Grape growers in the Cowichan Valley have been making wine for generations but now the area is finally being recognized officially as a unique wine producing region in B.C. The designation means wines made with at least 95 per cent Cowichan Valley grapes can now put "Cowichan Valley" on the label, just like those from other sub-GI locations in the province like Naramata Bench and Golden Mile Bench. Williamson says there are about a dozen wineries operating in the Cowichan Valley. Grapes hang from the vine at Blue Grouse Estate Winery in the Cowichan Valley. Some Blue Grouse wines meet the new Cowichan Valley standard, however Williamson says consumers might have to wait a year to read it on the label.

Source: CBC News July 11, 2020 00:33 UTC