You know those times when you meet someone for the first time and you become instant friends?  That is how I felt when I met Tilar and Robert - owners of Parsell Vineyard  on the Saanich Peninsula.  

Robert and Tilar create natural, estate grown artisanal wines produced without any pesticides or chemicals. Geese and lambs are rotated through the vines to provide natural fertilizer. 

Tilar is a New York Times best selling author, holds a PhD in English and is a passionate student of wine and food culture. Robert has his PhD in English from the University of Sheffield and has taught in the UK and in Canada for nearly 40 years.     

We sat in their fragrant lavender garden overlooking the Martindale Valley, drinking wine and laughing until our bellies hurt.  Oh - and I took a few photographs too!   If you get a moment - check out their website at www.parsellvineyard.com 

I know I will be returning to this beautiful place.