Church & State Wines

Head to the Vancouver Island tasting room of this popular wine producer to sample pours from wines produced at both of its locations. The menu includes cheese and charcuterie boards along with gourmet pizza, so you won't go hungry. If you want to imbibe, your best bet is to leave your car behind and visit as part of one of many beverage tours and wine-tasting tours that include transportation from Victoria.

• The minimum drinking age in British Columbia is 19.

• Indoor and heated outdoor seating is available.

• Although Church and State Wine does take walk-ins, it’s wise to make a reservation to ensure your spot.

• The tasting room is wheelchair accessible, with lower seating available in the bistro.

Church and State Wines is located in the Brentwood Bay area, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Victoria. If you aren't coming by taxi or as part of a guided tour, you can hop on bus No. 75 at the corner of Douglas and Pandora and take it up to Keating Cross Road at West Saanich, a 10-minute walk from the winery.

The tasting room at Church and State Wines is open Wednesday through Sunday throughout the year. If you want to have a meal, come when the full bistro menu is available, which is daily until mid-afternoon. Happy hour snacks, cheese, and charcuterie are available in the later part of the day.

Explorations of Vancouver Island's wine scene needn't stop at Church and State. The island has lots of wineries, most within easy day-tripping distance of Victoria. Nearby options include Symphony Vineyard in Saanichton and Starling Lane Vineyard near Elk Lake. Further north, the Mill Bay area has lots more options, including Enrico Winery, Unsworth Vineyards, and Damali Lavender and Winery.