– by Hans Tammemagi –
Tucked away in one of the prettiest corners of Vancouver Island lies little Muse Winery. The elegant three-acre vineyard is secluded, almost lost, at the north end of the Saanich Peninsula, buried in lush greenery near Deep Cove. An eagle pair tends their chicks high atop one of the soaring, stately Douglas firs at the property’s edge. “Many people come just to watch the eagles while sipping wine on the patio,” says Jane Ellmann with a broad, friendly smile.
Jane and her husband, Peter, own and manage the winery. Peter Ellmann is the winemaker, having learned the trade in California’s Napa Valley. Jane, who formerly worked in the hospitality trade, is responsible for promoting the winery, attracting visitors and, most importantly, making them feel welcome.
We sat on the patio, a little Garden of Eden, beside rows of vines and tasted an Ortega and then a Pinot Gris, both dry, crisp and with floral aromas. “We make Bacchus, Ortega, Pinot Gris and Marechal Foch wines from our own grapes, and those from nearby vineyards,” explained Jane.” Red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, but these are made from imported Okanagan grapes. Production is 3,500 cases per year. Most popular are the whites made from local grapes. I found the labels particularly attractive, featuring a mermaid and a catchy saying, for example, the Syrah has the subtitle “big, bold & bodacious.” The Muse philosophy is to make high-quality wine, and after the tasting, I agreed, they do!
What makes Muse unique, I discovered, is the broad spectrum of arts they present. “We want people to have a great experience when they come here” said Jane. Large painted sheets draped from the sloped ceilings of a spacious art gallery give it the exotic feel of a Bedouin tent. Paintings line the walls. The gallery also hosts performances and weddings. An adjacent outside performance area is used during warm weather. While other wineries display art, very few, if any, also have ballerinas pirouetting across a stage, chamber musicians fiddling, or thespians dramatizing.
Bistro Muse serves mouth-watering dishes like Salmon Rillete, Crabcakes, Wine Maker’s Ribs, and Cocont Pana Cata. Not surprisingly, the food is excellent. Judi Garbala from Starfish Catering and Inspired Fare does all the bistro food and event catering and Peter, who was formerly an executive chef, takes care of the ribs; and all the wine of course!
Jane explained, “My favourite part of this business is meeting people from around the world. It’s satisfying to see how even well-travelled people are impressed by the beauty of Deep Cove and our winery.”
JULY WINERY EVENTS
Muse Winery
Ballet Etoile – Summer Musings
July 5th at 2 p.m. Come enjoy lunch before the performance.
Peninsula Players Summer Outdoor Theature.
See musewinery.ca/events for more
Church & State Wines
Lunch Feature:
Wed-Sun 11.30 – 3.30 all month, featuring local Vancouver and Gulf Island producers. Menu rotates bi-weekly.
DeVine Vinyard
Victoria Food Truch Festival:
Find the DevIne food truck in Victoria on July 3rd
2013 Red Wine Collection
Released on July 12th
