When the Brunner family sold Blue Grouse Winery to Jackson Family Wines, it marked a new chapter focused on growth and sustainability, especially with Jackson’s commitment to cool-climate wines.
Under new ownership, the winery has strengthened its environmental initiatives, achieving Biosphere Sustainable Certification and planning to expand its premium wine offerings and on-site experiences. This includes launching a new sparkling wine venture with Unsworth Vineyards and updating the Reserve tier and packaging, emphasizing Blue Grouse’s reputation as a premier Vancouver Island winery.
Additionally, the winemaking team has shifted. Stacy Hornemann joined from Jackson’s Stonestreet Estate in Sonoma and now leads winemaking at Blue Grouse. Her experience with premium labels and innovative practices will guide the winery’s vision under Jackson’s stewardship, with a continued focus on varietals well-suited to the Cowichan Valley, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
These changes collectively signify an effort to maintain Blue Grouse’s heritage while enhancing its offerings and environmental stewardship.
Now for the three new wines.
Blue Grouse Charme De L’Île Rosé
The sparkling Rosé is made from 100% Gamay Noir grapes, crafted in the traditional style.
The wine is a vibrant, translucent red with aromas of strawberry and citrus. It has vibrant bubbles, juicy flavours of raspberry, white peach, and pink grapefruit, and a touch of minerality. The perfect Sparkling Beaujolais Rosé. 90 Points.
Blue Grouse Charme De L’Île
Charme de l’Île is a signature sparkling wine made from a blend of 100% Vancouver Island grapes. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Schönburger, Muller Thurgau, and Pinot Noir, crafted using the Charmat method.
A beautifully rich lemon straw colour with an abundance of bubbles! Light aromas of citrus and green fruit. Flavours of green apple, key lime and white peach. Dry with a beautiful balance and a fine, persistent mousse. 92 Points
2023 Harvest
“The setup always starts the year before at bloom, where the primordial buds set for the following year. So, 2022 was a cool spring, and the buds for this year did not set for an abundance of crop. This was the experience of our own vineyards and contract growers.
That said the 2023 spring was perfect for bloom and fruit set which happened mid-May through to early June. With the many varietals we have in the old Kiltz vineyard it seems to be spread out slightly.
With very little rainfall from May through September, the vines were in their element. By October 1st were had achieved 1275 GDD which is slightly above the 10-year average. Early varieties like Siegerrebe and sparkling base came in in the first few weeks of September, there was a little break and then we began harvesting Ortega and Bacchus. The weather stayed favourable till the end of Sept and into the early weeks of October at which time we began harvesting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The sugar and acid balance was almost perfect for Cowichan Valley, so we could highlight our distinctive terroir and the unique characteristics of wine grown in a decidedly cool climate.
Although the yields were slightly lower, the quality was up.” Bailey Williamson, Blue Grouse Winemaker for the 2023 vintage.
Blue Grouse Pinot Gris 2023
The Pinot Gris comes from 34-year-old vines in the estate vineyard. Aged in concrete 60%, French Oak barrels 30%, and 10% stainless steel for eight months.
12% Alcohol / pH 3.34 /TA 5.66 / RS 2.29
A light aroma of caramel and apple. Vibrant flavours of fresh green apple, Meyer lemon, butterscotch, toast, and peach with a hint of minerality. A delicious creamy mouthfeel with a medium finish. This is an exceptional BC PG. 92 Points
Here is the link to purchase Blue Grouse wines.
For information on other Blue Grouse wines, see Blue Grouse Reserve Pinot Noir and Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Quill new releases.