Claude Violet, a ninth generation winemaker, and his wife, Inge, continue a long family history in the art of traditional grape growing and fine wine making. Over many years they operated vineyards and wineries in the south of France and Spain, but during a trip to Canada in the late '70s Claude fell in love with the idea of starting a winery in North America. After an extensive trip throughout the US and Canada they finally found, with the help of Mr. John Harper, a 55 acre parcel of land in south Langley that had a micro climate and a south facing slope - a perfect spot for a vineyard and winery.

    After a great deal of excavation, drainage, and soil preparation, the vineyard was planted with 28 different grape varieties imported directly from France and Germany. It took four years to select the right variety, and an additional four years to grow the best crop. In 1991 they opened the winery with the result of the 1990 harvest.
Domaine de Chaberton produces a selection of VQA wines, from dry to sweet, in the amount of 300,000 litres a year. The Langley vineyard grows only Vitis Vinifera white wine grapes. To ensure a supply of premium red wine grapes, a vineyard in the south Okanagan was contracted to grow Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay Noir, and Syrah grapes exclusively for Domaine de Chaberton.

    Inge and Claude state that the secret of their success is "interest, love, customer happiness, persistence, quality, and lots of hard work." Their recipe is obviously working. The winery wins 60 plus international medals each year and the beautiful display in the wine shop and bistro is a testament to this fact. Domaine de Chaberton is highly regarded and their wines are available at restaurants, pubs, and beer and wine stores from Whistler to Hope, BC, and in Alberta and Manitoba. They also export their wines to the Asian market.

    In the summer of 2001 Claude and Inge proudly opened the Bacchus Bistro. Overlooking the vineyard, the Bistro offers farm fresh Fraser Valley cuisine prepared with Domaine de Chaberton wines. Bacchus Bistro executive Chef Sean Jolliffe prepares a selection of delicacies to tempt and tantalize the palate. With the Mediterranean style décor, soft music, and a view of the vineyard, it may feel like a mini vacation. Due to the great success of the Bistro they highly recommend making a reservation. The Bistro is also available throughout the year for private events. From a simple wine and cheese party to a five-course dinner, Chef Sean and his highly trained staff are there to make an event one of a kind.

    Claude and Inge like to share their success with the community through local charities and food banks, particularly for underprivileged children, the homeless, and the elderly. They feel it is their way of saying thank you to the community.
For those interested in how a simple grape is made into a delicious wine, tours and tastings are offered daily throughout the year. So whether one is looking for a great meal in a very romantic setting, a simple bottle of wine or gift basket, or an informative tour of a working winery, Claude and Inge and their staff will surely satisfy any needs - not to mention the picturesque trip to the countryside only minutes from Vancouver.

    To visit Claude and Inge at Domaine de Chaberton Winery and Bacchus Bistro, they are located at 1064 216th St., Langley, BC., by phone Winery 604-530-1736 & Bistro 604-530-9694 or visit them online at www.domainedechaberton.com.