Salt Spring Island is a perfect island for spending the weekend and sampling local beverages. Once you’ve moored your boat either get ready for a tasting adventure. Whether or not you’ve brought over your bicycle and are planning to get some exercise, there’s still options for travelling around the island either via a taxi, or by renting a vehicle. Vehicle rentals are at Salt Spring Island Car Rentals are reasonable and involves far less hills you need do pedal, or you can try taking a combination of walking and taxi. Either sample beverages around the island, or pickup a bottle to savor later and store it in you onboard wine bag.
1. Salt Spring Vineyards
Salt Spring Vineyards is an adorable spot to sample some wines. The vineyard has expanded over the years since I first visited them, and they are still one of my favourite places on the island.
Salt Spring Vineyards, 151 Lee Rd http://www.saltspringvineyards.com
2. Garry Oaks Vineyard
Garry Oak Winery offers a simplistic tasting experience. Overlooking the Burgoyne Valley, just a stones throw away from Salt Spring Vineyards. Since 2002, Garry Oak Winery has won several awards for their wine. Marcel Mercier and Elain Kozak start the winery started in 1999, and in 2016 since changed hands to Nalini Samuel. Garry Oak Winery’s states that sustainability and philanthropy is their purpose. They have taken steps to reduce their environmental footprint and have registered a comprehrensive plan under the BC Environmental Farm Plan Program.
1880 Fulford-Ganges Rd, https://garryoakswinery.com/
3. Salt Spring Wild Cider
If you like ciders, a stop at Salt Spring Wild Cider is a must. Between sampling their multitude of ciders, farmhouse style tapas and the serene view, your day isn’t complete without this stop. From the usual dry or semi-dry cider, Salt Spring Wild Cider adds their own touch by offering other fantastic flavours such as hoped apricot, maple bourbon apricot and elderberry flower.
151 Sharp Road, http://www.saltspringwildcider.com
4. Salt Spring Island Ales
Since 2004, Salt Spring Island Ales has been wining awards for their tasty beer. No matter what your taste is, there’s sure to be a beer that meets your tastebuds needs. From their Golden Ale, their Heather Ale, or their seasonal beers such as Creme Brûlée Vanilla Stout, there’s a wide range of tasty beers to sample.
270 Furness Road, http://www.saltspringislandales.com
5. Salt Spring Shine Craft Distillery
This small batch distillery has been open since 2016, crafting their batches with 100% BC honey. Owners Michael and Rie Papp are previously trained Cordon Bleu Chefs, now experimenting with flavours in a different form!
194 Kitchen Road, https://www.saltspringshine.com
No matter in what your beverage of choice is, there are multiple options on Salt Spring Island that are sure to wet the appetite. This summer plan a day sipping your way around the island, x marks the spot!
