Our goal is to produce expressive wines that best represent the terroir of the Gulf Islands.
Sea Star Vineyards and Winery
At Sea Star Vineyards and Winery, our mission is to craft expressive, clean, coastal wines that showcase the uniqueness of our region. On the forested shores of Pender Island, where the waves of the Salish Sea meet rocky coves and quiet beaches, Sea Star was born from a simple idea, that great wines come from great places, and that place should be honoured in every bottle.
Our name pays tribute to the vibrant sea stars that thrive in the island’s tidal pools, a symbol of the winery’s deep connection to the ocean and its rhythms. Here, the sea shapes the climate, cools the vines, and lends a coastal freshness to the grapes that grow in the Pender’s soils.
Completely Pender owned, and guided by a local winemaker, we produce limited, high-quality whites, rosé, and light reds that are rooted in place – you’ll rarely see our wines beyond our immediate local area. At Sea Star, we champion sustainability in every form; from semi-dry farming practices that respect and embrace our rugged, rocky and clay-rich soils, to sustainable production, hand harvesting, minimal interventions, and a commitment to reflecting nature rather than controlling it. By focusing on earlier-ripening Eastern European, Germanic, and French varieties, we craft wines perfectly suited to our maritime climate, while also being natural, classic pairings for the seafood-forward cuisine of our coastal region.
Rather than forcing a style or adding what doesn’t belong, we work with the true expression of the grapes – letting the terrain, each unique season, and the grape varietal guide us. We prioritize site expression by vinifying grapes with minimal intervention thus allowing regional varietal characteristics to define the wine without corrective additives or overt manipulation. Some of these varietals may be widely recognized, others more obscure, but all have been selected for their adaptability to our coastal terroir and their ability to express site-specific character with clarity and distinction.
Beyond the vineyard, our tasting room embraces a market-style experience designed with the same values we bring to our wine. Our food and retail items are chosen with intent, reflecting our commitment to supporting local makers, prioritizing sustainability, and reducing environmental impact- from sustainable seafood and goods from Indigenous-owned businesses, to recycled-cotton canvas bags and artisan products crafted right here on Pender. We also showcase the work of local artists, host community focused events, and actively support initiatives that strengthen and celebrate our island home. We believe that every choice we make should reflect our respect for the land, the sea, and the community that sustains us.