Seeing as April is BC Wine Month, it’s a fantastic time to get acquainted (or reacquainted ) with the incredible local vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms that make this province a full-bodied destination. BC has an impressive breadth of varietals, and talent that knows how to coax the full flavour from every grape. When you think of BC wine, your first thought might be of the Okanagan Valley, but there are other vibrant regions well deserving of acclaim as well. The Fraser Valley region, in particular, is a hotbed of unique experiences where you can broaden your palate, and hear stories from the inspiring locals who cultivate the land. So let’s raise a glass and embark on a tour through the Valley that’s shaking things up in the BC wine industry!
Abbotsford
1. Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery
The local bees have been busy as ever, working hard to create unique and delicious products to sample! Mead, honey wine, baked goods—try them all while learning about the delicate process of beekeeping.
2. Cannon Estate Winery
Crafted in the heart of the Fraser Valley, the wines at this family-run spot are certain to please. Home to a fantastic wine club, a gorgeous vineyard, and a renowned onsite restaurant (Calibre by Cannon), this is a must-visit if you’re planning an itinerary of the area.
3. Maan Farms Estate Winery
You could easily spend the day at this area-favourite farm, meeting the animals, doing goat yoga, or just taking Insta-worthy pics. But the award-winning wine program is fantastic as well! Berries grown on-site create each flavour-rich sip, so if you’ve only ever tried wines made with grapes, this is an outstanding spot to try new flavours.
4. Mt. Lehman Winery
Specializing in small lots of “reserve” quality, handcrafted, natural wines, Mt. Lehman is known for their impressive roster of tasty and accessible bottles. With a lower alcohol content, the wines here focus on the natural flavour of the fruit, so you can focus on every subtlety of each bouquet.
5. Ripples Winery & New Wave Distilling
A gorgeous garden oasis, this winery/distillery is the perfect escape when you need a post-work pour. Each wine is proudly crafted from homegrown, chemical-free blueberries, and their dedication to natural flavours will show from the very first sip.
6. Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery
With a lovely tasting room in a cozy chapel, this little farm winery has no shortage of charm! Comfy tables line the rolling vines, inviting you to sample the excellent reserve petit verdot and pinot gris. It’s an area favourite for good reason!
7. Singletree Winery
Specialists in white grapes, Singletree is another award-winning spot perfect for a springtime picnic. Take a tour through the picturesque vineyard, snap pictures, and sample each wine, or sit and relax at the numerous wine domes and cabanas.
Chilliwack
8. Whispering Horse Winery
If your palate leans towards traditional-method sparkling wines or crisp, aromatic whites and rosés, then this is your spot. Focusing on small-lot terroir wines, Whispering Horse is a boutique winery that creates memorable sensations from the Fraser Valley’s unique flavour profile. When planning your visit, make sure to check their website and Instagram page for their opening hours!
Langley
9. Backyard Vineyards
Since opening in 2009, this friendly winery has won numerous awards for its robust varietals and calendar of community events. Whether you’re looking to learn, socialize, or just unwind, consider this a prime locale to do all three.
10. Chaberton Estate Winery & Bacchus Bistro
The oldest winery in the Fraser Valley, Chaberton Estate, has a long tenure of great wines to its name. Take home one of their award-winning bottles, or stay after your tour and enjoy the sumptuous French cuisine of Bacchus Bistro. No Valley wine tour is complete without trying their excellent dinner pairings.
11. Festina Lente Estate Winery
If you’ve ever been curious about honey wine and mead, the best way to get started is to try them! Wines of Canada recognized Festina Lente as one of the “Best Wineries To Visit” in 2024, and when you stop by, you’ll see why the distinction is so well deserved.
12. Glass House Estate Winery
Producing low-yield artisan wine, this boutique family winery is located along the beautiful Campbell Valley Wine Route. It’s a frequent venue for weddings and anniversaries, so you’re sure to find lots of charming photo opportunities as you wander the lush grounds. A great example of how Langley continues to wow wine enthusiasts!
13. Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery
Celebrating 50 years of operation, there’s never been a better time to visit this popular community winery. Drop by the bar for a flight, a bottle or a seasonal cocktail—the perfect way to wrap up your visit after exploring all the interesting amenities the farm has to offer.
14. Otter Trail Winery
With a beautiful modern design, Otter Trail offers a stylish ambience to savour your senses. At the onsite restaurant, Ortega Bistro, you can sample the wines on offer and find the perfect menu pairing while you take in the breathtaking view of the vineyard.
15. Sinocan Estate Winery
A gorgeous garden winery, Sinocan Estate is truly something to behold in the spring. The lush surrounding is a wonderful backdrop for a slow evening or afternoon with friends and good wine.
16. The Fort Wine Company
Cranberries are the name of the game at this farm winery. Founded in 2001, The Fort Wine Company began with a dream of cultivating cranberry wines, but in the years since, they’ve collaborated with farmers across BC to create wine from all types of local berries and fruits.
17. Township 7 Vineyards & Winery
Consider yourself a connoisseur of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir? Then you know where to head for the next stop on your tour! Visit this award winner for whatever you’re in the mood for—an evening of cheese pairings, a tour through the barrels, or any number of special events and experiences across the calendar, including their Sabre & Sip: The Art of Sabrage experience that includes a luxurious tasting flight of their acclaimed seven stars sparkling wine series with the theatrical art of opening a bottle with a sabre, a tradition that dates back to Napoleonic times.
18. Vista D’oro Farms & Winery
Home to a farmer’s market and a pizza trailer (on weekends), be sure to stop by whenever the sun is out this spring. The cozy deck makes for the perfect place to sip and enjoy the surrounding greenery.
Wine Tours
19. Beyond Bubbles Tours
Anything but snobby, this is an accessible wine tour for anyone who loves wine but is still hungry to learn more. The private tours are ideal for groups of 2-6 people and are led by friendly and knowledgeable wine guides.
20. Boho on the Go (Langley)
Hop on the bus and let’s hit the road! This unique tour will escort you through the local sipping spots and wine shops in a retro refurbished VW van. You’ll cruise the stretching rows of grapes in style, with stories from your guide along the way.
21. Canadian Craft Tours (Langley)
Passionate about wine, craft beer, and spirits, this fun tour company will tailor its services to any occasion! Whether you’re planning a birthday, anniversary, or a stag/stagette, Canadian Craft Tours is well known for its unpretentious and friendly vibe.
