Known for stunning coastlines, mountain forests and creative spirit, Salt Spring Island offers us a variety of holiday activities. One memorable day, Jason of Tour Salt Spring shows us around the island, stopping at noteworthy enterprises.
At Salt Spring Island Cheese Company, we schmooze with goats, watch cheese production through viewing windows and in the shop, taste-test.
“The company began selling handmade cheeses in 1996,” smiles the server. “The quality and flavour always depend on just four ingredients: pure goats’ milk, sea salt, dairy culture and rennet. Try those surface ripened cheeses; they mature from their rinds inward to velvety centres.”
Samples on crackers introduce delicate, tangy, herbal, garlicky and fruity sensations; textures vary from creamy soft to firm. Mainly known for yummy chevres, the farm also produces feta and hard cheeses.
Next at the Olive Farm in Fulford Valley, the owners describe their years of dreaming, planning and hard work. Standing beside the sophisticated oil press in the huge barn, George Braun grins, “With the help of that splendid beast, we bottled our first harvest in 2016, the only extra-virgin olive oil produced in Canada.” Sheri adds, “It takes years to grow enough olives to press a quantity of oil. Our trees are now almost seven years old; we’re optimistic about 2017’s outcome.”
Guiding us through their hillside grove, George points out its ideal microclimate. “The southern slope provides extra warmth, sunshine exposure and moisture.” And in the tasting room, he pours precious golden oil from sleek bottles into little cups. Some taste theirs neat. Like us, most dip fresh bread, relishing the result!
Tastings at two different wineries follow, starting with neighbouring Garry Oaks Estate Winery, established on one of Salt Spring’s oldest farms. In the tasting room below the terraced vineyards, the winemaker presents bright, French-style whites and classic, full-bodied reds.
“Our name reflects the preserved trees that help create a unique terroir,” he tells us. “And we use only grapes grown on this 10-acre property. After being hand bottled and corked, these delicious award-winning wines age in those white oak barrels stacked along the wall.”
At Salt Spring Vineyards on a patio overlooking a picnic area and pond, we sample four crisp, champagne-like whites. Luscious dessert wines tried include their popular apple pie and blackberry.
Later arriving at Salt Spring Ale’s lively shop, the tasting bar’s guide mats help us appreciate specific characteristics of five refreshing ales. “This brewery has crafted natural ales with spring water, barley and local ingredients since 1998,” recounts the bartender. “And in collaboration with three farms, we grow our own organic hops. Those hops, island honey, herbs, roots and heather flowers enhance our brews.”
At Salt Spring Wild, we learn about a business fitting well with the island’s long apple farming history. The 350-plus apple varieties still grown here offer a superb choice for making small batch ciders. Open since 2015, the cidery uses local apples from heritage trees, organic orchards and even wild apples from the roadside. Plum, apricot and pear ciders are made, in season. After sampling, we purchase the apple and plum.
Our tour concludes at Salt Spring Shine. A maple counter faces rows of beautiful corked glass bottles with retro labels. Elegantly sipping vodka from crystal glasses, we delight in its subtle tang. “We launched the island’s first licensed craft distillery in January 2017,” owner Michael explains. “By germinating organic grains, I develop malt on site, ferment and then distill the concoction in this stainless steel distiller. Soon, we’ll create other beverages. First gin, then schnapps and whiskey, all featuring small batch excellence.”
These imaginative Salt Spring Island undertakings demonstrate quality – and success.
For more information on island options, see www.saltspringtourism.com. BC Ferry information: www.bcferries.com. Custom touring: www.toursaltspring.com. Cusheon Lake Resort: www.cusheonlake.com. Salt Spring Cheese Company: www.saltspringcheese.com. The Olive Farm: www.theolivefarm.ca. Salt Spring Wild Cider: www.saltspringwildcider.com
