Vineyard & Viticulture

Vineyard & Viticulture at Beaufort Winery

Our Commitment to Sustainable and Organic Farming

At Beaufort Winery, we are deeply committed to sustainable and organic farming practices. As the first organically certified vineyard on Vancouver Island, we take great pride in our regenerative agricultural techniques and dedication to producing high-quality, organic wines that reflect the unique terroir of our region.

Our Vineyard

• Location and Soil: Our vineyard is located in the Comox Valley and consists of predominantly sandy silt loam soils, formed by glacial deposits. The well-drained blocks with a sunny southwesterly exposure on a gentle slope provide the ideal conditions for our vines to thrive.
• History: The first vines were planted in 2007, and by September 2019, we achieved our organic certification. We continue to innovate and improve our vineyard practices to maintain the health of our soils and the quality of our grapes.
• Grape Varieties: We grow 11 different grape varieties, including Ortega, Siegerrebe, Pinot Gris, Petite Milo, Gewurztraminer, Schonburger, Marechal Foch, Leon Millot, Lucie Kuhlmann, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. While we occasionally use grapes from other small, sustainably managed vineyards on the island, our primary focus is on estate-grown fruit.

Sustainable Practices

• Regenerative Farming: Central to the health of our vines is the health of our vineyard soils. We build organic matter with green manure and bolster soil biodiversity by using biochar. These practices are part of our commitment to creating dynamic, living soils that support healthy vine growth.
• Manual Vineyard Work: Almost all vineyard tasks are completed by hand, including pruning, tucking, shoot thinning, leaf removal, and harvest. This hands-on approach allows us to maintain vine balance and ensure optimal ripeness at harvest.
• Climate: Our cool coastal climate, characterized by warm, sunny summers and mild, wet winters, is ideal for the slow and steady development of grape sugars. The temperature-mitigating effects of the Georgia Strait and the protection from Pacific storms by the Beaufort Mountain Range contribute to the unique flavour profiles of our wines.

Vineyard Management

• Seasonal Work: Bud break can occur any time from early April onwards, depending on weather conditions. Pollination and fruit set take place from May into June. Throughout the growing season, we conduct leaf and shoot thinning and tucking to promote healthy fruit development. Harvest typically begins in early September and can last until October, with cane pruning occurring during the winter months when the vines are dormant.
• Innovation and Adaptation: We continuously adapt our vineyard management techniques to respond to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each growing season. This includes experimenting with different soil amendments, cover crops, and vineyard layouts to optimize vine health and fruit quality.

Visit Us

We invite you to experience the beauty and dedication of Beaufort Winery firsthand. Book a tasting, tour our vineyard, and learn more about our commitment to sustainable winemaking.