Discover the Art and Passion of Authentic Balsamic Making
in partnership with Venturi-Schulze Balsamic
A Taste of Time and Romance
There are few flavours in the world that capture the essence of love, patience, and artistry quite like balsamic vinegar. Every drop is a story. Grapes are harvested under the Emilia-Romagna sun, slowly simmered into a rich must, and then left to rest in barrels of oak, chestnut, and cherry.
Over time, the liquid darkens and deepens, taking on the soul of the wood and the rhythm of the years. The result is something transcendent; a balance of sweetness and acidity, boldness and grace, tenderness and depth.
Today, that same romantic tradition lives on right here on Vancouver Island, at Venturi-Schulze Vineyards, a family-run estate and the only producer of authentic balsamic vinegar in all of Canada.
The Experience
Guests are invited to immerse themselves in this remarkable world through a private, behind-the-scenes visit to the Venturi-Schulze vineyard and balsamic cellar, an exclusive experience curated by the Villa Eyrie Resort.
- Guided vineyard and cellar tour with the Venturi-Schulze family
- Firsthand look at the artisanal process of transforming grapes into the world’s most romantic vinegar
- Educational tasting of different balsamic ages and styles, paired with local breads and cheeses
- Intimate conversation with the makers about the history, philosophy, and science behind authentic balsamic
- A relaxed picnic moment, surrounded by the beauty of the Cowichan Valley
As the day draws to a close, guests return to Villa Eyrie Resort for an intimate Chef’s Table Dinner at the Alpina Restaurant. Here, Chef Mario Gross and his team reinterpret the flavours of the day with Alpina favourites fully inspired by the balsamic creations of Venturi-Schulze. Each course is a sensory dialogue, refined, expressive, and perfectly balanced; bringing the story of the vine, the barrel, and the table to a delicious conclusion.
(Experiences are available Monday to Friday, and only for guests staying at Villa Eyrie Resort)
A Legacy Rooted in Love
The story of Venturi-Schulze is as timeless as the balsamic they craft. Founded by Giordano and Marilyn Venturi, the estate is the result of one Italian man’s longing to bring a piece of Modena to the West Coast, and one Canadian woman’s belief that passion and science could create something extraordinary together.
Giordano was born and raised in Spilamberto, Modena, the very heart of traditional balsamic production. After emigrating to Canada, he and Marilyn discovered the Cowichan Valley, a landscape of rolling hills, ocean breezes, and endless potential. In 1987, they took a leap of faith, purchasing a small farm and planting their first vines. Within a few short years, their dream had taken root; a vineyard, a family, and a vision united by love for the land and respect for tradition.
Today, their daughter Michelle Willcock Schulze continues the family legacy with the same artistry, curiosity, and care. Alongside her young son, the next generation of winemaker and vinegar master, she carries forward the balance of innovation and heritage that defines Venturi-Schulze.
