End of summer wine explorations on Vancouver Island: Church and State Wines

Our end of August west coast wine travels took us back to Vancouver Island. The idyllic island of Vancouver Island, British Columbia is just perfect for a Spaswinefood adventure. I have visited a number of times to explore the island's wine scene. The number of wineries has grown significantly over the years. This time we explored Vancouver Island wineries near Victoria. The city of Victoria, a major tourist attraction, draws visitors from around the world to Vancouver Island. Our first wine stop was Church and State Wines, on the Saanich Peninsula. Little did I know the wine surprises that I would enjoy over lunch.

Church & State Wines, Vancouver Island © Spaswinefood

While the Okanagan Valley, which I have visited often, is well known for its wine, Vancouver Island is less so. During my last island visit, about ten years ago, my overall expectation for wines was not high. I had anticipated maybe discovering a few wines that I liked. I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised. What I discovered, was that Vancouver Island wineries were working with international grape varieties that did well in this region. Perhaps this was not such a great surprise. However, some of the wineries were making wines from grape varieties I had not tasted before. Needless to say, I was happy to return to Vancouver Island last summer.

Welcome to Church and State Wines

When we arrived at Church and State Wines 1445 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, Vancouver Island’s largest winery, we were in for the most delightful experience. It is a must for visitors to the region. This winery pours award-winning wines from both its Vancouver Island and Okanagan Estate vineyards. Indeed Church and State offers a unique experience to guests, just 15 minutes from Downtown Victoria.

Church & State Winery, Vancouver Island © Spaswinefood

Church and State Wines has two distinctly different vineyard properties. One is located on Vancouver Island and the other in the South Okanagan Valley. Both properties utilize meticulous wine-making processes, which is driven by a passion to make wines capturing a sense of place. That sense of place draws from the terroir of each to showcase character, depth and elegance.

Church & State Winery, Okanagan Valley © Spaswinefood

August Vineyard, Church & State Wines, Vancouver Island © Spaswinefood

Tasting Church and State Wines over Lunch

We arrived at the winery just in time for lunch. The good news is this winery has a bistro. Shortly after arrival, we began our lunch with a wine tasting.

Wine Tasting, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Wine Time, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Exploring Wines, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Amongst the wine choices we had were to order wine by the glass or wine flights. We opted for wine flights.

Making Tasting Decisions, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

We decided on tasting the sparkling, white and red flights.

Wine Flights, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Given there was plenty of wines for tasting, we were excited to order lunch, and continued to explore the wines. The lunch options we selected included the following:

Bouillabaisse, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Pizza, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Salad, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Our lunch choices were so delightful! We enjoyed the wines, with each of us having a favorite. Church and State winery has been named producer of Canada’s Best Red Wine seven times since 2009. It has received countless Gold medals, Best in Class awards and National trophies for both its red and white wines. 

When we left the winery that August day I stopped to take a closer look at the vineyard.

Church & State Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

1.     Church and State Winery has a perfect setting for tasting their award winning wines. We discovered this in 2013 and was very happy to return.

Church & State Winery, 2013 © Spaswinefood

Church and State Wines was the perfect summer's end wine outing. During our summer's end wine adventures we visited two areas on Vancouver Island, namely the Saanich Peninsula and the Comox Valley. While most Vancouver Island wineries can be found in the  Cowichan Valley during my last visit I focused on the Sannich Peninsula and Comox Valley.

Church & State Winery, 2025 © Spaswinefood

You will be treated well at Church and State Wines, one of the premier wineries on the Saanich Peninsula.

If you are looking for a winery with excellent wines then Church and State Wines is a must. I invite you to join me in my wine travels on Vancouver Island (see also Wine of Canada’s list of Vancouver Island Wineries) and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Bluesky  and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

August 2025

Brentwood Bay, Vancouver Island

British Columbia

© Spaswinefood

Wine Tasting, Church and State Wines © Spaswinefood 

Church & State Wines © Spaswinefood

Church & State Wines © Spaswinefood

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Notes from earlier visit

During a 2013 visit to the Saanich Peninsula we explored the following wineries:

1.     Church & State Winery, 1445 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay has a perfect setting for tasting their award winning wines. This winery has a bistro.

Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

2.     De Vine Vineyards, 6181 Old West Saanich Road, Saanichton has an excellent view on a clear day. We took advantage of the view for a picnic lunch during our visit. The young winery is already producing good wines. The winery has an organic certificate in progress. They are totally organic on the estate.

De Vine Vineyards Roussanne 2011 © Spaswinefood

3.   Muse Winery, 1195 Chalet Road, North Saanich uses estate grown grapes and grapes from Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and the Okanagan Valley. Sulphites are kept to a minimum during their wine making process. This winery has a bistro, which uses fresh, local and organic ingredients.

Muse Winery © Spaswinefood

We did stop by Symphony Vineyard, 6409-B Old West Saanich Road but it was closed.

The Vancouver Island wineries that I visited were all very welcoming. A few of the wineries had bistros and they all usually had a picnic area. 

View from De Vine Vineyards, 2013 © Spaswinefood

You may wonder where Vancouver Island wineries fit within Canada’s viticultural picture. In this case Canada has two appellations, namely Ontario and British Columbia. British Columbia's appellation has four "designated viticultural areas" (DVA's). These DVA's include Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Similkameen Valley. Both provinces participate in a Vitners Quality Allicance (VQA), an appellation of origin that is modeled after the European system.  In this case a Vancouver Island VQA would certify a wine is from this region and meets the quality standards. I invite you to join me in my travels in British Columbia and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

September 2013

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

© Spaswinefood

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Edna Valley's Wolff Vineyards is a wine country gem

When our San Luis Obispo (SLO) wine country travels took us to Wolff Vineyards, in the heart of Edna Valley, we were in for a real treat. Wolff Winery's125 acres of ecologically friendly and certified sustainable vineyard has been farmed since 1976. The winery was established in 1999 by owners, Jean-Pierre and Elke Wolff. They renamed and expanded the original vineyard, and added an artisan winery. Wolff Vineyards has perfect outdoor seating for wine tasting and picnics. We had come enjoy both.

Wolff Winery, Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo County © Spaswinefood

San Luis Obispo County, California's Central Coast

Over the years I have enjoyed exploring wine country on California's Central Coast. It is home to spectacular coastline, rolling hills, and a rich diversity of wineries. San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, one of the six counties on the Central Coast, was our wine country destination last June. This is a county where you will find four American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), namely Arroyo Grande, Edna Valley, Paso Robles and York Mountain.

 California's Central Coast Wine Map © Spaswinefood

San Luis Obispo (SLO) Wine Country

It is always delightful discovering some of San Luis Obispo Wine Country's hidden gems. My wine travels last June took us back to Edna Valley. 

San Luis Obispo (SLO) Wine Country © Spaswinefood

SLO's Edna Valley is perfect for growing cool-climate grapes, and produces award-winning chardonnay and pinot noir. Besides these wines there are dozens of other locally grown varietals. It is home to more than 27 tasting rooms, with Wolff Vineyards topping the list.

Wolff Vineyards, Edna Valley © Spaswinefood

I am always happy to return to Edna Valley.

Exploring Edna Valley, September 2017 © Spaswinefood

Edna Valley
The Edna Valley AVA is located in the southwest corner of San Luis Obispo County. Edna Valley, south of the city of San Luis Obispo and north of Arroyo Grande, runs northwest to southeast for 10 mile (16 km). Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Burgundy varietals thrive here. 

Pinot Noir Waiting Harvest, Edna Valley © Spaswinefood

Chardonnay Waiting Harvest, Edna Valley © Spaswinefood

In addition the Rhone varietals Syrah and Viognier also do well.

Talley Vineyards, Edna Valley © Spaswinefood

Last June we began our Edna Valley explorations at Wolff Vineyards. Just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, and less than five miles from the Pacific Ocean scenic beaches and major tourist attractions.

Wolff Vineyards Winery, Edna Valley © Spaswinefood

Welcome to Wolff Vineyards

It was June, and as we made our way to the winery at Wolff Vineyards, the grape vines were already green. I so enjoyed taking in the beautiful sweeping views of the valley. 

Edna Valley's Wolff Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Wolff  Vineyard, June 2025 © Spaswinefood

Taking in Wolff Vineyard Views © Spaswinefood

When the vineyard was established in 1976, 55 acres of Chardonnay grapes were planted. Today the vineyard includes 53 acres of Chardonnay, 34 acres of Pinot Noir, 14 acres of planted Teroldego, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Riesling. Their winemaking philosophy is wine is made in the vineyard utilizing minimal intervention. Edna Valley's cool coastal climate influences the characteristic of their wines. The wines are produced in small lots, which allows for close control of the vinification process. Their very-limited production is hand-crafted, using traditional Burgundian wine-making methods. Most of their grapes are sold to Ultra-Premium wineries who have received wide acclaim for their wines. 

Wolff Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

During our wine tasting we tasted Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Teroldego, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Riesling from their tasting list, and a Cabernet Sauvignon ( a wine not typically produced in this area). We enjoyed the wines and particularly liked their Petite Sirah, the first planted in the Edna Valley. This unusual cool climate Petite Sirah has quickly gained national review and recognition, and is popularity with customers. They also produce sparkling wines and; after the wine tasting, we ordered a bottle of Wolff Vineyards Sparkling wine to go with our picnic lunch.

Wolff Winery, Brut Cuvée 2020 © Spaswinefood

The service, the views, and the atmosphere was ideal on that June day.

After the Tasting Some Bubbles © Spaswinefood

Picnic Time © Spaswinefood

This artisan family-owned winery is very popular with the locals, and it was certainly a hit with us too. 

View Wolff Winery Vineyard from the Patio © Spaswinefood

Wolff Vineyards Winery © Spaswinefood

Of course Wolff Vineyards winery is all about discovering those wine gems in San Luis Obispo County. 

Edna Valley Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Edna Valley's Wolff Vineyards is one of San Luis Obispo Wine Country's hidden gems. Often those great wine finds were indeed smaller producers, like Wolff Vineyards. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in California and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky  and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

June 2025

San Luis Obispo, California

© Spaswinefood

Wolff Vineyard Winery, June 2025 © Spaswinefood

 Edna Valley, September 2017 © Spaswinefood

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Why Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles tops the list

Tablas Creek Vineyard, one of Paso Robles premier wineries, was one of our winery stops last June.  The story behind this winery is one of a partnership between two international wine community families. The families are Perrin of Château de Beaucastel (a winery located in the southern Rhône valley, France, which is noted for its Châteauneuf du Pape wines) and Hass of Vineyard Brands. They were convinced that Rhône grape varieties would do well in California's Mediterranean climate. After a search they decided on the west side of Paso Robles. The winery was established in 1989, it is now 36 years old. I have had the pleasure of visiting this winery over the years, and what follows is an update on a recent visit. This Paso winery tops my list because it is hard to pass up their Rhône-style blends and Rhône varietal wines.

Wine Tasting, Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Even though it was a hot June day we enjoyed a wine tasting in the garden area.

Wine Tasting at Tablas Creek Vineyard

Yes, despite the hot weather we took a table in the garden area. The misting and umbrellas keep us cool and shaded from the heat. Tablas is on my list because it is hard to pass up their Rhône-style blends and Rhône varietal wines.

Exploring Wine Tasting Options,Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Tablas Creek Vineyard, June 2025 © Spaswinefood

Tablas Creek are the pioneers of Rhône-style wines in Paso Robles Wine Country. I can not think of a better introduction to the Rhône varietals (except being in France) than Tablas Creek. This lover of Châteauneuf du Pape and other Rhône Valley wines is convinced.

Welcome to Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Tablas Creek was the first Rengenerative Organic Certified Vineyard in the world. They were organic since the beginning, followed by 2003 certification; and also been Biodynamic since 2010, followed by 2017 certification.

Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Domaine de Beaucastel & Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Our host introduced us to a wide range of Tablas Creek wines.

Tasting Tablas Creek Vineyard Wines © Spaswinefood

Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Wine Time, Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

After tasting whites, rose, and red we would conclude with a number of red wines.

Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Their twenty plus wines are made using Rhone Valley traditions, with what they have learnt in three decades in Paso Robles. The winemaking techniques at Tablas Creek include the use of native yeast during small lot fermentation, followed by aging in large neutral French oak barrels.

Garden Patio, Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Just in case you are wondering what Rhone varietal wines are, it is the indigenous grape varieties that grow in the Rhone Valley, like Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Roussanne. For a complete list of red and white varietals grown at Tablas Creek checkout their website:

Every time I visit Tablas I reflect back on my earlier visits.

Earlier Tablas Creek Experiences

Supporting sustainable winemaking while exploring a wine region is what I look for when I travel. Perhaps is not surprising that one May evening at Thomas Hill Organics (THO) we selected a Tablas Creek Vineyard wine. Whenever Spaswinefood is presented with a wine list, or in the Paso Robles area, I am drawn to Tablas Creek Vineyard wines. I love Tablas Creek Vineyard use of sustainable farming in the production of their Rhône-style blends and varietal wines.

Tablas Creek Vineyard, Patelin de Tablas Blanc 2017 © Spaswinefood

Patelin de Tablas Blanc 2017, THO Style © Spaswinefood

It was hard to pass up selecting one of Tablas Creek Vineyard wines (Rhône-style blends and Rhône varietal wines). 

Earlier Wine Tasting with Paso Robles Rhône Rangers
During an earlier wine bloggers visit in 2019 we did a brief walking tour of Tablas Creek Vineyard with Jason Haas. Jason who has run the estate since the mid-2000's is the son of the late Robert Hass. After the tour we returned to the tasting room to sample wines from local wineries that had tasting stations setup. What the four wineries have in common is that they are members of the Paso Robles Rhône Rangers. Paso Robles Rhône Rangers mission is to (1) provide education and promotion of Rhône varietals and blends, and (2) promote the region as a top producer of Rhône varietal grapes and wines. This visit to Paso Robles Wine Country was indeed special because we meet these talented winemakers.

Paso Robles Rhône Rangers © Spaswinefood

During that visit Tablas Creek Vineyard was one of the four wineries, which had their winemakers sharing wines. Our host winemaker, Jason Haas poured us two wines and a barrel sample.

Tasting Tablas Creek Wines © Spaswinefood

The first wine was an Esprit Blanc De Tablas 2012 (a blend 75% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc and 5% Picpoul Blanc).

Esprit Blanc De Tablas 2012 © Spaswinefood

The second wine was Patelin de Tablás Rosé 2013 (a blend 73% Grenache Noir, 22% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise).

Patelin de Tablás Rosé 2013 © Spaswinefood

Then we were in for a special treat, a barrel sample of Tablas Creek Vineyard Terret Noir 2013.

Tablas Creek Vineyard Terret Noir 2013 © Spaswinefood

More on Paso Robles Rhône Rangers

During that Tablas Creek visit  I can not think of a better introduction to the Rhône varietals (except being in France) than spending some time with Paso Robles Rhône Rangers. Just in case you are wondering what is a Rhône varietal here is an overview provided by, the Rhône Rangers of course:

The Rhône Rangers dedicate themselves to the grapes whose ancestral home is in France's Rhone Valley.  The French government recognizes 22 varieties in the various appellations that comprise this large and diverse wine-growing region.  Rhône Appellations (including Cote Rotie, Hermitage, Condrieu, Chateuneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Bandol, Cotes du Rhone and several others) each choose a different subset from the collection of grapes known (from their place of origin) as Rhone varietals.  For a wine to be considered a “Rhone Ranger” wine, and poured at an official Rhône Rangers tasting, the 22 recognized accepted varieties must comprise at least 75% of the blend.

Tablas Creek Vineyards, Paso Robles
Tablas Creek Vineyard is one of the premier wineries to visit in the Paso Robles area. Moreover, if you prefer to drink wines from organically farmed vineyards then put Tablas Creek Vineyard wines on your list for the following two reasons: (1) it is Certified Organic and Biodynamic, and (2) it produces great wines. Tablas Creek's wine production is centered around its 120 acre estate vineyard.

Tablas Creek Vineyards is located in Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA), San Luis Obispo County, California's third largest wine region. Maybe you have heard that Paso Robles Wine Country has 11 Viticultural Areas. When you say that Paso Robles Wine Country has 11 Viticultural Areas (sub-appellations) what does that mean? First, Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA) was established in 1983. Since the wine region was established it has grown significantly. Paso Robles, home to so much diversity in wine, is now a large and very diverse wine region, with over 200 wineries in the appellation. Over the years I have been introduced to the amazing diversity of Paso Robles 11 sub-appellations that showcase the uniqueness within Paso Robles Wine Country. Tablas Creek Vineyard has its own unique niche. Moreover, if you are interested in checking out Paso Robles's greener wineries, then put Tablas Creek Vineyard 9339 Adelaida Road on your list. The winery offers a number of wine tasting options. You can also take a tour of the winery to learn more about Tablas Creek's wine production.

Staying Cool, Tablas Creek Vineyard, June 2025 © Spaswinefood

You will be treated well at Tablas Creek, one of the premier Paso Robles wineries. If you are looking for a winery with excellent Rhône-style blends and varietal wines then Tablas Creek Vineyard is a must. I invite you to join me in my travels in Paso Robles, California, and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Bluesky  and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Vignettes from June 2025 and earlier visits

Paso Robles, California

© Spaswinefood

Wine Tasting, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles © Spaswinefood

June at Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

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