Oak Bay Beach Hotel | Winemaker’s Dinner Series

One of the things we love about living on Vancouver Island is that you never have to go far to find an interesting culinary experience. And while winemaker’s dinners and chef’s tasting menus are not new, they seem to be more intimate, personal and engaging here than elsewhere. It could be the ocean view, the island breeze or the relaxed ambience as we gather to celebrate local food and wine with those who know it best. 

This week we were fortunate to attend a long-table format Winemaker’s dinner at Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, featuring wines from Averill Creek Vineyard in Duncan. The smaller group, with about 20 of us in total, allowed us to engage in really meaningful conversations with winemaker Brent Rowland and Executive Chef Kreg Graham. As Brent himself mentioned, this dinner featured some of the best pairings with his wines that he has ever experienced. Lucky us!

Our evening began with the Averill Creek Chardonnay, paired with a light salad of heirloom tomatoes, avocado and Dungeness crab—the perfect start to our 5-course menu. Hokkaido scallops, Angus beef carpaccio, veal agnolotti with morel mushroom veloute’ and a delicate strawberry and white chocolate mousse were paired in order with the ‘Somenos’ Traminer, ‘Somenos’ Rose, their ever-popular Pinot Noir and with dessert, the Averill Creek Charme de L’Ile. The bubbles were the perfect way to end the evening, and an elegant pairing with our dessert. 

Oak Bay Beach Hotel will host a new Winemaker’s dinner each month, so there's still time for you to enjoy this unique culinary experience for yourself. Each dinner will be accompanied by live piano music in the ocean view Grand Lobby as the hotel’s Executive Chef Kreg Graham presents a five-course tasting menu, highlighting the freshest ingredients sourced from the surrounding region. The guest winemakers, representatives, and/or winery owners will guide you through each pour, while sharing insights and tasting notes.

The next dinner features Okanagan’s Hillside Winery on July 31. Doors for each event open at 6:45 pm and the welcome begins at 7:00 pm. Seating is limited to 35 guests, with a minimum purchase of two tickets required. Advance ticket purchases are mandatory, as ticket sales will not be available at the door. Learn more on their website—and consider booking an oceanfront suite so that you can really make the most of your experience!