Monday 18 June 2012

Gardens and Gin in Victoria, B.C.

by Keith and Heather Nicol
      
       Victoria, B.C. is just a short ferry ride from the Vancouver area and so we decided to spend 4 days there as part of our West Coast vacation. Fortunately we had better weather in Victoria than we had experienced in Vancouver so that enabled us to get out and see some of the sites. There is lots to do in Victoria so the following suggestions are just a sampling of what to do in B.C.’s scenic capitol. Our first visit was to Victoria Gin (who knew they made gin in Victoria?) where we had a tour and got to sample the gin and other spirits that are produced on the premises. Check this web site for more information: http://www.victoriaspirits.com/
You can sample gin and other spirits at Victoria Gin
    Nearby is de Vine Wines so if you are into sampling alcoholic beverages you might want to check them out as well. The winery is set on top of a small hill with a great view of the surrounding rural country side and they have a variety of wines made both from their own grapes and also from grapes from the interior of B.C. We sampled mostly white wines and like Victoria Gin your samples are free if you purchase a bottle. You can check them out on line at: http://www.devinevineyards.ca/
de Vine Wines has scenic setting and nice tasting room
       After imbibing on wine and gin we headed off to what must be Victoria’s best known tourist attraction-Butchart Gardens. These gardens are not to be missed and offer a spectacular setting for enjoying a sunny early summer afternoon. While we were there the rhododendrons were out (the tulips and daffodils had passed) and there were many other flowers on display. Allow at least a couple of hours to enjoy the gardens and be sure to bring your camera. For more information see: www.butchartgardens.com/
 A visit to Butchart Gardens is easy to recommend 




The rhododendrons were in full bloom

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