Wineries, Cideries, Craft Beer & Local Distillery
Salt Spring Island is known for its natural beauty and creative community—but it’s also home to a small but vibrant scene of local wineries, cideries, and craft breweries. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a cider lover, or just curious to explore what the island has to offer, there’s something here for every palate.
A Taste of the Island: Salt Spring’s Local Sips
Each of the island’s tasting spots offers something unique—not just in the glass, but in the experience.
Ciderworks (Salt Spring Apple Company)An organic, single-orchard cidery offering crisp, hand-crafted ciders enjoyed with stunning ocean views and a relaxed picnic-style seating area
Garry Oaks Estate Winery
Known for producing small-lot, terroir-driven wines, Garry Oaks offers tastings in a peaceful vineyard setting overlooking the ocean. Their Zweigelt and Pinot Gris are local favourites.
Kutatás Wines
This boutique winery, located on Norton Road near Ganges, is known for its estate-grown Pinot Noir and traditional method sparkling wine. Kutatás (“exploration” in Hungarian) focuses on sustainability and hand-tended vines
Salt Spring Vineyards
Set beside a lily pond, this winery has a charming, relaxed feel. They often feature live music in the summer, and their Blackberry Port-style wine is a popular choice.
Salt Spring Wild Cider
This cidery uses wild and local apples to create bold, refreshing ciders—ranging from dry heritage blends to fruit-infused varieties. Their tasting room has a large patio with sweeping views and great food offerings too.
Salt Spring Island Ales
Tucked into the forest near Mount Maxwell, this microbrewery is one of the oldest craft breweries in BC. Their beers are small-batch, organic, and full of island character—from their dry porter to their classic Heather Ale.
Salt Spring Shine
The island’s own craft distillery, Salt Spring Shine offers small-batch vodka, gin, and seasonal infusions—all made from organic BC-grown ingredients. Their Honey Shine and Cucumber Gin are local standouts, and the tasting room is a must-stop for cocktail lovers.
Sweetwater Distilling Co.
Alongside Salt Spring Shine, Sweetwater is earning strong reviews for its quality craft spirits—offering a diverse tasting menu in a cozy, local-focused setting
Vivezza Vineyard
Found on North End Road, Vivezza is a family-run boutique vineyard that prides itself on blending traditional varietals with new disease-resistant grapes—offering a truly local tasting experience .
Hop On, Hop Off: The Easiest Way to Tour
The Salt Spring Hop On, Hop Off bus makes it easy to visit many of the island’s tasting spots without needing a designated driver. With routes that typically include Garry Oaks, Salt Spring Vineyards, Salt Spring Ales, and other artisan destinations, you can spend the day tasting and touring without the hassle of parking or directions. Be sure to check the current itinerary to see which wineries, cideries, and distilleries are included during your visit.
It’s a relaxed, scenic way to experience the island—and a great choice for couples or small groups who want to explore responsibly. Day passes are available, and you can plan your stops in advance or go with the flow.
More Than Just a Tasting
What stands out about these island producers isn’t just the quality of their drinks—it’s the connection to the land. Many use organic practices, forage wild ingredients, or grow on-site. Tasting here feels personal—less commercial, more handcrafted—and it’s one of the reasons people return again and again.
Thinking About Calling Salt Spring Home?
Exploring the island’s food and drink scene is a great way to get to know its communities, values, and slower pace of life. If you’re visiting and want to know which areas offer access to these kinds of local experiences—or you’re curious about what it’s like to live here—I’m always happy to share what I know.