Winemaker Gary (Gennadi) Zhygailo.

Most people don’t think of the Fraser Valley as wine country. It sits in the rain shadow of Vancouver, where damp coastal weather keeps umbrellas permanently within reach. And yet, just outside Langley, Chaberton Estate Winery has been quietly challenging expectations for decades.

Founded in 1975 by Claude and Inge Violet, Chaberton holds the distinction of being one of the oldest estate wineries in British Columbia, and the very first in the Lower Mainland.

At a time when the province’s wine industry was still in its infancy, the couple, French by heritage and vision, planted vines where others saw only farmland better suited to berries and dairy. They proved that cool-climate viticulture could succeed here, laying the foundation for a winery that has grown into both a local landmark and a serious contributor to BC’s reputation for quality wines.

Chaberton Estate Winery.

Chaberton’s estate vineyard stretches across 55 acres of south-facing slopes, a rarity in a region where sunlight can be fleeting. The silt soils here are gravelly and well-draining, a contrast to the heavy clay found throughout much of the Fraser Valley. This gives the winery a fighting chance with early-ripening varieties that favour a cooler climate, including Bacchus, Siegerrebe, Madeleine Sylvaner, and Madeleine Angevine. While these grape names may not roll off the tongue as easily as Pinot Noir or Merlot, they’ve become signatures of the estate.

One of the oldest vines on the property.

Roughly 25 percent of Chaberton’s grapes come from its estate vineyard, while the remaining 75 percent are sourced from long-standing grower partners across the Okanagan Valley and Similkameen, with some relationships spanning more than 25 years.

This consistency has allowed the winery to produce a broad portfolio of wines that reflect the full spectrum of BC terroir—from crisp, aromatic whites born in the Fraser Valley to structured, fruit-forward reds from the interior.

It’s this balance between place, tradition, and adaptability that has defined Chaberton’s approach for nearly half a century.

Gary and Chris in the barrel room.

At the centre of Chaberton’s winemaking today is Gary (Gennadi) Zhygailo, a man whose journey to the Fraser Valley is as layered as the wines he produces. The 2025 harvest marks Gary’s 10th vintage at Chaberton; a milestone in a career that began far from British Columbia.

While Ukraine isn’t widely known for winemaking, Gary grew up in its southern region, where much like in Italy or France, families make wine for personal consumption. “My family has a small vineyard,” he shares. “My brother still makes wine there.” Inspired by Europe’s wine renaissance in the early 2000s, he pursued winemaking at university, landing his first professional role while still a student.

2025 Merlot in tank.

He began his career in 2003 and has since brought that mix of formal training and hands-on sensibility to every role, culminating in his work at Chaberton.

Soft-spoken and approachable, Gary has become an integral part of the winery’s evolution. His approach balances technical precision with a deep respect for the vineyard, whether the fruit is grown steps from the winery or sourced from the sun-drenched slopes of the Okanagan. What stands out most is his willingness to embrace the particularities of each vintage.

“The 2025 harvest has been an interesting and challenging one,” Gary says, reflecting on what’s shaping up to be a bumper crop reminiscent of 2022. “After so much loss last year, it’s nice to see vines producing so much fruit, but it was unexpected. The vines had been accumulating energy for two years. The quality is good, just a lot of grapes!”

In a province where weather extremes can make or break a harvest, he doesn’t force the wines into a mold but lets them tell their own story; whether that’s a bright, floral Bacchus or a structured Bordeaux-style blend.

Bacchus grapes ready for harvest.

The Bacchus, in particular, is emblematic of the estate’s success and spirit. Often referred to as the winery’s flagship, it comes in two styles: a dry version and a slightly off-dry Reserve with 12 g/L of residual sugar. Both have become beloved by visitors for their aromatic lift, vibrant citrus, and refreshing balance—a quintessential expression of what the Fraser Valley can do best.

With production now around 50,000 cases annually, Chaberton’s reach has grown significantly, yet it remains anchored by the same ethos that guided its founders: a belief in place, perseverance, and community. The estate continues to be a cornerstone of BC’s wine history, known not only for its longevity but also for its quiet innovation in a region where few others dared to plant.

Carving its own identity.

Chaberton’s success lies not in trying to imitate more famous wine regions but in carving out its own identity. Its story is one of tenacity. Of Claude and Inge’s decision to plant vines when few others dared, of a vineyard that thrives in a climate better known for rain than ripening, and of a winemaker who brings both experience and curiosity to the cellar.

Today, visitors can enjoy views of the vineyard that represent both history and renewal.

The on-site Bacchus Bistro draws food lovers as much as the tasting room attracts wine enthusiasts, making Chaberton a gathering place that feels connected to its community.

Bacchus Bistro.

As BC’s wine industry continues to evolve amid challenges from climate, economics, and shifting consumer tastes, Chaberton shows that success in wine is never about shortcuts. It’s about vision, the patience to plant vines where few others would, and the persistence to nurture them through decades of change.

Nearly fifty years after the first vines went into the ground, Chaberton demonstrates what happens when belief and tenacity meet the right patch of soil. And for Gary Zhygailo, soon to celebrate a decade at the helm of its cellar, that story continues to unfold one unpredictable vintage at a time.

Tasting Notes

2024 Chaberton Dry Bacchus

2024 Chaberton Estate Dry Bacchus.

Bacchus is not a common grape and Chaberton has one of the few plantings in BC. Yet it’s the workhorse grape of the winery, and they do a great job with it. We get notes of grapefruit and pears with some hints of other stone fruits in this juicy and complex wine. The acidity is high, but it is well complimented by the medium body resulting in a lovely texture that is balanced and refreshing. Very Good+ ($19.95)

2023 Chaberton Gewurztraminer

A classically styled Gewurztraminer with typical notes of Lychee Nuts and hints of apricot. This is a textured wine that is balanced by medium acidity. With some exposure to air, notes of spice become noticeable. Complex and true to the variety. Very Good ($19.95)

2024 Chaberton La Fleur Rosé 

Predominately Cabernet Franc, a grape variety we increasingly appreciate as a rosé, this hits the marks we want in a rose. Juicy and bright, with some structure and a bit of body as well. This is miles away from the cliché of rosé that overdoes the candy strawberry thing. This is serious rosé that is equally at home at the table as it is as an aperitif. There are some herbal and pyrazine notes that bring complexity to the watermelon and raspberry primary flavours. Very Good+ ($24.95)

 2024 Chaberton Bacchus (Off dry)     

2024 Chaberton Bacchus (Off Dry).

This is essentially the same wine as the regular Bacchus but the fermentation was stopped leaving about 12 grams/litre of residual sugar. It results in a slightly more textured wine that creates a sense of amplitude versus sweetness. The melon notes dominate a bit more here than with the dry Bacchus, but the flavour profiles are mostly similar, the difference being the texture. And there is easily enough of that difference to justify the two separate bottlings. Very Good+ ($19.95)

2023 Chaberton Gamay Noir

True to the variety, this wine has a soft entry that shows notes of strawberry, cranberry and hint of bubble gum. The acidity is high and the body is medium. There is a nice earthy note on the finish. Very Good ($22.95)

2023 Chaberton Pinot Noir

2023 Chaberton Pinot Noir.

Medium red in colour this light bodied wine shows red cherry fruit, cracked pepper and an interesting palate sensation that evoked a dusty road. Not quite earthiness, not quite minerality, somewhere in-between. The acid is fairly high at this early stage but we suspect that will integrate with a bit more time in bottle. Very Good ($24.95)

 2019 Chaberton Merlot

Quite dark red in colour. Powerful flavours of black cherries and plums combine with notes that are reminiscent of baking spices. The body is full and the tannin is present but polished. With air, the complexity develops and we get notes akin to a black forest cake. This isn’t just a terrific Merlot, it’s a terrific red wine and is especially notable for the price, punching way above its weight class! Excellent ($27.95)

2020 Chaberton Meritage

2020 Chaberton Meritage.

Another stunner, this blend is 41% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Cabernet Franc, a classic Bordeaux blend. This is already complex showing notes of black currant, blackberry, with secondary hints of cedar and leather. Tannins are ripe and give structure but are not at all raspy. The body is medium+ and the finish is very long. This is another of their wines that seriously over-delivers for the price point. Excellent ($29.95)

 2021 Chaberton Syrah

Unsurprisingly, this was the darkest coloured wine in their line up. Primary blackberry fruit gains complexity from secondary notes of dried meat, olives and cracked pepper. The body is medium+ and the tannins are smooth. This is a welcoming wine, ready to drink right now and will go with anything you have on your BBQ. Very Good+ ($33.00)

Chaberton Estate Winery

Chaberton Estate Winery.

1064 216 Street
Langley, BC V2Z 1R3

Winery: (604) 530-1736

Bacchus Bistro: (604) 530-9694