Blue Grouse Estate Winery: Taking Flight

Blue Grouse Estate Winery, nestled in the heart of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, is a standout among the region’s renowned winemakers.

History

Proprietors Steve Beecroft and Tricia Huebner met their future winemaker, Dylan Sheldon at a California wine tasting, quite by chance. Realizing they shared a vision and commitment to creating the best and most unique wines, the three joined forces to make their dreams come true. After a nearly two-year search to find the ideal location, it was love at first sight when Steve and Tricia found themselves taking in the stunning views of the Damali vineyard’s lavender fields.

Established in 2023, the new Cobble Hill Winery symbolizes the trio’s shared dedication and collective vision. Their signature white wine, “Kismet,” reflects their journey – a chance meeting leading to their destined future as Cowichan Valley winemakers.

Sustainable Practices and Biodiversity

Deeply committed to environmental stewardship, Blue Grouse Estate Winery’s property includes a 10-acre nature reserve along Patrolas Creek, providing habitat for diverse wildlife. Additionally, the winery collaborates with Lenora Bees to maintain over 30 beehives, supporting local pollination efforts.

The winery employs sustainable viticulture practices, such as composting vineyard waste and using recycled Eco Glass bottles to reduce its carbon footprint and dedicate itself to preserving the natural beauty of the Cowichan Valley for future generations.

A Lot to Offer

Blue Grouse’s diverse portfolio of wines reflects the unique terroir of the region, each showcasing the distinct characteristics of the Cowichan Valley’s maritime climate.

The Winery produces a range of wines under its Estate and Quill labels. The Estate wines are crafted from estate-grown, transitional-organic vineyards, while the Quill label features wines made from both estate and partner-grown grapes.

White Wines

Ortega: As Vancouver Island’s flagship white grape, Ortega thrives in the Cowichan Valley’s warm summers. Blue Grouse’s 2023 Ortega presents notes of gooseberry, pear, and a mineral finish, making it an excellent pairing with local seafood.
Pinot Gris: The 2023 Pinot Gris is a blend of 80% concrete fermentation and 20% French oak aging. This combination imparts flavours of melon rind, toasty nut pastry, and mixed stone fruit, offering a crisp and fruity profile.
Chardonnay: 100% barrel-aged for 11 months, the 2023 Chardonnay reveals notes of lemon zest, toasted almond, and marzipan, alongside a crisp minerality reflective of the Cowichan Valley.
Bacchus: This Germanic varietal is bright and aromatic, with notes of citrus and nectarines, making it an outstandingly food-friendly option.
Siegerrebe: Exceptionally aromatic, this wine bursts with notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and a floral element, offering a delicate and easy-drinking experience.

Red Wines

Pinot Noir: The 2021 Pinot Noir is crafted from 100% estate-grown grapes, showcasing flavours of red fruits, forest floor, and spice.
Reserve Pinot Noir: Introducing their inaugural Reserve Pinot Noir, this wine is a blend of tradition and innovation. Crafted through foot-treading and clay aging, it offers notes of thimbleberry, cherry, and pine mushroom, aged in barrel for 18 months
Quill Q Red: A robust red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Marechal Foch, and Syrah, this wine presents flavours of blueberry pie and cassis.
Fortified Black Muscat: This deep ruby-colored wine starts with a nose of boysenberry preserves and stewed plums, leading to flavours of vanilla, caramel, and sweet smokiness.

Sparkling Wines

Paula: Named after the daughter of the winery’s owner, the Paula sparkling wine is a blend of Pinot Gris, Müller-Thurgau, and Ortega, offering a bouquet revealing citrus and brioche, with flavours of apples and lemon-lime.
Charme De L’Île: This signature sparkling wine is made from a blend of 100% Vancouver Island grapes, including Chardonnay, Schönburger, Müller Thurgau, and Pinot Noir. Crafted using the Charmat method, it presents flavours of green apple, key lime, and white peach, with a dry finish and fine, persistent bubbles.
Charme De L’Île Rosé: Made from 100% Gamay Noir grapes, this sparkling rosé exhibits vibrant colour and aromas of strawberry and citrus. It offers juicy flavours of raspberry, white peach, and pink grapefruit, finishing with a touch of minerality.

Rosé Wines

2022 Rosé: Crafted from 100% Gamay Noir, this rosé presents vibrant notes of citrus, pomegranate, and delicate white flowers, making it a perfect companion for light summer dishes.
2022 Quill Rosé Frizzante: Also made from 100% Gamay Noir, this slightly effervescent rosé offers refreshing notes of pomegranate, raspberry, strawberry, and citrus.

Supporting the Community

Blue Grouse Estate Winery is actively involved in the Cowichan Valley community. During BC Wine Month, the winery donates $1 from every bottle sold to Nourish Cowichan, a local charity combating child hunger.

The winery’s commitment to excellence has been recognized with awards for Best Winery Pet, Best Winery Accommodation, and Best Special Events at the Wines of British Columbia’s Best of BC Wine Country Awards.

A Visit to the Winery

Located at 2182 Lakeside Road in Duncan, BC, Blue Grouse Estate Winery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The winery offers a welcoming atmosphere with beautiful views, friendly service, and a variety of experiences for wine enthusiasts.

Visitors to the winery can enjoy various tasting experiences, such as the “Grape to Glass Tour,” which includes a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and local charcuterie. The winery also offers seasonal events, including vertical tastings and wine and chocolate pairings.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Blue Grouse Estate Winery’s diverse range of wines offers something for every palate. Whether you’re seeking a crisp white, a robust red, or a celebratory sparkling, their portfolio showcases the best of Vancouver Island’s winemaking heritage.

Contact MyGo Cheers Cowichan to set up a tour of the Cowichan Valley’s wineries, including Blue Grouse Estate Winery!