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Guide to the Best Breweries & Wineries on Vancouver Island

by | Apr 2, 2019

Where to sip and swirl from Victoria to Tofino.

PHILLIPS BREWING & MALTING CO. – Founded by a group of “beer-loving adventurers,” this Victoria-based, award-winning brewery has flourished into one of the Capitol City’s finest, with a tasting room, soda company, distillery and the only malting facility of its kind in Canada. Patriarch Matt Phillips malts his own barley, working with local farmers to increase the creativity of their recipes. Among Phillips’ many offerings are lagers, ales, IPAs and Pilsners, including Blue Buck, Hop Circle IPA and the aptly named Amnesiac Double IPA. Catch the brewing action from the family-friendly Tasting Room, where the knowledgeable staff loves to talk beer and find the perfect label for the craft beer lover’s discerning palate.

RIOT BREWING CO. – Located in the seaside town of Chemainus, BC, Riot Brewing Co. is famous not only for its incredible selection of craft beers but for its murals, artist-designed labels, outdoor kid and dog-friendly patio, and incredible skate park. A destination for the whole family to enjoy for the afternoon, the brewery also hosts open mic events, kitchen parties, live music and comedy shows. Order a picnic lunch or pizza from one of the neighboring restaurants to pair with Lipslide Lager, Life Partners Pale Ale or Working Class Hero Dark Mild, awarded gold at the 2018 World Beer Cup.

HOYNE BREWING CO. – Hoyne Brewing Company has been brewing fine craft beer in Victoria since 2011, led by Sean Hoyne, a master of his craft since 1989. Flavourful, interesting selections include its famed Hoyne Pilsner, Alpha Acid IPA, Helios and Appleton E.S.B. Stop in to the standing-room only tap room on Bridge Street for a sampler and to browse label collaborations designed by local artists.

CHURCH & STATE WINES – Located just 15 minutes from Victoria, Church & State Wines Brentwood is Vancouver Island’s largest and most prolific winery, offering a true Pacific Northwest experience. Pouring award-winning wines from both its island and Okanagan vineyards, Church & State is a must for visitors to the island, featuring a Tasting Bar and Bistro, open from March to December, pairing locally inspired cuisine with award-winning wines. The winery also offers an incredible setting for tours and private events of all styles and sizes.

UNSWORTH VINEYARDS – Nestled in the Cowichan Valley between Victoria and Nanaimo, Unsworth Vineyards is a family-owned winery handcrafting award-winning wines in the island’s Mediterranean-like microclimate. Farming 12 acres of grape varieties, the winery uses small production by design to craft exceptional wines. Visit the tasting room, stroll the grounds and gardens overlooking the winery, and enjoy exceptional pairings in the Unsworth Restaurant.

TOFINO BREWING CO. – A trip to Tofino wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Tofino Brewing Co., which brews small batch craft beer using malted barley and Pacific Northwest Hops. Aimed at being a positive addition to the oceanside destination, the brewery operates in a sustainable and locally focused manner. The tasting room is open daily serving flights of their staples and seasonal brews, including Tuff Session Ale, Hoppin Cretin IPA and Kelp Stout.

 

 

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