If you have ever been to Quadra Island, just a short 20-minute ferry hop from Campbell River, it has likely been to stay at one of the many resorts, enjoy the world-class fishing or to visit one of the many artists that call the island home. What you would not expect to find here is a winery. Yes, Quadra Island has its own winery, SouthEnd Farm Winery located right where it says it is, on the SouthEnd of the island at 319 Sutil Road, just past Petroglyph Road.
Ben McGuffie and Jill Ogasawara opened the winery in 2009 on a family owned farm. The idea of making wine came to them after they shared a lousy bottle of generic wine and thought, “We can do this better.” Two years later, they had their first vintage from estate-harvested grapes.
SouthEnd is a twelve and a half acre farm with just over three acres devoted to vines including Siegerrebe, Maréchal Foch, Leon Millot and Petit Milo, a Blattner varietal. They also buy grapes from another island vineyard. Their annual production runs about 500 cases.
Jennifer was in the tasting room pouring wines for their enthusiastic customers when I visited. I tasted:
Acacia $18
Petite Milo 25% aged in Acacia barrels. 11.8% ABV. Bright and crisp with good mouthfeel. Green apple with citrus and floral notes and a hint of spice. Food friendly. Serve with salmon or shellfish. (photo not available)
Siegerrebe $17
12.4% ABV, white peach, citrus and floral notes on the nose and palate, Crisp and refreshing. Serve with prawns and scallops, sushi, chicken or pork.
Bara Rosé $17.90
12% ABV, Petit Milo with Leon Millot skins. Cherry and strawberry aromas, dry with sour cherry and citrus on the palate. Good luncheon wine. Serve with charcuterie or fish chowders.
Principles 2014 $20
Compromising their principle of only using island-grown grapes (thus the name), this cabernet franc comes from Oliver. Nice bright fruit, oak and vanilla flavours.
Quintage $18
13.5% ABV. This medium bodied red blend is made from equal parts Leon Millot and Maréchal Foch. Shows aromas and flavours of cherry, blackberry and a hint of cranberry. Well-rounded and easy to drink. Aged for 12 months in American Oak.
The following wines were not available for tasting when I was there (descriptions are those of the winery).
Virga $15.48
11.6% ABV. Floral on the nose, light lemon-lime and green pepper on the tongue.
Ortega $15.48
12.1% ABV. A dry aromatic wine with pear, pineapple and citrus notes. Pairs well with local seafood, sushi and chicken.
SouthEnd Farm Winery’s stated goal is, “To make exceptional wines from locally grown grapes . . . . . .Our wines are naturally & lovingly made with very little interference. A true taste of Quadra Island.”
From May to September you can drop by 11 – 6, Friday through Tuesday. Phone or email to visit outside of these hours.
*With additional information from John Schreiner’s BC Coastal Wine Tour Guide 2011
