Salt Spring Island: A Gem Among the Islands

Salt Spring Island: A Gem Among the Islands

Salt Spring Island: A Gem Among the Islands

Salt Spring Island is the largest – 180 square kilometers (about 70 square miles), and most populous – just over 11,600 permanent residents, of the Southern Gulf Islands located in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the mainland. The Island is known for its rugged coastline, pristine beaches, dense forests, and fertile valleys, and is a popular destination for people interested in hiking, kayaking, sailing, and cycling.

Salt Spring has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The temperate climate combined with the Island’s abundant natural resources, make it an ideal location for farming and outdoor activities. The Island is particularly famous for its artisan cheese, organic produce, and local wines.

The Salt Spring Island Market, held in Ganges (the Island’s largest village) on Saturday mornings, is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to purchase fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other artisanal products.

History

As you might expect of such a beautiful spot, Salt Spring Island has been inhabited for thousands of years, traditionally by Hul’qumi’num- and SENĆOŦEN-speaking Indigenous peoples. These include the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) and Stz’uminus (Chemainus) nations among others, living off the Island’s rich resources of seafood, game, and plant life.

In the late 18th century, Spanish and British explorers charted the waters off the coast of Salt Spring. The Island was officially settled in the mid-1800s when the Hudson’s Bay Company established a trading post in Victoria, and it has gone through a number of name changes since then. The current name was made official in 1910, and reflects the importance of the Island’s fourteen salt springs to the early settlers.

In the 1960s and 1970s the island became a popular retreat for artists, bohemians, and countercultural movements. This influx of creatives helped establish Salt Spring’s reputation as an artistic haven, which persists today. The Island’s strong sense of community and emphasis on environmental stewardship is largely a product of this era.

Accessibility

The island is well connected by ferry to Vancouver Island, the mainland, and other Gulf Islands. From the Cowichan Valley, the Crofton ferry terminal connects passengers and cars to Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring, a mere 25 minutes away.

From Fulford Harbour in Ganges in southeast Salt Spring, Victoria is accessible via Swartz Bay in only 35 minutes.

Longer ferry rides of 50 minutes to 2 hours allow visitors to Island hop between Galiano, Pender, and Mayne Islands, departing from Long Harbour on the east side of Salt Spring. You can also depart from Long Harbour to Vancouver (1 hour, 30 minutes non-stop or over 3 hours if Island hopping), Victoria at Swartz Bay (1 hour, 10 minutes), and Saturna Island via Pender and Mayne Islands (2 hours, 15 minutes). Direct routes from Long Harbour are available to both Pender Island (40 minutes) and Mayne Island (35 minutes). Be sure to check with BC Ferries for scheduling!

Salt Spring Island Wineries and Distilleries

Salt Spring Island’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, tourism, and local craftsmanship as its main industries. The island’s agricultural sector has become increasingly important in recent years, with organic farming, specialty food production, and local wine-making leading the way.

The wineries and distilleries of Salt Spring Island have become a significant draw for tourists, offering not only tastings but also tours, food pairings, and events. The Salt Spring Island Wine and Cider Festival, held annually, is one of the highlights of the Island’s beverage scene, offering visitors the chance to sample the Island’s finest wines and ciders while enjoying local music, food, and scenery. Many wineries and distilleries also host special events, such as vineyard picnics, cocktail-making classes, and winemaker dinners.

Wineries: A Taste of Craftsmanship

The wine scene on Salt Spring Island is relatively young, but it has already gained considerable attention for its high-quality wines and commitment to organic farming practices.

  • Salt Spring Island Vineyards and Winery, a family-owned operation, produces a range of wines, from whites like Pinot Gris and Ortega to reds like Pinot Noir and Syrah
  • Garry Oaks Estate Winery – produces high-quality, small-batch wines including Pinot Noir, Ortega, and Syrah
  • Kutatás Wines – focusing on cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Ortega, the winery emphasizes sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention in winemaking
  • Vivezza Wines – produces elegant, small-batch wines like Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay

Distilleries: Island Spirit

Salt Spring Island is also home to a growing number of distilleries, each producing high-quality, small-batch spirits that reflect the Island’s artisanal spirit.

  • Salt Spring Shine Craft Distillery – producing handcrafted spirits with a focus on small-batch, premium quality. Known for its honey moonshine, vodka, and gin
  • Sweetwater Distilling Company – produces premium craft spirits from fresh apples in small batches using a bespoke 500 litre copper pot
  • Salt Spring Wild Cider offers an alternative to traditional distilled beverages, producing cider in small batches using apples from local orchards
  • Ciderworks – grows more than 425 heritage and connoisseur apple varieties on the property with minimal intervention and no sugar added

The Arts

One of the most notable aspects of life on Salt Spring is its vibrant arts scene. The Island is home to a wide variety of art galleries, pottery studios, and craft shops, where visitors can purchase original pieces of art, from paintings and sculptures to handmade jewelry and furniture.

Salt Spring Island Studio Tour

This free, self-guided tour, held annually for over 30 years during the spring and summer months, invites art lovers, collectors, and curious visitors to explore the working studios of 20 to 30 of the Island’s talented artisans and artists. Visitors can choose which studios to visit based on their interests, or they can follow a suggested route on the readily available map. Each studio is clearly marked with signs and many offer refreshments, making it a pleasant day out with an opportunity to purchase works directly from the artist.

The range of art on display is diverse, with works spanning a variety of mediums including:

  • Visual Arts and Paintings – oil paintings, watercolors, and mixed media landscapes, seascapes, and wildlife are popular. Prominent painters such as Barbara Hager, who creates vivid, atmospheric landscapes, and Jill Oakes, known for her bold and colourful abstract work, are often featured on the studio tour.
  • Sculpture and Metalwork – numerous sculptors work in a variety of mediums, including clay, metal, wood, and stone, creating pieces that are deeply connected to the Island’s land and traditions. Artists like David Horsey, who works with salvaged metal, and Ronin MacLean, a sculptor known for his wooden pieces, create striking works of art. Large-scale public art installations are showcased during the studio tour as well.
  • Pottery and Ceramics – artisans shape clay into beautiful mugs, bowls, and vases, as well as more intricate sculptural pieces incorporating organic shapes, earthy tones, and local textures. Artists like Clare O’Connor and Peter Johnson are featured on the tour.
  • Textiles and Fiber Arts – artists working with fabric, fibers, and thread create everything from wearable art to intricate tapestries and textile wall hangings. Artists like Nancy Wood, who works with natural dyes and handwoven textiles, and Dawn Tanaka, who creates intricate felted garments, embody the Island spirit of creativity and sustainability.
  • Jewelry and Craft – local jewelers use materials like silver, gold, and semi-precious stones in designs inspired by the Island’s natural beauty. Many jewelers also create custom pieces, allowing visitors to purchase personalized, one-of-a-kind items. Artists like Kimberly O’Hara, who specializes in eco-friendly silver jewelry, and Gail E. Thomas, known for her nature-inspired designs, add a touch of elegance and craftsmanship to Studio Tour.

Discover the magic of Salt Spring Island with MyGo Cheers Cowichan Tours!

Cobble Hill Winery: New Kid on the Block

Cobble Hill Winery: New Kid on the Block

Cobble Hill Winery: New Kid on the Block

Vancouver Island’s wine industry has grown and evolved over the years, establishing the Cowichan Valley as a significant player on the world stage. The temperate maritime climate, which is characterized by mild winters and warm, dry summers create the ideal growing conditions for cool climate grape varietals. Vineyards in the Valley have become well known for producing many award-winning wines tempting the most discerning palates.

In 2023, Cobble Hill Winery announced its purchase of Damali Winery in a move intended to mark an exciting new chapter for the vineyard. Cobble Hill Winery’s plan to expand on Damali’s offerings by creating a range of new wines will surely find favour with loyal customers of the vineyard as well as visiting wine aficionados.

It’s Kismet

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.

Expanding the Wine Portfolio

While Damali made a name for itself with standout varietals, particularly its award-winning Pinot Noir, Cobble Hill Winery plans to offer a more comprehensive selection, appealing to a wider audience and enhancing its reputation as a premier wine destination on Vancouver Island.

The new owners have expanded the original vineyard to include the robust red grapes of Castel and Cabernet Libre, the aromatic whites of Siegerrebe, Bacchus, and a Dijon Clone Pinot Noir.

The red wine selection will include the introduction of Zweigelt while the white wine selection is growing with the addition of Viognier, Albarino, Verdelho, and Rkatsiteli. This year alone 3,500 new vines have been planted so that white wines such as Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc will be showcased in Cobble Hill’s portfolio.

Cobble Hill’s Wine Portfolio

Cobble Hill Winery offers a diverse range of wines, from Muscat to Merlot and Austrian Zweigelt to fortified (Port style) Castel, each crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of the grapes grown in their vineyards, including:

White wine: The aptly named Kismet, is Cobble Hill’s flagship wine. The sensational dry, medium to light bodied wine showcases vibrant Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Bacchus varietals in a limited offering. Kismet dances on the palate imparting flavours of key lime, mint, pineapple, and white ginger. It’s a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or alongside seafood and goat cheese.

Pinot Gris: A crowd-pleaser, Cobble Hill’s Pinot Gris has a light citrus aroma and flavours of white peach, Granny Smith apple, and green almond. Its bright acidity makes it a refreshing pairing for light appetizers, salads, and Asian cuisine.

Rosé: A medium to light bodied wine, the winery’s rosé is a delightful summer sip, bursting with red currant, cherry, and watermelon flavours. It’s a refreshing choice for warm days and outdoor gatherings.

Pinot Noir: Cobble Hill’s Pinot Noir is a newcomer to their portfolio and features notes of red cherry, strawberry, and earthy undertones. This inaugural release is sure to become a popular favourite, reflecting the vineyard’s unique terroir and the vision of its proprietors.

Enjoy a bottle of wine and a picnic on the picturesque patio overlooking the fragrant lavender fields.

Experience Cobble Hill Winery

Visiting Cobble Hill Winery is more than just a wine tasting; it’s an experience that immerses guests in the beauty of the Cowichan Valley. The winery features a charming tasting room where visitors can sample the wines while taking in stunning views of the vineyards and surrounding landscape. Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to guide tastings, sharing insights about the wines and the winemaking process. Individuals and tour groups are welcomed.

Plan for special events like a corporate out of the office function or an anniversary picnic. Just imagine getting married with the picturesque lavender fields providing a magical backdrop!

Consider joining the Wine Club. You’ll have access to limited edition wines and rare vintages. You’ll also enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, and private wine tastings.

Cobble Hill Winery aims to maintain the charm and character of Damali while infusing it with its own unique flair, creating a destination that offers a holistic experience for wine lovers. For anyone seeking a memorable wine experience, a visit to this charming winery is a must, providing a taste of the beautiful landscape and vibrant culture of Vancouver Island. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Cobble Hill Winery promises a delightful journey through the world of wine, rooted in the heart of the Cowichan Valley.