Wind-whipped Wine Adventure in the Fraser Valley

It was going to be a grand day—but a hurricane arrived to add to the adventure.

Many Metro Vancouver wine lovers do not know the temptations in their own backyard. The Fraser Valley has many fine wine destinations. For this trip a dozen couples – most of them brand new to wine travel – loaded onto a bus and visited some of the sites around the Campbell Valley in Langley, BC.

When we arrived at our first stop fierce winds were whipping up the trees, and the power was out across the region. Undaunted, we all arrived and did our first pouring at Vista D’oro Farms & Winery​. Proprietor and winemaker Patrick Murphy was calm in spite of fruit trees collapsing from the howling 90km gales.

We learned then that our last destination of the day – Backyard Vineyards – had, sadly, shut its doors for the day. No power put them in some jeopardy, so it is understandable.

Our next stop was the always pleasing Township 7 Vineyards and Winery​ in Langley. Getting there was half the feat, however, as a 5-minute drive took 20 minutes as we kept encountering roads blocked by downed trees and power lines. When we finally arrived our host – tasting room manager Jason Ocenas – was incredibly charming, and our whole group delighted in tasting some library wines.

The calm setting within the winery was a contrast to the winds outside. Part of a row of Pinot Noir grapes were toppled by the gusts nearby.

Finally, our group made its way to Chaberton Estate Winery​, where we were treated warmly and spent more time sipping their approachable estate grown Pinot Gris, Bacchus and Okanagan-sourced reds.

We recommend a visit to Fraser Valley wine country with many friends in tow. Be sure to call ahead and you’ll get the rates and arrange for the best times to arrive.

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