Gulf Islands like a Local
🛥️ Gulf Islands Wine & Cheese Tours 🧀🍷
Embark on a unique private boat charter exploring the stunning Southern Gulf Islands and indulging in exquisite local wines and artisanal cheeses. Let MarineEcoTours guide you through sparkling waters to charming island wineries accessible only by boat.
🗺️ Your Bespoke Island Wine Adventure
Design your perfect day trip! Our private charters offer the flexibility to visit several acclaimed wineries nestled on Pender Island, Saturna Island, and Salt Spring Island. Typically, a day tour allows for comfortable visits to two wineries of your choice.
Imagine cruising through scenic passages, spotting marine wildlife 🐳, and docking directly at beautiful vineyards for tastings and tours. We provide the captain and comfortable marine transport aboard our Zodiac; you savor the experience (and the wine!).
🍇 Featured Southern Gulf Island Wineries
Discover the unique terroir and award-winning wines of these easily accessible gems:
📍 Sea Star Vineyard & Estate Winery (Pender Island)
Explore terraced vineyards overlooking the Salish Sea. Sea Star benefits from Pender Island’s unique microclimate, producing crisp, aromatic wines with elegant flavours. Learn about their hand-tended vines and meticulous process.
Location: 6621 Harbour Hills Dr, Pender Island, BC
Website: seastarvineyards.ca | Phone: 250-629-6960
📍 Sage Hayward Vineyards (Saturna Island)
Nestled between cliffs and ocean, this 60-acre vineyard cultivates classic European varietals like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Enjoy tastings and their excellent on-site bistro (check seasonal availability). They are committed to environmental stewardship, protecting local wildlife habitats.
Note: Planning to open for the 2025 season on May 9th! Confirm hours before visiting.
Location: 8 Quarry Road, Saturna Island, BC
Website: SageHaywardVineyards.com | Phone: 250-791-0380
📍 Salt Spring Vineyards (Salt Spring Island)
Experience “brilliant coastal wines, sparkling hospitality, eye candy surroundings.” This winery focuses on natural grape growing without herbicides or pesticides, resulting in small-batch, lovingly crafted wines. Check their current hours, often open weekends.
Location: 151 Lee Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC
Website: SaltSpringVineyards.com | Phone: 250-653-9463
📍 Garry Oaks Estate Winery (Salt Spring Island)
Overlooking the beautiful Burgoyne Valley, Garry Oaks produces award-winning, classically inspired wines. Visit their terraced vineyard, walk the labyrinth, and taste their small-lot creations. Check their tasting room hours (often Fri-Mon in summer).
Location: 1880 Fulford-Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Website: GarryOaksWine.com | Phone: 250-653-4687
💲Important Note on Costs: Our charter rates cover the private boat and experienced captain for your marine transportation. Guests are responsible for all additional costs, including wine tasting fees, meals, snacks, cheese platters, and any required on-island transportation (e.g., taxis from the dock to a winery if needed).
Boat charter rates are approximately $265 CAD per hour for the first 2 passengers, plus a fuel surcharge of ~$50 CAD per additional person per hour (max 8 guests). Minimum booking times may apply. Please confirm current rates and availability when booking.
A Perfect Pairing: Salt Spring Island Cheese Company
📍 Salt Spring Island Cheese Company
A visit to Salt Spring Island Cheese Company offers a delightful immersion into the world of artisan goat cheese, making it an essential stop on any Gulf Islands tour. Step onto their picturesque farm, where you can wander the grounds, meet the resident animals, and gain a unique insight into the cheesemaking process through viewing windows into the production facility (Farm Shop & Café open seasonally, typically July-Labor Day). The welcoming Farm Shop provides the perfect opportunity to sample their wide array of handcrafted cheeses, allowing you to taste the freshness and quality born from traditional methods and pure, natural ingredients right at the source. It’s a charming and educational experience that connects you directly with the island’s rich agricultural heritage.
Salt Spring Island Cheese Company specializes in exquisite, handmade goat cheeses renowned for their exceptional taste and beautiful presentation. Using only 100% pure goat milk, sea salt, dairy culture, and rennet, they craft a diverse selection including creamy Chèvre in various flavours (like flower, chili, and lemon), tangy Feta, and unique soft-ripened cheeses such as Juliette. Beyond the cheese counter, their Farm Shop is a treasure trove of local delights, offering accompaniments like chutneys, jams, crackers, and honeys, alongside other artisanal goods, making it easy to assemble the perfect picnic or find delicious souvenirs to complement your wine discoveries.
Location: 285 Reynolds Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC
Website: saltspringcheese.ca | Phone: 250-653-2300
💲Important Note on Costs: Our tour rates cover the private boat and experienced captain for your marine transportation. Guests are responsible for all additional costs, including wine tasting fees, meals, snacks, cheese platters, and any required on-island transportation (e.g., short taxi rides from the dock to a winery were needed)
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Contact Information
Tsehum Rd, Sidney, BC V8L 2P6
birdsofafeathermarine@gmail.com
+1-250-858-7308
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If you have questions before you book please reach out to us.