The Turyk family has long history of summers at Vancouver Island's Shawnigan Lake, and in the fall of 2009, became aware of a small vineyard and winery for sale in the nearby in the South Cowichan Valley. Translated from the local Coast Salish dialect, Cowichan or 'warm land,' is a unique terrior for growing curious new grape varietals. With a forty year history in BC's fishing industry, proprietors Tim & Colleen Turyk felt ready for a new challenge.