Recently our local wine group got together to taste some wines from Unsworth, a winery located in the Cowichan Valley. This was a private wine tasting with friends. Wine loving friends gathered in our condo building’s lounge. It was the ideal spot to sit, enjoy the wines and socialize. Our lounge was just big enough to accommodate everyone for a relaxed, casual sit down tasting.
The evening progressed very well and before you knew it over two hours of pleasant conversation, about wine, and wherever our interests took us. We had some favourites among the wines we tasted and you’ll find those reflections below in my notes.
The guests ranged from novice wine fans to the experienced, so quite a mix. That always works well and makes the evening so pleasurable. If you’re still with me you are probably wondering when will I get to the wines, so here goes, what we tasted and enjoyed.
I enjoy beginning a wine tasting with a glass of sparkling wine and this was just ideal:
Charme de l’Île
A vibrant blend of mostly Sauvignette and Pinot Gris, with a smattering of Pinot Noir and other cool climate grape varieties. Made in the Charmat Method of sparkling wine production, Charme is our local alternative to Prosecco. It is fruit forward on the nose and dry on the palate resulting in a quintessential island bubble!
Always a crowd pleaser. This one was a hit with everyone at the tasting.
Price$32.90 available online or at the winery
2024 Rosé
This dry Rosé has vibrant aromas of wild strawberries and cranberries on the nose that reveal flavours of Rainier cherries, rhubarb, and red apple on the palate. Most associated with the summer months, rosé can add sunshine to every season.
Dry and fruit forward, our 2024 Rosé is one of our most popular wines.
Easy to taste why this is such a favourite among Rosé fans. We wholeheartedly agree.
$28.90 available online or at the winery
2024 Allegro
Our unique Vancouver Island white blend crafted from unique varieties to coastal British Columbia, it is Vancouver Island in a glass.
A quintessential medium bodied white made from exciting Vancouver Island grape varieties Sauvignette and Petit Milo. Allegro is our most dynamic wine for pairing with food and is sure to impress both the casual wine drinker and sommelier alike. Notes of grapefruit, key lime, and white peach complement its bright mouthfeel and generous length.
Well obviously, Island people appreciate and love everything Island and this delightful Allegro is no exception.
$26.90 available online or at the winery
2022 Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the workhorse of our varieties. We craft sparkling wines and rosé from this special grape, but we save the best fruit for this wine.
Selected from the best hillside blocks from our vineyards, the Pinot Noir fruit that is destined for red wine is handled with the upmost care consistent with premium Pinot Noir production around the globe. Volumes are low to keep quality high. A light and vibrant expression of coastal Pinot Noir with a depth of flavour and complexity that impresses the most discerning of drinker. Aromas of cherry, dried strawberry with notes of dried leaves and subtle spice are complimented by flavours of dark cherry hallmark to Cowichan Valley Pinot Noir.
This is a classic. As I always do this wine was decanted and slightly cooled, then spent a short time on the covered patio so it was at an optimum temperature. The Pinot Noir is always a hit with our crowd.
$40.90 available online or at the winery
If you haven’t visited Unsworth Vineyards yet you really should visit soon. The new Tasting Room showcases the wines and welcomes you to taste the wines and stay awhile.
Located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island it is so worth the trip.
Unsworth Vineyards
Our state of the art tasting room is the gateway to remarkable experiences on our estate vineyard. From casual sipping and snacking to estate tours and wine education, we offer something for every level of wine lover.
Choose From a Range of Guided Tasting Experiences
We invite you to immerse yourself in Unsworth and the alluring beauty of the Cowichan Valley.
Book your tasting here
Unsworth also has a lovely restaurant (currently under renovation) with a plan to re-open Summer 2026. Read more here.
Unsworth Vineyards
Sustainable by Nature
Respect for the land is central to everything we do. Our vineyards are farmed with sustainability in mind, from soil health to biodiversity. These practices are not just a commitment to the environment, but an investment in the future character of Cowichan Valley wines.
Our Philosophy
Unsworth is more than a vineyard. It is a destination where food, wine, and community meet. From our Tasting Room to The Restaurant at Unsworth, we create experiences that combine sophistication with warmth, inviting guests to slow down, share a meal, and connect with the beauty of the valley.
For us, wine is both craft and connection. We strive to capture the essence of our terroir with elegance and authenticity, while extending the same hospitality that inspired our beginnings. To us, every bottle tells a story — of the valley, the season, and the table it was meant to be shared around.
Wine notes provided by the winery. Images: MyVanCity With thanks to Unsworth Vineyards for providing the wines for our tasting group.
