Symphony Vineyard
Symphony Vineyard
5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
100% Saanich grown wines. Our family has been farming on this lovely part of the Oldfield valley since the late 1950's; first in strawberries, and then loganberries for the island wineries in the mid 1960's to 70's. We planted our vines in 2003 and opened our tasting room in 2012. Just 15 minutes north of Victoria near Butchart Gardens, we specialize in dry white wines and lively, lightly oaked reds. We grow Ortega - a signature grape for Vancouver Island, as well as Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir (we make a rose and a red from this grape), Millot and Foch, as well as our low alcohol "Splash". Enjoy our historic farm, heritage timber tasting room, and beautiful grass patios overlooking the vineyard. Please see website for opening hours and reservations.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
31 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
3
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2
Poor
0
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TammaraK
Victoria, Canada86 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
My 11 year old daughter and I visited Symphony today for my birthday. We were fortunate to come when it was fairly quiet. The owner was quite welcoming and allowed me to taste 3 of the wines. They were tasty for Island wines. I particularly liked the Fuch red. I love their little setup where you grab a picnic basket and load up on cheeses, meats, spreads, there were fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumbers and freshly baked still warm baguettes. All the supplies we needed to cut and prepare everything were supplied. All of this paired with a jug of water and a glass of wine. We made our out to the patio. There was a great selection of tables in the sun and shade, all with breathtaking views. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I will go back again!
Written June 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tammara - thanks for choosing our gardens to celebrate your birthday with your daughter. We enjoy the quiet too - we like that guests can enjoy some good conversation on the patios and listen to the sounds of the farmland. Best wishes for a wonderful year ahead.
Written June 6, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Loves2wine
Vancouver, Canada124 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
I hate to be the first person to give this a four star rating but based on our experience, that's what it was. Let's be real, for the island, the wines are great. Their foch and rose were both my favourite and I bought them. The place is so cute because you can load up a picnic basket with things you want and sit down on their patio and have a lovely day.
We went in just for a tasting and were thankful for the crackers provided. Also, the man (owner?) gave us samples of the wine jellies and chutney which were great. However, we felt that given that we were the only ones at the tasting bar, the interaction could have been better. I see the comments here about the owner going through the wines and explaining the process. Sadly, we missed out on that experience. As we are both hospitality staff, we really appreciate that as it helps us gain an appreciation of the wine. Maybe it was just an off day. I do appreciate how smaller wineries such as these give you a more intimate experience. Nevertheless, the wines are great and the tasting fee is quite reasonable.
We went in just for a tasting and were thankful for the crackers provided. Also, the man (owner?) gave us samples of the wine jellies and chutney which were great. However, we felt that given that we were the only ones at the tasting bar, the interaction could have been better. I see the comments here about the owner going through the wines and explaining the process. Sadly, we missed out on that experience. As we are both hospitality staff, we really appreciate that as it helps us gain an appreciation of the wine. Maybe it was just an off day. I do appreciate how smaller wineries such as these give you a more intimate experience. Nevertheless, the wines are great and the tasting fee is quite reasonable.
Written May 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review - sorry you didn't get the discussion on the wines you were hoping for. We expect (although we try hard) that we won't get it right all the time. Sometimes guests like to chat with the staff, other times we feel they want to chat about the wines between themselves. Please always ask questions if you aren't getting the information you want - I'm sure we can meet your needs! Glad you liked our wines!
Written June 6, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Climber551263
London, United Kingdom4 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
My wife and I wanted to see a Vineyard while on holiday on Vancouver Island- we found this one on Trip advisor and headed off. A lovely place to visit, even though the weather was wet. The owners were very friendly and informative. We tried 6 different wines - 4 white 1 Rose and 1 Red (normally $5 for tasting 6 but the charge is wavered when you buy 2 bottles) we bought the Rose and the Red. They also make their own Jelly and chutney
Written July 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review! We hope you'll visit us again on your next trip to the island....and thanks for buying local!
Written April 13, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Annafelle
Victoria, Canada25 contributions
Aug 2019
A little background information, I have never been to a vineyard or attended any wine tasting, so I was EXTREMELY excited. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary and were really wanting to make our trip to Victoria very special. I did tons of research into choosing a vineyard to spend some time at. I read all the reviews on Tripadvisor for Symphony vineyard and various vineyards within driving distance of Victoria. I had extremely high hopes for Symphony Vineyard. I definitely enjoy white and light reds, my boyfriend was there for the experience.
Upon arrival to Symphony we were not warmly greeted, the lady pouring the wines even commented how she hoped it wasn't going to be busy and that everyone should be at Symphony Splash. I really tried to foster some conversation with her, I had read such amazing things about this vineyard! Truly, had I not read all the reviews we would not know what to do about the self-serve deli, or eating in the sitting area. As we were leaving, my boyfriend tried to chat with the lady again. She was not very engaging.
I don't want to end this review on completely bad note. The vineyard itself is gorgeous. It is tucked away, about a 30min drive from downtown Victoria. Upon entry, there is a little bar area where you taste the wines. Choose a bottle (or two), fill your picnic basket from the self-serve deli and then head out into the sunlight! The sitting area where you can enjoy your picnic is absolutely gorgeous.
Upon arrival to Symphony we were not warmly greeted, the lady pouring the wines even commented how she hoped it wasn't going to be busy and that everyone should be at Symphony Splash. I really tried to foster some conversation with her, I had read such amazing things about this vineyard! Truly, had I not read all the reviews we would not know what to do about the self-serve deli, or eating in the sitting area. As we were leaving, my boyfriend tried to chat with the lady again. She was not very engaging.
I don't want to end this review on completely bad note. The vineyard itself is gorgeous. It is tucked away, about a 30min drive from downtown Victoria. Upon entry, there is a little bar area where you taste the wines. Choose a bottle (or two), fill your picnic basket from the self-serve deli and then head out into the sunlight! The sitting area where you can enjoy your picnic is absolutely gorgeous.
Written August 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello - Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed the wine and the garden. You must have missed our info on the deli - it's on the sign as you go in the door - and of course everyone's questions are very welcome. Yes, to the less busy - it's nice for everyone given our small space. As for Symphony Splash - it is a very special event for Victoria :) !
Written August 14, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lola L
British Columbia, Canada43 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Lovely venue. Great service. Thank you Mickey!
More food choice would be great but the wine was lovely and the knowledgeable and very warm and welcoming.
More food choice would be great but the wine was lovely and the knowledgeable and very warm and welcoming.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey L
Pooler, GA176 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We toured this vineyard on a Royal Caribbean excursion. It’s a charming little vineyard with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. The wine tasting was very enjoyable and the cheese and chutney were super yummy!
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerry K
Port Moody, Canada3 contributions
Apr 2022
Dropped by on Easter Sunday. The hosts Johnny and Meg were very accommodating. The wines were unexpectedly good. We sat in the sunny courtyard with cheese, tapenade and a warm loaf of bread purchased inside, along with a bottle of a white blend called Splash.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NicK D
77 contributions
Aug 2019
This is a super, little, family-owned vineyard on Vancouver Island making excellent European style wines. We had a great time sitting on their little terrace tasting their wines and eating their delicious breads and cheeses. Just the sort of vineyard we love to visit with the personal touch.
Written September 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review - it is appreciated! We're happy you enjoyed a wonderful local experience on our family farm!
Written September 19, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Numbs_AND_Peeps
Denton, TX55 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
What a nice place Symphony has! Beautiful picnic/wine-enjoyment area behind the tasting room. Taste their excellent barrel-aged Pinot Gris that is designed for red drinkers. The Pinot noir was nice, but unremarkable. And the Foch was a red I’d certainly buy in a local restaurant or bring home if I were in this area. And they’re at the right price points.
Lovely couple who appear to be the proprietors - he grows ‘em, and she’s the winemaker. All wines are 100% local grapes.
Lovely couple who appear to be the proprietors - he grows ‘em, and she’s the winemaker. All wines are 100% local grapes.
Written August 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AM Paints
Vancouver, Canada30 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
This is a magical place to visit even if you're not fond of wine however if you are fond of good wine then this is a must! To begin with the drive north on West Saanich Road then Oldfield Road is delightful all on its own. Put the top down if you can and turn up your tunes as you wind your way past picturesque fields, wildflowers and blossoming cherry trees, horses and sheep grazing. Dream a little about the possibilities of selling everything and buying a small rural property with all of the above. When you arrive at Symphony Vineyard you will be greeted by two of the most welcoming and knowledgeable vintners you're likely to meet anywhere. Enjoy a tasting of their latest offerings with the knowledge that the grapes used are all locally grown and they know a tremendous amount about all of their processes. I recommend that you stay for a picnic on their amazing patio overlooking the vineyard, as it is picturesque beyond words at every stage of growth. The vineyard offers local cheeses, meats, veggies, pickles and relishes made at the vineyard. They will provide a warm mini baguette to round out your lunch and of course whatever wine has captured your interest, by the glass or bottle. As you sit on the grassy patio under the grand shade tree or under an umbrella it is so easy to linger with thoughts of similar Provençal experiences. The garden flower pots complete the experience and if you can leave the vineyard without a bottle or two of their fabulous wine you are a much better person than I. Highly recommended. Go often.
Written March 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review. We love the Oldfield valley and all our rural landscapes in Saanich! Its so easy to fill our deli with local cheeses, charcuterie, baguettes and produce - we are so appreciative of the ability to do that.
We've got so many folks doing a great job of farming in Saanich, and every farmer appreciates your visit to buy local - so thank you again!
Written April 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is there anything for kids here? Drinks? Do you recommend kids visit here? They are ages 11-15
Written July 24, 2017
Hi - you are welcome to bring children whatever age. We do not, however, have activities for them, so if you are here tasting then they will likely want to bring something to quietly entertain themselves. As for drinks we have sparkling waters (some flavored) and some local fruit teas - all low to no sugar. Minors (up to age 19) must be accompanied by an adult.
Written July 24, 2017
hello what are your days of operation and do you need reservations
Written May 11, 2017
Hi Thanks for your inquiry. We are open 11 - 5 weekends in May and 11 - 5 Thurs to Sun in June through September. We recommend reservations for groups over 6 people. Weekends we limit large group bookings to a maximum of 10 people so please book early.
Written May 11, 2017
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