Head to Domaine de Chaberton in Langley, BC for Good Food & Wine
Looking for a wine-related getaway to a foreign country that will comfortably have you home and back in a day? It’s easily done with a visit to Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery in nearby Langley, BC.
Accessible from either the Peace Arch or Lynden border crossings within 20 minutes, the facility includes a tasting room, retail store, bistro, and 50 acres of the oldest and largest vineyard plantings in the Fraser Valley. Estate grapes make up about 30 percent of the winery’s production, with the balance coming from the Okanagan Valley on the eastern side of the province.
The winery currently produces over 50,000 cases annually under two labels: the original Domaine de Chaberton and the more recently launched Canoe Cove, which I think leans a bit more towards New World-style winemaking.
After a leisurely lunch at the Bacchus Bistro (try the lamb shank or trout filet; both were superbly prepared) Assistant Retail Manager Kady Smith took me on a brief tour of the vineyards and barrel room before a final stop at the tasting room.
Quite honestly, I enjoyed everything I tried, but if asked to narrow down the field to a few favorites here’s what I’d suggest (all prices Canadian retail at the winery):
2009 Unoaked Chardonnay (about $13) – There’s a hint of butterscotch on the nose and a surprisingly full-bodied mouthful of pineapple, papaya and tropical fruit flavors. An outstanding value at this price.
2010 Bacchus (about $15) – This Riesling-style white varietal leads off with stone fruit flavors of white peach and nectarine, and a bright, crisp finish with a touch of residual sweetness. The wine should pair beautifully with spicy Thai cuisine.
2009 Siegerrebe (about $17) – A bit softer and rounder than the Bacchus, here’s another lovely wine with a fragrance of white flowers, ruby red grapefruit and lychee flavors and a whisper of honey on the finish.
2010 Canoe Cove North Bluff Red (about $13) – This bargain-priced everyday red wine blend is packed with red currant and cherry flavors, and capped with a twist of black pepper.
2008 Syrah (about $29) – Big, compact, black plum and dark berry flavors unwind into a slightly spicy finish that ends on a note of toasted vanilla bean. Delicious!
In addition to lunch, the bistro is also open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. Phone (604) 530-9694 for complete hours and reservations.
For tasting room hours and additional winery information, including a list of BC restaurants and retailers that offer Domaine de Chaberton wines, visit the winery web site.