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Thetis Island is one
of the unspoilt Southern Gulf Islands in the Pacific Ocean near Chemainus,
Vancouver Island. With 48 inches of rainfall, mostly in winter, and 1800 celsius
degrees of sunshine in summer it basks in a true Mediterranean climate. The
pattern of ocean currents in the NW Pacific allows the sea to warm to a
pleasantly swimmable 23 C in summer. Considerably more comfortable than in
Vancouver, Victoria or 1000 miles south in San Francisco. The island is six by
four kilometers, with 80% native cedar fir and arbutus forest and a population
of about 300.
The vineyard is
located on a ten acre, south facing moraine covered hill with views across the
forest canopy to the Stuart Channel and Vancouver Island. It is a brisk five
minute walk from Telegraph Harbour Marina and five minutes by car to some superb
swimming beaches on Thetis Island’s west coast.
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 The
vineyard was first cleared and planted in 2000 by Colin Sparkes and family who
emigrated from Heidelberg in Germany. Four acres with eleven varieties of vinus
vinifera grapes were planted including :- pinot gris, chardonnay, sauvignon
blanc, gewürztraminer, merlot, shiraz, agria, dornfelder, pinotage, pinot noir
and cabernet sauvignon. A log guest cabin and winery extension were built in
2003/4 and landscaping including a grass tennis court is still being completed.
The winery with
onsite store, was licensed in 2004, and sales have tripled in 18 months. The
main product is the very popular Wild (organic) Blackberry Fruit Wine picked by
Kuper Island First Nations. Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Marachel Foch, Merlot,
Blueberry Fruit Wine are also made and sold here. These products are found
across Vancouver Island in over 150 stores.
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In 2005 the vineyards became BC’s
first fruit brandy distillery in the European tradition. A copper still from
Germany has now made high quality plum and pear schnapps also known as eau de
vie. This year it will also distill grappa and apricot schnapps (Barak Palinka).
The intention is to market these products for the Vancouver 2010 Winter
Olympics. A limited amount of these products will be available for sale this
summer at our vineyard store.
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All guests regardless of where
they stay have free beach and vineyard access. Some self cater for privacy and
economy, others enjoy a full range of services. Honeymooners, wedding
anniversaries, wedding parties, reunions, nature lovers and adventure groups
will all feel equally at home here. Peace and relaxation or sport and adventure
are equally guaranteed. 
Visitor attractions
for summer 2006 will include guided wine tours and tastings, a small
children’s farm, a zip trekking line, a children’s playground and garden,
archery facilities and an educational and nature trail. The store will also
retail homemade ice cream, home made liqueur chocolates and popsicles.
Vineyard
accommodation is available for self catering groups. Table pool, hot tub,
BBQ’s, bikes and kayaks (with instruction) are complimentary to accommodation
guests.
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