Great Grape Escape

Imagine a stand of Douglas firs on a summer day. An eagle riding an updraft overhead. The warmth of the sun on your arms and face. Now add live music, amazing food, raffles, a silent auction, and of course, the thrill of discovering new varieties of local and international wines. Sound inviting? You’ll find it all at the annual Galiano Wine Festival taking place Saturday, August 12th on Galiano Island—situated between the Mainland and Vancouver Island.

“It’s an open-air event with a fair-like Saturna Island Wine Shop manager Michael Vautour pours
taste of Saturna Wines (Helen Elizabeth Schnare)atmosphere,” says Chris Bayliss, festival spokesperson. The tasting takes place in a lovely field outside the Lions Hall and runs from 1 to 4 pm—perfectly timed for an easy day trip from Vancouver or Victoria.

The festival is renowned for introducing people to affordable but great-tasting wines. This year will feature over 90 varieties; many retail in the $15 range. At $30 a ticket, the event itself is a bargain. That price includes a crested, souvenir wine glass and the all-important wine list to help you remember which bottles to add to your repertoire.

Organizers say it’s a great opportunity to sample award winning, local wines. Look for vintages from nearby Saturna, Pender, Saltspring and Thetis Island wineries. Be sure also to try the offerings from the Vancouver-area, Cowichan Valley, and Okanagan producers.

While the final lineup is yet to be set, organizers are particularly excited about a local Pinot Noir and a delicious-sounding blackberry port. As for international flavours, expect organic Pinot Grigio from Italy, and red, white, and sparkling varieties from France and Australia. Cleanse your palette with some decadent finger foods, including tangy, farm-made sheep and goat cheeses from the Saltspring Island Cheese Company.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Galiano Island Health Care Society and will be used to purchase new equipment. Last year the festival raised about $10,000. Consider it indulgence for a cause.

Leave it to the residents of Galiano to combine the usual delights of a wine festival with the relaxed and hip spirit that typifies island life. Two folk groups add even more fun to the festivities this year. Toot-a-Lute plays toe-tapping Old-World music on a collection of odd instruments, dressed in crazy Renaissance- and Regency-era garb. Folk- and Celtic-inspired Tarkin play everything from jigs to traditional ballads.

If you’re staying the weekend or longer, plan on making the most of your time. Be sure to book accommodation and travel arrangements early as island B&Bs, inns, and hotels fill up quickly. Galiano has seven parks and plenty of beaches to explore. Home to countless artists and ripe with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and more, the island will keep you busy. Or, in keeping with the festival spirit, you may wish to spend some time touring the wineries of the neighbouring islands.