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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.