Thetis Island is one of the unspoilt Southern Gulf Islands in the Pacific Ocean near Chemainus, Vancouver Island. With 48 inches of rainfall, mostly in winter, and 1800 celsius degrees of sunshine in summer it basks in a true Mediterranean climate. The pattern of ocean currents in the NW Pacific allows the sea to warm to a pleasantly swimmable 23 C in summer. Considerably more comfortable than in Vancouver, Victoria or 1000 miles south in San Francisco. The island is six by four kilometers, with 80% native cedar fir and arbutus forest and a population of about 300.

The vineyard is located on a ten acre, south facing moraine covered hill with views across the forest canopy to the Stuart Channel and Vancouver Island. It is a brisk five minute walk from Telegraph Harbour Marina and five minutes by car to some superb swimming beaches on Thetis Island’s west coast.

The vineyard was first cleared and planted in 2000 by Colin Sparkes and family who emigrated from Heidelberg in Germany. Four acres with eleven varieties of vinus vinifera grapes were planted including :- pinot gris, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer, merlot, shiraz, agria, dornfelder, pinotage, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon. A log guest cabin and winery extension were built in 2003/4 and landscaping including a grass tennis court is still being completed.

The winery with onsite store, was licensed in 2004, and sales have tripled in 18 months. The main product is the very popular Wild (organic) Blackberry Fruit Wine picked by Kuper Island First Nations. Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Marachel Foch, Merlot, Blueberry Fruit Wine are also made and sold here. These products are found across Vancouver Island in over 150 stores.

In 2005 the vineyards became BC’s first fruit brandy distillery in the European tradition. A copper still from Germany has now made high quality plum and pear schnapps also known as eau de vie. This year it will also distill grappa and apricot schnapps (Barak Palinka). The intention is to market these products for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. A limited amount of these products will be available for sale this summer at our vineyard store.

All guests regardless of where they stay have free beach and vineyard access. Some self cater for privacy and economy, others enjoy a full range of services. Honeymooners, wedding anniversaries, wedding parties, reunions, nature lovers and adventure groups will all feel equally at home here. Peace and relaxation or sport and adventure are equally guaranteed. 

Visitor attractions for summer 2006 will include guided wine tours and tastings, a small children’s farm, a zip trekking line, a children’s playground and garden, archery facilities and an educational and nature trail. The store will also retail homemade ice cream, home made liqueur chocolates and popsicles.

Vineyard accommodation is available for self catering groups. Table pool, hot tub, BBQ’s, bikes and kayaks (with instruction) are complimentary to accommodation guests.