Founded in 2001 by former MD and wine educator Andy Johnston, and led since 2018 by winemaker Brent Rowland, Averill Creek is the largest winery in the Cowichan Valley. Its 30-acre vineyard stretches across the southeastern slopes of Mount Prevost, surrounded by old-growth forest, just 12 km from the coast. The vines are rooted in the distinctive Royston-Qualicum soils — a mix of glacial stone, clay, and organics — which lend depth and character to the wines.

The winery is known for its minimal-intervention approach: whole-cluster fermentations foot-trodden and aged on the lees, with wild fermentation as standard. Nothing is added to the wines except a touch of sulphur just before bottling. All Averill Creek wines are unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural expression.

The estate’s signature grape is Pinot Noir — one of the world’s great varietals, originating in Burgundy but beautifully adapted to the island’s northern climate. The purest expression of the winery’s philosophy is the 2022 Somenos Pinot Noir. Fermented in a six-ton French oak vat and aged in traditional French oak barriques, with gentle punch-downs up to three times a day as needed, this whole-cluster, unfiltered Pinot Noir shows freshness, elegance, and a subtle, savory spice.

Beyond the estate tasting room, Averill Creek wines can be found in wine shops and restaurants across Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia.