Six wineries, one easy plan. This private Saanich Peninsula wine tour turns the drive from Victoria into part of the day, then stacks in guided tastings at several wineries. I like that you get round-trip hotel pickup across Greater Victoria, and you don’t have to budget for tasting fees because they’re included.

The pacing is built for a real taste, not a marathon: about 30 minutes at each stop, with a guided selection at the final cellar. One key consideration: food isn’t included, so you’ll want to handle lunch/snacks on your own to avoid getting hungry mid-route.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Private pickup and drop-off in Greater Victoria so you can start door-to-door
• Six winery stops over roughly 4 to 5 hours with timed tastings
• Tasting fees included, taking the guesswork out of the budget
• Tutored tastings at multiple wineries, including a guided pour at Rathjen Cellars
• Only your group participates, so the day stays personal
• Beautiful back-road style driving, with guides who know the region

Victoria to the Saanich Peninsula: Why the Drive Matters

A wine day can go two ways: either you get rushed between stops, or you actually enjoy the in-between. What I like about this tour is that it treats the route as part of the experience, with pickup and drop-off handled by Beyond the City Tours. You’re not hunting for parking, and you’re not stuck on a rigid public-transport schedule.

The tour also feels practical. It runs about 4 to 5 hours, so it fits well when you have a limited day in Victoria and still want a full slice of the Saanich Peninsula’s wine scene. And since it’s private, the schedule is less about keeping peace with a bigger group and more about letting your driver pace the day.

If you’re the type who likes scenic local roads, you’ll probably appreciate that the driving is described as beautiful and the route is planned. That matters because on the Saanich Peninsula, views and atmosphere are part of why people fall for the region in the first place.

Pickup From Your Victoria Hotel (And the Real Meaning of Private)

Pickup is offered anywhere in the Greater Victoria area, which is a big deal in practice. Victoria’s streets can be busy, and finding the right meeting point is often the first headache of a tour day. Here, you can start from your accommodation and keep things simple.

The other “private” part isn’t just comfort. It means the timing and questions stay flexible for your group. One guide mentioned in feedback—Marianne with Beyond the City Tours—came across as helpful and accommodating, and another review highlights local wine knowledge from the driver. In plain terms: you’ll likely get answers, not just directions.

There’s also a minor bonus if you’re traveling as a small group: the tour lists group discounts, so it’s worth asking when you book. No one needs a spreadsheet at the end of a wine day.

First Pour Stop: Symphony Vineyard

Your day starts with tasting at Symphony Vineyard, with about 30 minutes set aside. That time window is important. It’s long enough for you to listen, learn a few specifics, and taste more than one wine without feeling like you’re being herded along.

What makes a stop like this valuable is the structure. A good tasting isn’t only about liking what you sip. It’s also about understanding what the producer is doing and why it tastes the way it does—so your next winery visit becomes a comparison, not a fresh start.

One practical thing to keep in mind: 30 minutes goes fast when you’re sampling. If you have a preference—white vs. red, crisp vs. bold—tell your host early so you can steer your tasting.

Deep Cove Winery: When You Want Another Contrast

After Symphony Vineyard, you’ll head to Deep Cove Winery, again for about 30 minutes of tasting. A second winery so soon is smart. It gives your palate a reference point, and it makes the day feel like a guided progression rather than a series of unrelated stops.

This is also where you’ll probably notice the region’s range. Even when you don’t have formal tasting vocabulary, you can pick up differences in texture, acidity, and balance. With a private guide-driver pair, you can ask questions on the spot and connect the dots between what you’re tasting and where you are.

If you’re the kind of visitor who wants to learn how wineries actually operate—what owners focus on, how they think about production—you’ll likely enjoy the “tutor” style of tasting here. Reviews also mention guides who are knowledgeable about local wine and winery operations, which is exactly the sort of context that makes a tasting feel worth your time.

Church and State Wines (Brentwood Bay): A Third Stop With Momentum

Next up is Church and State Wines – Brentwood Bay, another 30-minute tutored tasting. At the third stop, the tour’s pacing starts to feel like a rhythm. You’ve had time to warm up, you know how much you want to ask, and you can taste with more intention.

One drawback to consider with a multi-stop wine tour is that decision-making becomes harder as the day goes on. You might love a wine early, then struggle to remember it later. My practical advice: take quick notes on what you like and why. Even a couple of words—bright, smooth, peppery—helps you compare later.

If you’re not a heavy drinker, this rhythm can still work well because the visit length stays consistent across wineries. You’re not stuck at one location too long, and you’re not forced to rush.

Roost Farm Winery, Bakery, and Bistro: Where Wine Meets Food Options

Then you arrive at Roost Farm Winery, Bakery, and Bistro for another 30 minutes of tasting. The name alone tells you there’s more going on than wine. That said, food is listed as not included on the tour, so this is where you’ll want to plan around snacks or lunch outside the tasting fee.

Why does this matter? Because a multi-winery day can feel smooth until it’s suddenly not. If you want to enjoy your tastings without that “hungry but polite” feeling, you’ll want at least one food stop of your own—especially on days when you’re tasting multiple wines.

Also, if you like a more casual atmosphere, a winery-bakery-bistro combo often feels less formal than a traditional tasting room. You may find this stop easiest if you’re with a friend who wants variety beyond just wine.

Rathjen Cellars: The Guided Tasting Finale

Your final stop is Rathjen Cellars, with a guided tasting of a selection of wines for about 30 minutes. This is the sort of endpoint that can tie the day together. Instead of thinking of each winery as a separate event, a guided selection helps you see how different styles fit into a bigger picture.

A guided tasting also tends to be a good way to wrap up if you’ve been asking lots of questions earlier. Your host can steer you toward comparison and “here’s what to pay attention to” tips, which makes the last stop feel purposeful.

If you’ve been tasting all day, pacing matters here too. Since this is the last pour, you might want to slow down and savor. If anything stands out strongly, ask what pairs well with food or what the producer recommends as a next bottle.

How to Get the Most From 30-Minute Tastings

This tour is timed tightly: about 30 minutes per winery. That’s not a criticism—it’s part of how the day stays manageable and why the total duration lands around 4 to 5 hours.

Here’s how to make those tasting windows work for you:

• Go in with a short list of what you like (crisp whites, smooth reds, etc.).
• Ask one good question per stop, not five at once.
• Try one wine you expect and one you don’t. That’s where surprises show up.
• If something hits hard, note it before you move on.

Also, remember that tasting fees are included. That’s a value win because you’re not paying extra each time you arrive. The tour is built so you can focus on enjoyment and learning rather than tracking costs.

Food Planning: What You Should Do Since Meals Aren’t Included

Food not being included is the one “logistics reality” you should handle early. You’ll likely want water during the tastings and some kind of snack plan so you don’t fade halfway through the route.

This is especially important if you’re doing the tour as a full day activity. Even if you love wine, hunger can affect taste and attention. And if you’re the designated “slow sipper,” you still want energy for the drive back.

My practical suggestion: eat before the tour and keep a snack in your bag for later, especially if you’re aiming for the bakery/bistro-style vibe at Roost Farm even though it’s outside what’s included.

Timing and Operating Hours: When This Fits Your Victoria Trip

The tour’s listed opening hours are Friday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. So you’ll want to match it to your itinerary accordingly. If you’re visiting on a weekday, you may need a different tour option.

That weekend timing can be a good thing. It usually means more people are around at wineries, and tasting rooms are often in full swing. Still, you should book early if your travel dates are firm.

The tour also says you’ll receive confirmation at booking time unless you book within 2 days of travel, in which case confirmation comes within 48 hours subject to availability. If you’re traveling fast, that can shape your planning.

The One Real Risk: Pickup That Doesn’t Happen

One review called out a major failure: a confirmed booking where no one showed up for pickup, and the customer couldn’t reach the guide. That’s rare, but it’s serious. If you book, treat confirmation seriously and double-check details.

My advice:

• Keep your confirmation handy on your phone.
• If pickup time is close, be ready at your accommodation and stay reachable.
• If anything looks off, contact the provider quickly rather than waiting.

A tour like this lives or dies on the first 10 minutes. The rest of the day can be great, but you don’t want to start it with stress.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This private Saanich Peninsula wine tour is a strong match if you:

• Want a door-to-door experience from Victoria
• Prefer a small, personal setting over big-group logistics
• Enjoy guided tastings where you can ask questions
• Like tasting at multiple wineries without spending the day driving yourself

It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a friend or partner and you want the day to feel tailored. Reviews mention accommodations and helpful guidance, which suggests this is more than just “sit in the car and taste what’s on the list.”

It may not be ideal if you want food fully handled, or if you’re looking for a longer, slower country day with no time pressure. With 30-minute tasting blocks, you should be comfortable with a faster pace.

FAQ

FAQ

Where are you picked up from?

You can be picked up and dropped off anywhere in the Greater Victoria area.

How long is the tour?

The tour is about 4 to 5 hours.

What wineries are included?

The tour includes tastings at Symphony Vineyard, Deep Cove Winery, Church and State Wines – Brentwood Bay, Roost Farm Winery, Bakery, and Bistro, and Rathjen Cellars.

Are tasting fees included?

Yes. Tasting fees are included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

When does it run?

It’s listed as available Friday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

How does cancellation work?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, a mobile ticket is offered.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this tour if you want a straightforward, private Saanich Peninsula day with easy transportation and multiple guided tastings, without the work of planning routes or chasing parking. The value angle here is clear: tasting fees are included, pickup is handled, and the pacing is designed to keep you moving through several wineries in one session.

I’d pause and double-check details if you’re the type who hates last-minute uncertainty, because one serious pickup complaint shows that meeting logistics matter a lot. If you’re prepared for food on your own and you stay on top of confirmation, this is the kind of tour that can turn one Victoria day into a real wine-focused experience—without turning it into a full-time project.