Nestled in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, you'll find this picturesque 50-acre Estate Winery. The amazing micro-climate allows us to grow 7 different varietals, ranging from fruity whites to full-bodied reds that are unique to Vancouver Island. Enrico wines are winning medals across Canada and the United States, including the first prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in B.C. Wines awarded on Vancouver Island.

The Varietals We Grow

WHITE WINE GRAPES

Ortega:

Created in 1948 by Hans Brider by crossing Muller-Thurgau (Germany’s second most planted grape) and Siegerebe. It is named in honour of the Spanish Poet and philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. Ortega is a cold-hardy grape grown in Germany and Canada. It has similar properties to Riesling. It ripens early and is not sensitive to frost. It is often used for sweet wines which improve over time with cellaring. The wine results in a light-body, sweet with a soft floral bouquet and hints of peach or freestone fruit.

Pinot Gris:

This old world grape has been known since the Middle Ages and is grown in the Burgundy region of France. It is the most popular grape grown in BC and well suited to our microclimate of the Cowichan Valley. It is believed to be a colour mutation clone of Pinot Noir grapes and the name ‘pinot’ comes from the word to describe pine-cones, which reflect how the clusters grow. The diversity of this grape allows it to be made spicy, light-bodied, low-acidity, with higher alcohol levels and flavours of tropical fruit, citrus or zest. Our wines often come with a subtle flavour of crisp apple and pair well with seafoods, cream sauces, salmon and other white meats. The apple flavour is also a great compliment for a sampling of sharp hard cheeses.

Chardonnay:

RED WINE GRAPES

Pinot Noir:

An ancient dark red wine grape whose name best describes it as pine-cone clusters of black grapes. It thrives in cooler climates and one of the key ingredients used in sparkling wine production in the Champagne region. It is therefore considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world but takes the careful artistry of our winemaker to temper and craft into our wines that we produce. It is known for aromas and flavours of cherry, strawberry, raspberry and ripe tomatoes. It produces a weighted texture on the tongue, but rich, velvety and soft/smooth tannins.

Cabernet Libre:

Cabernet Foch: