Zanatta Winery is the legendary first commercial winery on Vancouver Island, specializing in Prosecco-style sparkling wines. Formerly known as Vigneti Zanatta, it is the island’s first estate winery, nestled in the picturesque Glenora region near Duncan. The family-owned farm spans 120 acres, with over 25 acres planted with vineyards.

The Zanatta family arrived from Italy in the 1950s and initially focused on dairy farming before transforming their land into an experimental vineyard. In the 1980s, their project became part of the government-supported Duncan Project, helping to establish viticulture on Vancouver Island. As a result, Zanatta Winery became a pioneer in the region, experimenting with grape varieties suited to the island’s unique climate.

For over half a century, the winery has remained in the family - today it is run by Loretta Zanatta and her husband Jim Moody. Loretta joined the business after studying enology in Italy, while Jim has overseen winemaking since the late 1990s.

Zanatta is known for cultivating rare grape varieties such as Ortega, Cayuga, and Auxerrois, uncommon on Canadian wine lists. Key varietals also include Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Madeleine × Sylvaner, and Leon Millot, alongside over 30 experimental grapes. Signature wines include Sparkling Fantasia Brut, Damasco (a popular white blend), and Pinot Noir. Sparkling wines are crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise, with meticulous hand-riddling and dégorgement.

The winery offers an inviting, rustic tasting experience, framed by vineyard panoramas, historic buildings, and the charm of a 1903 farmhouse with a veranda and patio housing the tasting room. The wine shop and tasting room operate seasonally, typically from May to October. The winery also hosts weddings and private events, adding another dimension to its enduring appeal.