The Globe and Mail

Averill Creek Vineyard is one of the Pacific Ocean’s most inviting wine-country destinations. Try the impressive pinot noirs and pinot grises.

A sip of hard cider at Sea Cider makes for a refreshing detour. Quench your thrist with the dry Flagship, made from empire winter and banana apples.

Church & State Wines, located on the outskirts of Victoria, is Vancouver Island’s showplace winery. The pinot gris, made from fruit grown on the property, is an island standout.

At Venturi Schulze, Italian-born Giordano Venturi, centre, makes top-notch bubbly with his wife, Marilyn, right, and her daughter, Michelle Schulze, left.

In addition to the acclaimed Victoria Gin at Victoria Spirits, you can pick up fine eau de vies, aromatic bitters and a new offering called Left Coast Hemp Vodka.

After years of tinkering, Alderlea Vineyards has settled on a small portfolio of grapes, including pinot noir, marechal foch and an unusual cross between foch and cabernet sauvignon.

The charmingly situated Muse Winery is run by Peter Ellman, a former marketing executive with a Napa Valley winery, and his wife, Jane. The Merlot and Grande Dame Rouge are excellent.