Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie

Planning a wine-tasting day on Vancouver Island? This Victoria wine tour promises a mix of lush vineyard scenery, premium private tastings, and insider access—all wrapped up in a relaxed, small-group setting. We’ve looked into what makes this experience stand out and what you should expect, so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your next getaway.

What really draws us to this tour are the well-regarded wineries on the Saanich Peninsula, the chance to go behind-the-scenes at one of the wineries, and the intimate atmosphere created by limiting groups to fewer than 15 people. The fact that it includes round-trip transportation from downtown Victoria makes it feel both convenient and hassle-free. The only consideration? With a price tag of around $133 per person, you’ll want to value the combination of private tastings, scenic drives, and expert guides.

This tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, or anyone wanting a relaxed, informative day exploring Vancouver Island’s thriving wine scene. It’s perfect for those who appreciate personalized experiences and are interested in learning about local wines from knowledgeable guides.

Good To Know

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe
• Includes private tastings at multiple well-regarded wineries on Vancouver Island
• Behind-the-scenes access offers a unique glimpse into wine production
• Comfortable transportation from Victoria allows for a stress-free day
• Expert guides share industry insights and local wine knowledge
• Includes a light lunch and charcuterie to complement tastings
• Discounts on bottles at select wineries provide added value

An Authentic and Enjoyable Wine Tasting Day

This Victoria wine tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances scenic drives, educational stops, and pleasurable tastings. Starting at a central downtown Victoria meeting point, you’ll hop into a comfortable van with a small group—no more than 14 travelers—to keep things intimate and engaging. Your guide, Kim, or another knowledgeable host, quickly makes everyone feel at ease with friendly chatter and local insights.

The drive to the Saanich Peninsula is particularly pleasant, with scenic views that set the tone for a relaxed day ahead. That sense of ease continues as you visit a curated selection of wineries, each with its own character and charm.

Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard

Your first stop is Blue Grouse Estate Winery, often hailed as the most beautiful in the Cowichan Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a private wine tasting while soaking in views of rolling vineyards, which make for great photo opportunities. The tasting experience is generous, and the setting allows for some casual vineyard photography, which many reviewers find delightful.

Guests have appreciated the photography opportunities and the chance to learn about the vineyard’s history from staff. One reviewer mentions that Blue Grouse is truly picturesque and the wines are well worth trying. The one-hour stop is just enough to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

Enrico Winery: Behind-the-Scenes and Light Lunch

Next, you’ll head to Enrico Winery, renowned not only for its wines but also for a behind-the-scenes tour that offers insights into the winemaking process. This is where the tour really gets interesting, according to those who’ve experienced it. An enthusiastic guide walks you through the cellar and production areas, giving a real sense of the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

One reviewer highlights the pride of the owner, Mr. John, who shared his knowledge and passion, making the visit particularly engaging. The tasting at Enrico is paired with a light lunch, adding a delicious culinary dimension to the experience. It’s a nice touch that elevates this winery from just a tasting to an educational experience.

Unsworth Vineyards: The Picture-Perfect Finish

Your final stop takes you to Unsworth Vineyards, famous for its stunning grounds and panoramic views. The tasting room overlooks the vineyard and offers a variety of wines to sample, all served in a relaxed setting. The approximately 45-minute visit is enough to enjoy the ambiance, try different wines, and snap some memorable photos.

Guests often mention the beautiful grounds and the friendly staff, making Unsworth a fitting last stop. The tasting here is free, so it’s a perfect way to wind down the day with a few more sips and some casual conversations about what you’ve experienced.

The Experience: What Sets it Apart

What really makes this tour stand out is the combination of private, guided tastings and the behind-the-scenes access at Enrico. Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides who share insights about the local wine industry, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

The small-group size ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd—guests like Sean and Patty appreciate the personalized attention and the relaxed pace, with some noting that the timing at each stop was well-managed. Guests also love the scenic drive and the genuine enthusiasm of the guides, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

The inclusion of a light lunch and charcuterie elevates the experience, allowing you to indulge in local flavors alongside your wine tastings. Plus, the discounts on bottles at select wineries provide a practical bonus for those wanting to take a few bottles home.

Transportation and Logistics

The round-trip transportation from downtown Victoria is a key part of the experience. It’s comfortable and scenic, so you can relax without worrying about driving. The tour operates rain or shine, and the timing is flexible enough to account for different paces at each tasting, based on reviews.

The tour begins at 10:00 am, giving you a full, leisurely day to enjoy. The total duration of about five and a half hours includes visits, tastings, and the drive back, making it a well-paced way to explore the region without feeling overwhelmed.

Pricing and Value

At around $133 per person, this tour offers a good balance of value considering the private tastings, behind-the-scenes access, guide expertise, and scenic transport. Guests consistently mention that the experience exceeds expectations, especially in terms of the quality of wineries visited and the knowledgeable guides.

One review notes the good timing and the variety of wineries, from picturesque vineyards to more production-focused facilities. While some mention that the first winery was a bit stingy with pours, overall, the experience provides excellent value for wine lovers eager to learn and indulge.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine lovers wanting to explore Vancouver Island’s wine scene without the hassle of driving. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples who enjoy intimate, guided experiences. If you appreciate behind-the-scenes tours and engaging guides, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s a great choice for those seeking a relaxing day out with scenic views, good food, and high-quality wines. Given the cost, it’s best suited for travelers who value quality over quantity and want an educational, memorable experience that combines tasting with storytelling.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed for those 19 and older. It’s a comfortable experience for anyone able to enjoy walking around vineyards and sitting for short periods.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers all tasting fees, a professional guide, round-trip transportation from Victoria, and a light lunch. Wineries also offer discounts on bottles at some stops.

Can I buy wine to take home?
Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase bottles at the wineries with potential discounts, but the tour doesn’t specify shipping options — so plan to bring your own transport if needed.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 14 travelers, creating a personalized environment that allows for questions and relaxed conversations.

Is there a specific start time?
Yes, the tour starts at 10:00 am, and it ends back at the original meeting point in Victoria.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including all visits, tastings, and transportation.

Are there any weather considerations?
The tour operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather and bring an umbrella if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Victoria wine tour offers a thoughtful blend of scenic beauty, expert guidance, and access to some of Vancouver Island’s most reputable wineries. The private tastings and behind-the-scenes look at wine production add a special touch that sets it apart from generic wine tours.

For wine aficionados, foodies, or even casual sippers looking to learn more about Canadian wines, this experience offers a smart way to spend a day. The small-group format ensures plenty of interaction, and the included transportation makes logistics simple.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, engaging, and well-organized wine day that combines education, scenery, and good company, this Victoria tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a solid choice for a leisurely, memorable outing that highlights the best of Vancouver Island’s wine scene.