The perfect summer extension:
Pairing a Vancouver wine tour with a voyage North
A cruise offers you a chance to embark upon new horizons, new sights, new friends, and importantly, new flavours, and there is no better way to experience this than by sailing to Alaska from the picturesque port of Vancouver, British Columbia.
From the soft and fruity flavour of the Merlot, to the dry and light Sauvignon Blanc, for those who appreciate wine, a post-cruise extension from Vancouver is a must.
Since Alaska itself is not a wine-producing region, your best strategy should be to set aside a couple of days after your cruise to schedule a land extension in British Columbia.
Alaska cruise from Vancouver gives you a chance to explore this world class Canadian city and discover its unforgettable flavours, delicious dishes and unique ingredients that you won’t find anywhere else.
You can also consider a dedicated themed wine cruise that features onboard wine masters, seminars, private tastings and multi-course winemaker dinners, pairing specific labels with local Alaskan dishes.
Most major cruise lines that depart from Vancouver permit guests to carry up to 750 mL of wine or champagne per stateroom in their carry luggage. This allows you to taste the regional finds directly from your balcony as you sail past glaciers by utilizing your baggage allowance.
Having said that, mastering the art of wining and dining on a cruise is not just about delicious food and wine, it’s more about the delectable ability of finding the perfect pairing.
They say, summer or winter, there is never a bad time for wine tasting in Vancouver. Just outside the city, you will find lush agricultural land with small-batch wineries that are fast adding to the reputation of British Columbia as a wine growing region. Taking into consideration the tough new drinking laws in Vancouver, a wine tasting tour gives you an ideal chance to taste wine without concern, and tour outside the city.
Book a post-cruise Fraser Valley Wine Tour
The prominent Fraser Valley Wine region in British Columbia, is situated just 45 minutes east of downtown Vancouver.
The region’s fertile soil and maritime influence has created a unique environment that produces exceptional sparkling wine, crisp whites and light-bodied reds.
Apart from just grapes, the Fraser winery offers a selection of meaderies and fruit wines to enhance your wine tasting experience.
Beyond wine, there are farm-to-table restaurants, comfortable accommodations, and a growing list of shopping opportunities and other attractions that cater to the demands of both a casual wine enthusiast as well as an experienced oenophile.
The Fraser Valley’s spectacular landscape, with mountains and rolling hills forming a backdrop, provide just the right setting for a memorable wine tour experience.
Top wineries to visit
Make sure you check out the most premium estates like Backyard Vineyards, Glass House Estate Winery and the oldest in the region, the Chaberton Estate Winery.
Book a post-cruise Okanagan Valley tour extension
For a top quality wine experience, venture a bit further inland to the Okanagan Valley, the premier wine destination in British Columbia known for its crisp whites and bold reds.
The valley is a short 50-minute flight from Vancouver or a pleasant and scenic 4.5 hours drive. Here you can tour architectural wineries such as Mission Hill or Naramata Bench, before departing for Vancouver in the evening.
Final thoughts
Whether you are a novice or a connoisseur in wine tasting, a Vancouver wine tour offers a relaxing and immersive way for truly an unforgettable journey into Canada’s most exciting and premier wine tasting regions.