estate Winery near Duncan: (CTV News)
With the ongoing labour shortage hitting every industry, it was all hands on deck, but all 30-tonnes of grapes did get picked.
"You know, that’s 30 Volkswagens," said Williamson.
The fermenting process is now underway, meaning one year from now the white wines will be ready to hit the market. The reds will be ready to go in two years' time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.