About Garry Oaks Estate Winery
Garry Oaks Estate Winery sits on Fulford-Ganges Road on a century-old Salt Spring farm that used to graze sheep. Marcel Mercier and Elaine Kozak bought the land in 1999 and planted seven acres of vines. In 2016 they passed the winery to Nalini Samuel, who added sparkling and dessert wines to the list. Every wine is made from grapes grown and bottled on the estate.
The farm takes its name from the island's native Garry oaks, and the winery works to protect them. It replants native meadow plants and offers Garry oak seedlings. In the vineyard it uses many organic practices, and its compost program turns more than 20 tons a year of mowings, prunings, grape pomace and neighbors' horse manure back into the soil. The farm is registered with the BC Environmental Farm Plan program.
The tasting room is open Friday to Sunday from noon to 5, and in November on Saturdays and Sundays only. No appointment is needed. Part of each tasting fee goes to a local charity that you choose. Guided vineyard tours, a wine shop and locally sourced food, some of it certified organic, round out a visit, and tables can be reserved through their website.
Lavender & Black, an organic lavender and helichrysum farm, is about 10 minutes away by car, and Sacred Mountain Lavender near Fulford Harbour is also a short drive. Either one pairs well with an afternoon tasting in summer.
What to do
- Taste estate-grown wines, including newer sparkling and dessert wines
- Pick the local charity that receives part of your tasting fee
- Ask about a guided vineyard tour
- Have locally sourced food on site; tables can be reserved
Season, hours and prices
- Hours
- October 2026 listing: Fri–Sun 12–5; in November, Sat–Sun 12–5 only
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Tips for your visit
- Hours are limited to weekend afternoons in the off-season, so check their website before you go
- No appointment is needed for a tasting
- On an island wine tour, plan a designated driver
Pair it with a lavender farm
Lavender & Black · about 10 minutes away
Lavender & Black is about 10 minutes away, so a lavender farm visit fits neatly before an afternoon tasting here.
Getting there
Questions
Do I need an appointment?
No. Their website says no appointments are necessary.
Are the grapes grown on Salt Spring?
Yes. All of their wines are estate grown and bottled.
When is the tasting room open?
Friday to Sunday, noon to 5, and weekends only in November (October 2026 listing).
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of the Lower Mainland & Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
