Church and State Winery
Phone: 250-652-2671
1445 Benvenuto Avenue
Victoria, BC, V8M 1J5
23 minute drive north of Victoria up the Saanich peninsula, between Butchart Gardens and Victoria Butterfly Gardens
https://churchandstatewines.com/victoria/
View their Covid Policies here: https://churchandstatewines.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CS_COVID19_Plan.pdf
Weekend wine tasting at the Church and State Winery in Brentwood Bay - Vancouver Island’s largest winery.
Sipping award winning wines, and eating creative, delicious food gets my attention every time, but situate this experience in a sophisticated west coast building surrounded by rolling vineyards, only 20 minutes from town, and now you’re talking! Throw in a great group of friends and this is sooooo happening!
And so happen it did! We made reservations for a weekend bistro lunch and wine tasting, and it wasn’t long before my pals and I were driving up the beautiful Saanich peninsula!
What I love about it:
This place really is exceptional, starting with a beautiful setting overlooking vineyards rolling down the hills. Whether sitting under the patio lights on the large, covered patio, or inside the sprawling, open concept bistro with huge windows to soak in the view, or in the sophisticated tasting room at the high bar with stools, the service was exceptional, and attentive.
The chefs are working away creating inspired, creative dishes in the open kitchen, and the menu was so interesting that we could not settle on any one item, and decided to order several to share and taste them all. None disappointed! We sampled the smoked duck breast tacos, crispy parmesan polenta fries with smoked tomato chutney, cheese plate and the charcuterie board, and the wild mushroom toasts with arugula.
The wine tasting was informative, and graciously hosted, and she brought the selection of award winning wines to our table so we did not have to move to the tasting room.
(Tasting room pictured here)
Accessibility Factors:
Church and State Winery scores high marks on the accessibility scale. It is located on the same level as the lower parking lot (no stairs, yay!) and once inside the beautiful building, the tasting room, bistro and covered outdoor deck are all on the main level. Currently due to strict Covid spacing regulations, there is plenty of room to maneuver wherever need be.
Special recognition goes to the very pleasant and accommodating staff members who attended to our personal situation: two members of our party were using mobility devices, so we appreciated that they took our order at our table, and brought our tasting session to our lunch table so we did not have to change tables to go to the tasting room. It was handled perfectly.
There is ample parking, an automatic door opener button, a large family washroom, as well as accessible stalls in the regular washrooms.
Verdict:
An absolute must do for all residents of Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula! It could be a wonderful afternoon if you combine it with a visit to Butchart Gardens or Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
Church and State Winery is the gold standard for accessibility. Do not miss it! You’re in for a treat 😊