The history of Chaberton Estate Winery dates back to 1975. The founders, Claude and Inge Violet sold their winery in France to start their next chapter in the “New World”.
Their extensive research proved that the terroir in South Langley was similar to that of some of the best wineries in Northern France, making it the ideal place to grow a range of different cool weather grapes.
In the beginning, the Violets started out by experimenting with numerous grape varietals to find out which ones would be best suited for growing in the Fraser Valley climate. They began planting their new vineyard in the mid-1980s.
The winery was purchased in 2004 by Vancouver lawyer Eugene Kwan and Hong Kong businessman Anthony Cheng.
Langley Vineyard
As the oldest and largest vineyard in the Fraser Valley, Chaberton Estate Winery’s vineyard covers 50 acres, while the remaining 5 acres of the property house buildings, parking, and other amenities.
The vineyard lies within a small micro-climate, receiving about 30% less rain than Vancouver. This climate is ideal for growing grape varietals similar to those grown in Northern France and Southern Germany, and the aquifers of the Campbell Valley eliminate the need for irrigation.
The vineyard currently consists of a selection of different vitis vinifera grapes, including Siegerrebe, Madeleine Sylvaner, Madeleine Angevine, Reichensteiner, Ortega, and Gamay Noir, as well as some of the original Bacchus vines, which are now more than 35 years old.
The Winemakers
Gary Zhygailo
Gary joined the Chaberton Team as a cellar assistant in August of 2016 and has now taken on the position of winemaker.
Growing up in the south of the Ukraine in a wine region not far from the Black Sea, Gary has always loved the beauty in living and raising a family surrounded by vineyards. He has a passion for new world Sauvignon Blanc with notes of tropical fruits and the big bold Bordeaux style reds.
Graduating from Odessa National Academy of Food Technologies with a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science in 2002 and a Master’s Degree in Fermentation and Winemaking Technology in 2003, Gary was hired on as a cellar hand at one of the largest wineries in the Ukraine. During his tenure from 2003-2009 he was promoted to assistant winemaker and then to cellar manager.
Before joining Chaberton, he worked in several areas of the wine industry, including as an oenologist and technical sales representative for a French producer of oenology equipment.
Dr. Elias Phiniotis
Chaberton’s consulting oenologist comes from a long line of winemakers and grape growers. Born in Pera-Pedhi, Cyprus, Elias has been with Chaberton Estate Winery since 1991 when the Violets produced their first vintage.
Completed his Masters of Science (MSc) and Doctorate in Technology and Chemical Engineering at the Technical University Budapest, He then went on to complete his Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences. Elias specialized in Food Science & Technology/Properties of grape juice and wines.
He moved to Canada and completed his Business Administration Certificate at Okanagan College. Elias began his own consulting business for wine entrepreneurs in British Columbia. He has consulted with several BC wineries including Desert Hills Estate, Quails Gate Vineyards Estate, Cedar Creek Estate, Sumac Ridge Estate, and Glenugie Winery, as well as working for PricewaterhouseCoopers and other accounting agencies doing audits of the wine industry.
Enjoying semi-retirement, Elias works closely with Anthony Cheng and Gary Zhygailo to develop and blend all the red wines.
Harvest 2020
The yields were lower than what we are used to because of the large amount of rain in June during flowering. However, the quality of the grapes was still high. We are expecting the same quality of juices that we are accustomed to, but just in less volume.
Gary Zhygailo, Winemaker
Chaberton Wines
Chaberton Estate Grown Bacchus 2021 ($17.95)
Key lime, ripe peach and fresh pear round out the beautifully soft flavours of our flagship Bacchus. The sweet citrus notes build on the fresh acidity, bringing this fragrant wine a comforting quality that is sure to please the palate.
Double Gold winner at 2022 All Canadian Wine Championships.
Chaberton Estate Grown Siegerrebe 2019 ($17.95)
Notes of honeydew, apricot and vanilla. This estate-grown varietal has a mouth-watering acidity and flavours of grapefruit and lemon zest.
Chaberton Valley Pink 2020 ($17.99)
This ruby pink wine is a blend of Zweigelt and Gewürztraminer with notes of rhubarb, raspberry and strawberry with a beautiful cranberry and sweet cherry flavour on the palate.
Chaberton Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($25.95)
With a nose of dark chocolate and dark fruit, this Cabernet Sauvignon has a full-bodied, robust flavour with notes of roasted coffee beans and leather. A rich, lingering finish with silky tannins rounds out this bold wine.
Enjoy with braised or grilled meats, strong cheeses and dark chocolates. Try a gently seasoned BBQ steak, with grilled vegetables and spring potato salad,
Double Gold Medal Winner at 2022 All Canadian Wine Championship.
This Cabernet was included in the Top 10 Best Value BC Cabernet Sauvignon article.
Please visit the Chaberton Estate Winery to see the complete portfolio of their excellent British Columbia wines
Future Plans
“Continuing to adapt to Provincial Health orders and COVID safety protocols to ensure the safety of our guests and staff. This year we increased % of Zweigelt from our vineyard in the Valley Pink production.
We strive to continue with the tradition and legacy of Chaberton’s original vision of producing wines of quality portraying the Best of British Columbia.”
Brian Ensor, General manager
Note: 1. The winery story, photos and BC wine tasting notes were all supplied by the Chaberton Estate Winery.