Did you know that Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery is the most northerly vitis vinifera winery on Vancouver Island? Not surprisingly, the grapes they grow are white aromatic and hybrids which do not need the number of heat units that red grapes need. Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery is also Vancouver Island’s first certified organic winery. Congratulations.
On the same trip to Vancouver Island that I visited 40 Knots Winery, I dropped into Beaufort. They are not too far apart and you can visit both in one day. A bonus for me on this day was that Beaufort had a pop-up event where Gigi’s Oysters was serving local oysters on the half shell at a reasonable price (6 for $16) which you could enjoy with a flight of their wines.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery Ortega 2021 (BC $28.50) – a pale lemon colour. Medium-intensity fruity nose showing oranges and peaches. Medium-minus body, soft and smooth with a light mouthfeel. Lower acidity. Stone fruit with a hint of orange on the palate. Medium length with some bitterness on the finish. 
Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2022 (BC $28.90) – a lighter lemon colour. It has a light stone fruit and herbaceous nose. Medium body, dry, lean, with a thicker mouthfeel. Medium acidity. Stone fruits plus green fruits and a touch of honey. Medium length with a dry finish.
Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery Borealis 2021 (BC $27.50) – a blend of Siegerrebe and Schonburger grapes with a touch of Pinot Gris. It has a medium-intensity lemon colour. Delicate herbaceous, peach and lychee aromas. Dry, medium body, round and smooth with a light mouthfeel. Herbaceous / pine needles and peach flavours. Light-intensity flavours. Medium length.
Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 (BC $28.50) – A light wild rose petal colour. Very light aromas of rhubarb and red fruits. Dry, medium body with a smooth lean mouthfeel. Prominent rhubarb flavour followed by cherries and candied red cherry flavours. Strawberry flavour toward the finish with tartness on the finish. – 
Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery Ça Beautage 2019 (BC $31.90) – is a blend of Marechal Foch & Leon Millot grapes. It has a deeper dull garnet colour. Very aromatic showing sweet oak, ripe blackberries, black cherries and sweet spices. Dry, fuller body, round but lean mouthfeel. Medium tannins and bright acidity. Raspberries, black cherries, sweet spices and touches of candied red cherries and black pepper on the finish. A balanced wine between acidity, tannins and fruit flavour.
The Oysters
Gigi’s Oysters was serving Black Pearl and Paradise oysters from Vancouver Island. Black Pearl oysters come from Quadra Island which is a 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River, while Paradise oysters come from Deep Bay in Southern Baynes Sound, which is a little south of Fanny Bay. I have never had either variety of oysters in the past, so was eager to try them with Beaufort’s wines. The Paradise oysters are larger and plumper than the Black Pearl, which I prefer in an oyster. This oyster went nicely with the white and rosé wines. The Black Pearl oyster had a bit of a metallic taste to it, which I read is a characteristic of this oyster.
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
These wines are available to purchase online from the Beaufort website.
