First Winery in Canada. One hundred and fifty years ago the Hudson’s Bay Company began construction of Fort Berens on a sage-brush covered bench on the east side of the Fraser River, at Lillooet, British Columbia. This trading fort was to serve the thousands of prospectors who flocked to the Lillooet region in search of gold. The fort was never completed and the fertile river bench was used instead for the growing of melons, tomatoes and alfalfa.
Located in the magnificent Fraser Canyon, that historic site is now home to Fort Berens Estate Winery, Lillooet’s first winery and vineyard.
In keeping with the pioneering spirit of the Gold Rush era, we are creating a new and unique wine experience in British Columbia, offering superb, distinct, hand-crafted wines.