Halloween weekend gets all the attention, and fair enough. The costumes are great and the pumpkins are everywhere. But the weekend *after* is the one I've got circled. Over 500 wines from around the world are coming to Victoria, and this year the spotlight is on South Africa.
What it is
This is a big international wine tasting event: hundreds of bottles under one roof, poured by people who actually know what's in the glass. It's not a fancy sit-down dinner with one sommelier hovering over you. You wander, sip, compare, and quietly decide you have a favourite grape now.
The featured region this year is South Africa, which is a nice change from the usual France-and-Okanagan routine. If you've never gone past "red or white?" with South African wine, this is your low-pressure chance.
When and where
- When: the weekend after Halloween, in early November 2026.
- Where: in Victoria.
- Details: exact dates, session times, venue and tickets are all in the VictoriaBuzz write-up. Check there, or on the organiser's website, for current rates and booking info.
Ticketed events like this can sell out, so if you're in town that weekend, book sooner rather than later.
Why it's perfect if you're staying downtown
It's a great November plan
We get a lot of rain this time of year, won't lie. Early November is prime "what do we do indoors?" season, and spending an afternoon tasting your way around the world beats refreshing the weather app.
You don't need a car
Please don't drive to a wine tasting. Victoria's buses cover a lot of ground, and BC Transit's trip planner on bctransit.com will get you there and back. Pay cash with exact change on board, or grab a day pass. Check the site for current fares. A cab or a walk works too, depending on where you end up.
It turns a weekend into a proper food weekend
Don't taste on an empty stomach. Line up dinner afterwards. When I first landed here, a bowl of dumplings in Chinatown was my reward for surviving pretty much anything, and it still works. The ramen and noodle spots tucked around Chinatown are perfect for soaking up an afternoon of tasting. If you'd rather something cozier, the cafés and small restaurants around Cook Street Village are a short bus ride away.
It's an easy social win
Travelling solo? Tasting events are some of the easiest places to talk to strangers. Everyone's holding a glass and has an opinion about it. Bring a friend from the hostel and you've got a full afternoon sorted.
A few quick tips
- Bring photo ID. The legal drinking age in BC is 19, and they will check.
- Pace yourself. 500 wines is a menu, not a challenge.
- Take notes or photos of labels you like, so you can track them down later.
- Drink water between pours. Your Sunday self will thank you.
- Dress for rain for the trip there and back. It's November on the coast.
For more of what's on around town, Tourism Victoria has a solid events listing too.
Heading out that weekend? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk. We're happy to help you plan the route, suggest where to eat after, and line up the rest of your weekend.