SouthEnd Farm Winery

 

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.

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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.

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Jennifer was in the tasting room pouring wines for their enthusiastic customers when I visited. I tasted:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

sam the wine teacher

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