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Winery season is upon us, and the Fraser Valley is ready to start pouring! With a sunny start to spring, 2024 is looking very promising for anyone looking to expand their palate while touring our outstanding local wine region. Whether you consider yourself a grape aficionado or a humble newbie looking to learn, these local wineries welcome all levels of knowledge. Modern wine culture is all about being open to trying new things, so be ready to find your next favourite varietal among the spirited sips on offer. Then visit the wine shop afterwards and show off your refined taste at your next dinner party. Get your glass ready, and see if you can detect any oaky, earthy, or floral, notes!

Local Wineries in Abbotsford

1. Seaside Pearl Winery

We start our tour of Abbotsford’s stellar wineries with Seaside Pearl, a charming, family-run boutique winery known for its small lots of artisanal wines. Each flavourful varietal here speaks to the Fraser Valley’s unique terroir. Nestled into Mount Lehman, the farm and vineyard are surrounded by rolling pastures and quiet country roads— a perfectly quaint setting for sampling the wine list. The beautiful tasting room is housed in a chapel, which, with wines like Lovers Lane Cabernet Franc, lends a natural romance to the experience.

2. Mt Lehman Winery

Another fantastic Mt Lehman winery, this award-winner specializes in lower-alcohol wines that won’t overpower your palate. This approach makes for incredibly drinkable offerings, and the winery has rightfully garnered international acclaim because of it. Each of their wines is worth sampling, but we are somewhat partial to their 2021 Riesling— aromatic, not too sweet, and perfect for making an occasion of warmer weather!

3. Singletree Winery

If you’re in the mood for magnificent wine and outdoor ambiance in equal measure, then you’re due for a visit to Singletree! Surrounded by lush greenery, this picturesque winery has become a destination for local weddings. You’ll adore relaxing at their wine cabanas or enjoying a private fire pit with a glass of their 2017 Wild Siggy, which is ideal for pairing with the delicious small plates on offer (including a gourmet s’mores course!). Whether you’re unwinding with a glass while taking in the tranquil scenery or you’re sharing a bottle with someone special, be sure to keep this spot in mind!

4. Ripples Estate Winery & New Wave Distilling

Just around the corner from the Abbotsford Tulip Festival, there’s no better way to enjoy spring than with wine flights and vibrant flower beds! Both a winery and a distillery, Ripples has a fantastic craft cocktail menu in addition to a robust wine list. The lovely location is excellent for hosting events or gatherings, and their secret garden offers a secluded, tropical atmosphere under crystal chandeliers that sparkle after nightfall. Keep an eye on their upcoming events page, as their calendar has plenty of opportunities for sipping and being social!

Local Wineries in Langley

5. Chaberton Estate Winery

If you’re familiar at all with Fraser Valley wineries, you no doubt already know about this gem. Only a 45-minute trip from Vancouver, the area’s oldest winery is a rural escape just outside the city. With a 55–acre vineyard, a beautiful boutique tasting room, and authentic French cuisine in the Bacchus Bistro, this is a wine experience worth setting aside some time for! Each wine in their award-winning collection is 100% made in BC, making their curated wine tours a celebration of local flavours and cultivation. This is an excellent spot to bring any out-of-towners for the distinct tasting profiles of the Fraser Valley!

6. Township 7 Vineyards

Over the past two decades, Township 7 has become a Langley favourite among wine lovers. Their acclaimed portfolio of small lot varietals shows their dedication to getting each flavour note right before bottling. Surrounded by green vistas, the South Langley winery is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines grown in the Champagne style. Visit their impressive cellar-style tasting room for a crisp glass of sparkling and discover new favourites for the sunny season!

7. Glass House Estate Winery

With its name inspired by a 60-year family tradition in the greenhouse industry, Glass House comes with an impressive history of cultivation behind it. Started by the de Jong family, the winery was founded on their agricultural experience before immigrating from the Netherlands. From those beginnings, the winery has evolved into a notable location for hand-selected, single-vineyard, low-yield artisan wine. Following a minimal Scandinavian aesthetic, Glass House creates approachable wines that don’t try to overcomplicate your palate! Using only free-run juices, these winemakers are able to showcase each varietal’s purest essence.

8. Backyard Vineyards

Located in the “backyard of BC,” this renowned Langley winery has varietals that will stop tastebuds in their tracks! Each flavour-forward bottle speaks to the experience of head winemaker Liam Berti and his team’s commitment to sourcing premium fruit from both the Fraser Valley and the Okanagan Valley. Their dog-friendly picnic hill is a great springtime spot to try their impressive wine list, including the 2020 Reserve Syrah, which took home gold at the Wine Align National Wine Awards. They even have a “Drive-Thru” wine shop, for when work is done and you need to unwind ASAP.

Beyond Bubbles Wine Tours

Fuelled by their passion for local wine, these expert-led tours that take you through both Abbotsford and Langley offer an intimate look at our local vineyard scene. Perfect for small groups of 2-4, you’ll be guided through tastings showing the diverse spectrum of flavours the Valley can grow! Tour guides are WSET certified and welcome all levels of wine knowledge to learn and dig in with questions. With so many spots to visit across our wine region, Beyond Bubbles puts your outing in the hands of experienced locals who take pride in their community. There are also ciders, beers, and spirits, depending on the mood your group is in!

Fraser Valley Wine Passport

The best way to welcome warmer weather? A tour through 18 different wineries in the Lower Mainland is a good start! The Fraser Valley Wine Passport is a curated list of wine experiences across Abbotsford, Langley, Richmond and Surrey that will give you a new appreciation for the variety of wine found here. With your official passport, you can collect stamps and gain access to unique services at each participating spot. You never know what exclusive perks you’ll unlock at your next wine tasting! You can start your passport tour in any order between May 15 – June 30, so there’s no stress to do them all at once. Take in the scenery, sip slow, and savour each note of the journey.