The vineyard at Cherry Point was established in 1990 when the founders purchased 34 acres on a former mink ranch a few miles south of Cowichan Bay. Since wine growing was still new on Vancouver Island they planted the vineyard with several grape varieties, for nobody really knew which grapes suited the island's soil and climate. After the grape trials, Cherry Point Estate Wines became one of the first licensed wineries on Vancouver Island in 1994. The Cowichan's long, Mediterranean like growing season and mild maritime winters make it the most important agriculture are on Vancouver Island. Today the 24 acre vineyard is the second largest on Vancouver Island and consists of grapevines that flourish in Cherry Point's microclimate. Ten main varieties and eight limited varieties are planted including Gewurtraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Zweigelt Epicure and Cabernet Libre, Pinot Noir, Agreia, Ortega, Seigerrebe, and Castel. In addition to the vineyard, tasting room and retail area, the Bistro and beautiful landscaped grounds are available to accommodate group functions. The Bistro operates seasonally for casual lunches, business meetings, and other social functions, accommodating up to 90 people. For larger groups, and/or weddings, the garden pavilion and lower lawn are added using event tents. This is an established business & turn-key opportunity.