De Vine Vineyards, Saanichton BC ...drink the island

                         "Drink the Island, and drink your region not your grape type.”
This is the sentiment that was shared as the tasting room staff poured De Vine's locally sourced and crafted wines and vermouth on Vancouver Island.

This mantra sounded surprisingly similar to Wrights Station's encouragement that, If we live in the Bay Area, this is our wine country.

There's no foul in enjoying wines from other regions. But tasters often expect a winery to produce estate grown varietals that aren't meant to grow in the region. For example, Lodi with its hot weather isn't the place to produce a lean, dry coastal style Pinot Noir. But De Vine Wines can. Here, you won't find warm weather jammy reds, but you will find coastal influenced wines.

De Vine Vineyards referenced the French way of labeling their wines by region, not varietal. Keeping that in mind, De Vine also is focused on what their growing region offers in fruits for their spirits, and what grapes grow best on site. They are comfortable working with what is regional.

They were relaxed and were willing to answer my (many) questions about their crafted wines and spirits. There wasn't a hint of a 'bar' feel to the place. Instead, De Vine makes beverages out of local produce that illustrates creativity and thought to the beverage and the region. The products also look cool with the hip label-art.

The beverages are for enjoyment, while treated with a bit of respect. They are meant for health, digestion, for enjoying in the company of others.

• Look for: Gin from grapes, barrel aged Brandy from apples or blackberries, and other beverages from local produce, like apples, strawberries, and honey.

• The Moderna Vermouth is meant to be an aperitif, a digestive aid, or mixed with Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water. I was won over by the golden hue and its flavors of warm apricot and spice.
• We tasted a duo of 2016 Ortega/Siegerrebe, both of these whites were new varietals to me. The Ortega gave off a strong sulfur and mineral nose. But walk out the to vineyard and smell the soil, and there's a strong connection. The Siegerrebe gives the tastes of grapefruit, honey suckle, and Bartlett pear on the palate. A fresh, bracing, and light wine....worth the sulfur introduction!
  
• De Vines also makes a Foch and a Pinot Noir. Both of these red wines had already sold out for the season, but there was still plenty to taste and enjoy.

If you want panoramic views, wines, spirits, and vermouth it's worth making time in your travel schedule to visit. There's a good feel to the place and the staff. (Note, at the time of our visit, the winery mentioned they were not allowed to ship wines to California. So if you visit, check current shipping policies.)

Or just bring a picnic, buy a bottle of your favorite, and savor the moment. There's something special about literally getting a taste of what a region has to offer.

Best to you on your next jaunt, as you drink your region...whether at home or on vacation!
Shondra