If you’re in Vancouver, you don’t need to drive all the way to the Okanagan Valley to go wine tasting with your pup. (Although that’s certainly on our to-do list next time we are in British Columbia!) Less than an hour by car from downtown Vancouver lies the Fraser Valley, home to several wineries and jaw-dropping views of Mt. Baker.
We called three wineries in advance, namely Township 7, Chaberton Estate and Backyard Vineyards to ask about their dog-policies. Only Township 7 winery allowed dogs inside (if they are well behaved and on a leash, of course), so it was an easy choice.
The other two wineries only allowed dogs outside , but didn’t offer any outside wine-tasting. Pika would essentially have to be tied to a chair/pole outside the winery, while I tasted wine inside, which was not an option for us, and certainly not on a 33 (91F) degree day.
We visited Township 7 winery on a hot, summer Monday, and had a great time! The spacious parking lot and well maintained grounds leave a good first impression, and we were surprised by the number of visitors!
Wine club members were just picking up their orders, so we had the privilege of tasting some of their reserve wines, usually not on the tasting menu. I was very impressed by their whites (Viogner, anyone?).
Township 7 whites are aromatic, crisp and mostly very drinkable. If you are into sweeter (off dry) whites, I would highly recommend the “7 Blanc”, with aromas of rose and lychee, and a fruit+citrus palate.
The 5 CAD tasting fee is waived with the purchase of any 1 bottle, and they ship throughout Canada.
While Pika was meditating on one of the tasting room barrels (see photo below), the knowledgeable staff explained the history of Township 7. The winery started in Langley, but only two of their grape varieties are actually grown here (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay). Most of their wine is made in their Okanagan location, where Township 7 has another tasting room and hosts multiple events throughout the year.
All in all, a great experience that we would highly recommend as a day-trip to escape the city of Vancouver. We combined the winery visit with a hike to Mckee Peak, and a stop in the picturesque town and a National Historic Site of Fort Langley.
Township 7 Winery Location:
21152 16TH AVE LANGLEY, BC V2Z 1K3
Summer opening times:
11AM to 6 PM daily