Cycle Sips

Move over Okanagan, there’s another wine-luscious valley in the ‘hood—and Vancouverites can even skip the lengthy drive to get there. Along with award-winning breweries, charming shops and Insta-ideal cafes, several wineries have popped up in the fertile Fraser Valley in recent years and, being the opportunists we are, a wine cycle circuit seemed only appropriate on a recent summer weekend. —Rachel Johnston

stay. Put roots down at Brookside Inn—nestled conveniently between Abbotsford and Langley. Boasting front row views of stunning Mt. Baker, the darling three-story B&B offers movie-themed suites and gourmet breakfast served up daily. Pencil in a Jacuzzi soak followed by a nostalgic flick from the extensive DVD library (we obviously chose “A Good Year” to match our suite theme).

cycle. As there are currently no rental options in the area, you’ll have to bring your own bicycle and (disclaimer) we suggest only experienced riders enjoy this tipsy adventure due to some routes with limited shoulders. Ditch your car and bags at Brookside, hop on your sweet ride and cruise along country roads lined with blueberry fields, quintessential farm scenes and meandering vineyards.

sip. First up: Campbell’s Gold—an apiary and meadery just outside of Abbotsford, where husband and wife team Mike and Judy run the show with their daughter Jenny. After perusing a delish medley of honey and fruit wines (we’re Shakespeare in Love with the Poet’s Passion Pyment), get sugar-high sampling dozens of flavoured honeys including pumpkin, blueberry and our favourite —fireweed (bee people have coined it the “champagne of honey”). Cycle on to artisanal winery Seaside Pearl where you’ll cheers in the chapel tasting room overlooking the vines.

savour. Hungry yet? Tanglebank Gardens and Brambles Bistro is just a quick spin away. A family-owned biz—the property employs a European-style setup consisting of a restaurant, elaborate nursery and gift shop. If in season, munch on the seasonal spinach salad, topped with plump local blueberries, roasted chickpeas and pickled onion. Set aside some time to saunter through the gardens with a house-crafted Rose Petal Tea Latte before sure-to-be-spectacular visits to Mt. Lehman and Singletree wineries—both a mere 10-minute ride down the way.

sip some more. After a magical (and well deserved) sleep plus farm fresh breaky at Brookside, pedal by Blackwood Lane Winery for a good morning tasting (pick up a bottle of their Viognier while you’re at it), before a stop at Vista D’oro Farms and Winery. Owned by another power couple (he runs the vines while she concocts delectable preserves), the estate offers stunning views of the Golden Ears Mountain Range, amble-worthy vineyards, and a food truck offering tasty homemade flatbread and soft serve ice cream. Backdrop your photos with the quintessential barn before adding their signature Fortified Walnut Wine to your boozy basket. Next, zoom over to Fraser Valley Cider Company for a crisp change of pace before nourishing via Bacchus Bistro at Chaberton Estate Winery (splurge on the three-course set menu with Pan Roasted BC Halibut and a glass of flagship Bacchus white).

shop. Don’t miss a peek at Well Seasoned Gourmet Food Store in Langley on the drive homeward. Owner Angie Quaale lines the shelves with all sorts of epicurean treasures (think spices, cookware and condiments), house-made baked goods and artisanal fare from local producers.