There’s a certain quiet magic in the Fraser Valley that only unveils itself when you’re willing to slow down and taste it — glass by glass, field by field.
During a recent stay in Abbotsford, I had the opportunity to check out two wineries almost side-by-side geographically, but both offering very different experiences.
And while both Singletree and Cannon Estate wineries are cultivating reputations as much for their stories as for their wines, it’s their bold reds, delicate whites and sophisticated rosés that will keep you coming back.
Looking for more things to do while in Abbotsford? Celebrate Abbotsford: A Perfect Country Getaway of Flowers, Farms, Wine and Food
Singletree Winery
Tucked away in Mt. Lehman, Garnet and Debbie Etsell have turned their 67-acre former chicken farm into a flourishing vineyard. On the day I arrived with a friend, there was a group of young men and women lounging on red Adirondack chairs and at picnic tables scattered the lawn, their bikes resting in the grass while they sipped wine and enjoyed the warm spring day.
Views of the vineyard at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
On the patio, a group of 20-something women in sun dresses toasted a friend’s birthday at a large round table, while my friend and I settled into a small cabana lined with faux-fur throws, which can be reserved for 90-minutes at a time at a cost of $25 per person.
The cabanas have a rustic charm and come complete with an outdoor fireplace, so at an additional price, you can enjoy the “S’more and Pour” package, which allows you to roast marshmallows and choose from scrumptious gourmet s’more selections. You can also enhance your experience with food options such as their “Charcuterie for Two” or “Chip ‘n’ Dip Trio.”
We enjoyed the charcuterie and a flight of wines while overlooking the vineyard and I can’t honestly think of many better ways to spend an afternoon.
Another option for cooler weather is their Di Vine Domes, which provide the perfect backdrop for a wine-tasting outing. The domes are not available if it’s too warm, so check before you go.
Inside, the warm wood and local artwork give the tasting room an ambience more in keeping with a farmhouse kitchen rather than a commercial venue. It’s here the Singletree team shines, sharing their intimate knowledge of the wines with each pour.
So, if you’re looking for a casual, small-scale, wine-tasting experience, Singletree delivers and the friendly staff and owners are guaranteed to show you a wonderful time.
Travel writer Wendy Nordvik-Carr is in the private Cabana at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford. Photo: Sandra Thomas©
(L) Singletree Winery owner Debbie Etsell. (R) Travel Writer Sandra Thomas enjoys a glass of wine at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Wine tasting room at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside the tasting room at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Views of the vineyard from the picnic area at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cannon Estate Winery
A short drive — or bike ride — down the road from Singletree, sits Cannon Estate Winery with a tasting room that offers an urban look and feel set against a decidedly rural environment, an influence of young owners Andi and Justin Manuel.
The new kid on the block, Cannon Estate, opened in 2022, and the rows upon rows of young vines stretching confidently into the horizon are proof of its youthful vibe. And while Cannon might be newer to the scene, it carries the weight of serious ambition. Here, the tasting room gleams modern, all clean lines and wide windows that frame Mount Baker in the distance.
That modern approach translates to their wine making, which embraces organic practices, low-intervention wine making and a firm belief that BC wines deserve a place at the grown-ups’ table.
The food menu at Cannon Estates also very much appeals to an urban crowd, with plenty of share plates available and a small selection of savoury flatbreads. Weekend specials, also up their food menu game. An enclosed patio and heaters ensure you can sip, savour and taste comfortably no matter the weather.
The picnic area and food truck, opened on May 21, offer a more relaxed al fresco experience overlooking the vineyards. Check out the Calibre by Cannon live music schedule and the Rise and Wine (or mocktails) Yoga in the Vineyard.
Stunning views overlooking Cannon Estate Winery. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Views of the wine tasting area, Calibre by Cannon. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Wine tasting at Cannon Estate Winery in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Calibre by Cannon at Cannon Estate Winery in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Food served at Calibre by Cannon at Cannon Estate Winery in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cannon Estate Winery. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
So, while the two vineyards offer very different experiences, their proximity to each other means it just makes sense to visit them both.
Remember, these aren’t wineries built on investor portfolios or polished branding. They’re built by families, calloused hands, stubborn hope and the kind of long-game thinking that makes you believe in land again.
Wine Tasting in the Fraser Valley
Assign a designated driver and make it a wine-tasting road trip to the Fraser Valley. Here are some other wineries to consider as you taste your way from Vancouver to Abbotsford. Coming soon, watch for our wine guides to the Fraser Valley and other wine regions of BC.
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery – Langley
- Location: 21152, 16 Ave., Langley
- With a charming tasting room set in a rustic barn, the Langley location of Township 7 is well worth the drive from Vancouver. Township 7 is one of a few wineries that has two locations in BC. Their wines are produced at their stunning vineyards in the Naramata in the Okanagan and in South Langley.
Backyard Vineyards – Langley
- Location: 3033, 232 St., Langley
- The hand-crafted wines produced at this family-owned winery ensure each visit is a special one, especially following a tour of the vineyard. Relax under the gazebo or take in the sophisticated tasting room while savouring one of their bold reds or sparkling wines.
Chaberton Estate Winery – Langley
- Location: 1064, 216 St., Langley
- This winery produces more than 50,000 cases of wine a year, made not only from grapes grown in their vineyard, but also from the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. Stop by for a tastings and French-inspired cuisine at Bacchus Bistro.
Mt. Lehman Winery – Abbotsford
- Location: 5094 Mt. Lehman Rd., Abbotsford
- The goal at Mt. Lehman is to produce accessible, delicious boutique wines. The lower alcohol content in their wines will tempt you to take one more sip – in fact, you may want to finish the entire bottle.
Maan Farms Estate Winery – Abbotsford
- Location: 790 McKenzie Rd., Abbotsford
- From visiting their animals to ziplining, racing go-karts, and enjoying delicious farm treats, there’s something for everyone at Maan Farms. So, whether you’re visiting for a family day out, tasting wine, or just soaking in the summer vibes, Maan Farms has it all this summer! Read more about a visit to Maan Farms.
Ripples Winery & New Wave Distilling – Abbotsford
- Location: 3387 Tolmie Rd. Abbotsford
- In addition to wines, New Wave Distilling creates handcrafted spirits, including vodkas, gins, rums, and flavored liqueurs. Each product is made with locally sourced ingredients for a high-quality tasting experience. Guests can enjoy wines and cocktails in the cozy lounge or relax by the firepits or heated patios, all set in a serene garden oasis.
Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery – Abbotsford
- Location: 5290 Olund Rd., Abbotsford
- This hidden gem is a family-owned boutique winery, passionate about crafting small lots of artisanal wines. The cool-climate wines they produce are of outstanding vibrancy and finesse that speak the language of their terroir. Wines that elegantly showcase the varietal character from which they come – distinctive and unique, balanced in richness and delicacy with a true sense of place.
Sandra Thomas and Wendy Nordvik-Carr were guests of Tourism Abbotsford, who did not review or approve this article before it was published.
Thinking of exploring more? These articles will help get your planning started:
Best family-friendly things to do in Victoria, 10 best family-friendly things to do in Nanaimo, Discover 10 Best B.C. Provincial Parks Near Vancouver and Top 10 day trips from Vancouver you will want to explore.
We hope this information is helpful. Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it’s published. We pride ourselves in writing informative articles with interesting tips. If you found this article informative, please share and leave any comments, questions or suggestions below.
Planning a trip? Search for accommodation in using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.
Work with us:
If you are a PR agency or brand and would like us to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send us an email.
About the Author:
Award-winning journalist and travel writer, based in Vancouver, B.C. Co-chair of the B.C. Chapter of the Travel Media Association of Canada, member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.