Vineyard & Viticulture

The first vines at Beaufort were planted in 2007. In September 2019, Beaufort became the first organically certified vineyard on Vancouver Island. Our vineyard soils are predominantly sandy silt loam, formed by glacial deposits. All blocks are well drained, with a sunny southwesterly exposure on a gentle slope. Central to the health of our vines (and therein, the quality of our wines) is the health of our vineyard soils. From building organic matter with green manure to bolstering soil biodiversity by way of biochar, our commitment to regenerative farming and the creation of dynamic, living soils underpins much of our work in the vineyard. 

Similarly, we are defined (in no small part) by our cool coastal climate. Warm, sunny summers; mild, wet winters; the temperature mitigating effects of the Georgia Strait, and the mountain sentries that protect us from Pacific storms all play their part in the vintage. Our limited growing degree days (the accumulation of heat over the growing season to ripen fruit) allow for the slow and steady development of grape sugars. We champion our cool coastal climate, and the Vinifera and hybrid varieties that thrive in our region.

We grow 11 different varieties: Ortega, Siegerrebe, Pinot Gris, Petite Milo, Gewurztraminer, Schonburger, Marechal Foch, Leon Millot, Lucie Kuhlmann, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  While we will occasionally use grapes from other small and sustainably managed vineyards on the Island, our focus is on estate grown fruit. 

Almost all vineyard tasks are completed by hand; pruning, tucking, shoot thinning, leaf removal and harvest. We strive for vine balance and optimal ripeness at harvest, so being in the vines throughout the growing season really helps us to keep a close eye on how the vintage is shaping up.  

Given our northerly position on the Island, bud break can occur any time from early April onwards, depending on weather conditions. Pollination and fruit set take place anytime from May and into June. Leaf and shoot thinning occur throughout the growing season, as does tucking. Harvest is a go anytime from the beginning of September, typically. Cane pruning happens during the winter months, typically in Janunary or February when the vines are dormant.