11195 Chalet Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5M1
Deep Cove Winery is a family-owned agricultural and hospitality business in North Saanich on Vancouver Island. Set between the wooded hills of Horth Hill Regional Park and the shoreline around Deep Cove, the property combines three acres of vineyard rows, mature evergreen trees, a timber-framed building, an outdoor terrace, and a quiet rural setting.
The Chalet Road property was previously known as Muse Winery and, before that, Chalet Estate Vineyard. Elyse and Tasem Ramadan purchased the property in 2017, renovated its indoor and outdoor spaces, and reopened it as Deep Cove Winery in 2018.
The current Deep Cove identity reflects both the surrounding coastal community and the family’s work to restore the property as an active agricultural business.
Deep Cove may be considered when Sip Happens develops a private Victoria wine tour, subject to reservations, group capacity, seasonal operations, and route planning.
Wine Tours Featuring Deep Cove Winery
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Not a Cowichan Valley vineyard
Deep Cove Winery is located at 11195 Chalet Road in North Saanich.
The property belongs to the Saanich Peninsula agricultural region rather than the Cowichan Valley. North Saanich occupies the northern end of the Peninsula and is known for rural roads, farms, forested properties, coastal neighbourhoods, marinas, beaches, and views toward the Gulf Islands.
Deep Cove Winery is categorized as:
- A North Saanich winery
- A Saanich Peninsula vineyard
- A vineyard near Victoria
- A Greater Victoria agricultural business
- The successor to Muse Winery
From Chalet Estate Vineyard to Muse Winery
The property’s vineyard history began before the Deep Cove Winery name was introduced.
The estate was originally known as Chalet Estate Vineyard. It later became Muse Winery under Jane and Peter Ellmann, who operated the property as a vineyard, visitor destination, restaurant, event venue, and small hospitality business.
The Muse Winery identity remained connected to the property until the business closed in 2015.
The land did not lose its agricultural use after the closure. Vineyard rows, buildings, working areas, and visitor infrastructure remained in place while the property waited for a new owner.
This continuity is important because Deep Cove Winery did not begin on previously undeveloped land. It represents the next chapter of an established North Saanich vineyard.
The transition to Deep Cove Winery
Elyse and Tasem Ramadan discovered the property while it was available for purchase.
They visited the estate several times and saw the potential to restore its agricultural, hospitality, and community functions. The couple purchased the property in 2017 and began renovating both the interior and exterior areas.
Deep Cove Winery opened under its new name in 2018.
The transition involved more than changing the sign. The new owners updated the main visitor space, redesigned parts of the building, added a vineyard-facing terrace, improved the grounds, and created a warmer connection between the building and surrounding landscape.
The business remains family-owned and operated. The family lives and works on the property, giving the estate a more personal character than a remotely managed commercial venue.
Why the Muse Winery name still matters
Muse Winery remains relevant because many older travel articles, photographs, maps, and visitor reviews use that name.
People searching for Muse Winery may not realize that Deep Cove Winery now operates from the same address.
The relationship should be explained clearly:
- Chalet Estate Vineyard was the earlier vineyard identity
- The property later became Muse Winery
- Muse Winery closed in 2015
- Elyse and Tasem Ramadan purchased the property in 2017
- The estate reopened as Deep Cove Winery in 2018
- Deep Cove Winery is the current active business
Including this timeline helps answer historical search queries without creating a second page containing outdated business information.
A three-acre vineyard
The property includes approximately three acres of cultivated vineyard land.
The vines were first planted more than two decades ago, making them older than the present Deep Cove Winery business. Rows extend across gently changing ground beside the main buildings and outdoor visitor areas.
The vineyard is compact enough to remain visible throughout much of the property. From the terrace and surrounding grounds, visitors can see:
- Orderly vineyard rows
- Wooden posts and trellises
- Grass pathways
- Agricultural work areas
- The timber building
- Mature forest around the property
- Open sections of sky above the rows
The cultivated land is not separated from the visitor setting. It forms the foreground for many of the property’s most recognizable views.
Between Horth Hill and Deep Cove Beach
Deep Cove Winery occupies a sheltered part of North Saanich between Horth Hill Regional Park and the coastal community around Deep Cove Beach.
Horth Hill rises to the east and northeast of the property. Its wooded slopes form a natural backdrop around the surrounding neighbourhood.
To the west, the landscape gradually opens toward Deep Cove and the waters around the Saanich Inlet.
The property does not offer a direct ocean panorama from every area, but the nearby coast influences its atmosphere and climate. Marine air, forest protection, and the shape of the surrounding land contribute to the estate’s sheltered setting.
The drive to the property also reflects the character of North Saanich. Visitors travel along country roads bordered by trees, farms, rural homes, and glimpses of the coast.
A warm and sheltered microclimate
Deep Cove Winery describes its vineyard as occupying one of the warmer locations in the surrounding region.
The site benefits from several natural features:
- Protection from nearby hills and forest
- Coastal temperature moderation
- Open exposure above the cultivated rows
- A relatively sheltered position
- Gently sloping agricultural land
- Reduced exposure to some strong winds
These conditions help distinguish the property from more exposed coastal sites.
The microclimate also affects the visitor experience. The terrace can feel warm and protected during clear weather, while surrounding trees create shade and shelter around other parts of the grounds.
Forest surrounding the vineyard
Mature evergreen trees form a major part of Deep Cove Winery’s visual identity.
They frame the vineyard, provide a natural boundary around portions of the property, and connect the estate with the wider North Saanich landscape.
The contrast between the vineyard and forest is especially noticeable during summer. Cultivated rows create an organized pattern in the foreground, while the woodland behind them appears taller, denser, and less formal.
The trees also help the property feel secluded. Although Deep Cove Winery is within practical driving distance of Victoria, Sidney, the airport, and the ferry terminal, the grounds retain a quiet country atmosphere.
Renovating the former Muse building
The main building underwent significant renovations after the Ramadan family purchased the property.
The interior redesign aimed to retain warmth while creating a more contemporary hospitality space. Local materials and natural textures were used to connect the building with the surrounding vineyard and Vancouver Island setting.
Documented architectural features include:
- Extensive use of local fir
- A curved bar front made from closely spaced wooden battens
- A thick locally sourced marble countertop
- Cabinetry constructed on the property
- Custom hanging storage
- Repurposed barrel tables
- Broad openings toward the outdoor areas
- A timber-framed shade structure
- Vineyard-facing seating
These changes allowed the new owners to establish a distinct Deep Cove identity while continuing to use the former Muse building.
The curved fir and marble feature
One of the renovated interior’s most distinctive features is its curved bar.
The face was built using hundreds of individual fir battens arranged vertically around the curve. The wood creates a repeating pattern while adding warmth to the interior.
A thick marble surface sits above the wooden structure. The stone was sourced and worked on Vancouver Island, strengthening the building’s connection to local materials and trades.
Although it serves a practical business function, the installation also acts as an architectural focal point. Its shape and natural materials echo the curved landscape, tree trunks, vineyard posts, and earthy colours visible outside.
The timber-framed outdoor structure
An outdoor timber structure provides shelter beside the vineyard.
Its exposed wooden beams complement the rural building and surrounding forest. The design creates a transition between enclosed indoor space and the open agricultural property.
From the covered area, visitors can look toward:
- Vineyard rows
- The grass pathways between them
- Mature evergreen trees
- The main building
- Landscaped areas
- The changing evening sky
The structure is especially valuable in the coastal Vancouver Island climate, where shade, rain protection, and shelter from cooler air can all affect outdoor use.
A terrace overlooking the vineyard
The outdoor terrace was added as part of the property’s renovation.
It faces the cultivated rows and allows the vineyard to remain the central visual feature of the visitor area. Rather than looking toward a parking lot or roadway, the main outdoor space opens directly onto the agricultural land.
The view includes a close look at the trellises and plants, with taller trees forming a second layer behind the vineyard.
The terrace’s atmosphere changes throughout the day. Morning light can create long shadows across the rows, while evening light reaches through the trees and warms the timber surfaces around the building.
A family-operated rural business
Deep Cove Winery operates as an agricultural property, hospitality business, event space, and community venue.
Its work can involve several areas:
- Vineyard management
- Property maintenance
- Production and storage
- Food preparation
- Visitor services
- Private events
- Landscaping
- Administration
- Community programming
- Seasonal workshops and performances
This range of activity makes the business part of the broader North Saanich visitor economy.
The property also supports local employment and works with other Vancouver Island businesses, suppliers, tradespeople, performers, instructors, and event professionals.
Events and community use
Deep Cove Winery has developed the property as a gathering place for North Saanich residents and visitors.
The business has hosted live music, private functions, corporate gatherings, workshops, seasonal activities, and community events. These uses extend the property’s role beyond its vineyard operations.
The indoor event space, terrace, lawn, timber shelter, kitchen facilities, and parking areas allow different parts of the estate to support organized gatherings.
Event schedules can affect tour availability. Private bookings, seasonal programming, and property capacity are among the reasons Sip Happens confirms venues before finalizing a route.
A landscape suited to private events
The combination of vineyard rows, trees, timber architecture, and outdoor space gives the property a flexible visual setting.
Possible event backdrops include:
- The vineyard beside the main building
- The terrace overlooking the rows
- The timber-framed outdoor structure
- Mature trees around the estate
- The renovated indoor space
- The rural Chalet Road approach
- Evening light across the vineyard
The property feels polished without losing its agricultural appearance. Working vineyard elements remain visible rather than being hidden behind formal landscaping.
Seasonal views at Deep Cove Winery
Spring
Spring brings fresh growth across the vineyard and surrounding forest. Seasonal rainfall keeps the grass bright, while new leaves begin to fill the rows.
Summer
During summer, the cultivated rows are dense and green. The contrast between the vineyard, timber building, and tall evergreens becomes especially clear.
Autumn
Autumn introduces yellow, gold, and deeper green tones across the property. Changes in the vineyard make the structure of individual rows more visible.
Spring
Spring brings fresh growth across the vineyard and surrounding forest. Seasonal rainfall keeps the grass bright, while new leaves begin to fill the rows.
Travellers comparing different times of year can read the seasonal guide to visiting Victoria wine country.
Deep Cove Winery’s place in North Saanich
Deep Cove Winery contributes to an area better known for its coastal landscapes, farms, marinas, parks, and rural communities than for large commercial development.
Its location connects several parts of the North Saanich experience:
- Coastal scenery
- Agricultural land
- Forested hills
- Rural roads
- Independent businesses
- Community events
- Small-scale tourism
- Access from Sidney and Victoria
The property is also reasonably close to Victoria International Airport and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, making it accessible without requiring the longer journey into the Cowichan Valley.
Regional destination ideas and planning information are available through the Sip Happens wine tour blog.
What makes Deep Cove Winery distinctive?
Deep Cove Winery stands out because of its layered property history, compact vineyard, family ownership, and sheltered coastal setting.
Notable features include:
- A North Saanich location on the Saanich Peninsula
- A property formerly known as Muse Winery
- An earlier history as Chalet Estate Vineyard
- Three acres of established vineyard rows
- Vines planted more than two decades ago
- Ownership by Elyse and Tasem Ramadan since 2017
- Reopening as Deep Cove Winery in 2018
- A setting between Horth Hill Regional Park and Deep Cove Beach
- Mature evergreen forest around the estate
- A vineyard-facing outdoor terrace
- A timber-framed shelter
- Locally sourced fir and Vancouver Island marble
- A renovated event and hospitality space
- A family-operated business model
- Seasonal community events and private functions
Together, these qualities give Deep Cove Winery a distinct place within the Saanich Peninsula’s agricultural and business landscape.
Deep Cove Winery on a guided route
Deep Cove Winery may be considered when Sip Happens develops a private Victoria or Saanich Peninsula itinerary.
It should not be presented as a Cowichan Valley stop, and no individual venue is guaranteed on every route.
Final property selections depend on:
- Current operating schedules
- Confirmed reservations
- Group size
- Vehicle capacity
- Private events
- Seasonal availability
- Travel conditions
- Timing between properties
- The overall pace of the tour
Guests can review the Sip Happens wine tour FAQs for information about transportation, itinerary planning, venue requests, and tour-day arrangements.
Groups interested in requesting Deep Cove Winery can also review the private and custom tour options. All venue requests remain subject to confirmation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Deep Cove Winery located?
Deep Cove Winery is located at 11195 Chalet Road in North Saanich, British Columbia.
Is Deep Cove Winery the former Muse Winery?
Yes. Deep Cove Winery operates from the property previously known as Muse Winery.
What was the property called before Muse Winery?
The estate was originally known as Chalet Estate Vineyard.
When did Muse Winery close?
Muse Winery closed in 2015.
Who owns Deep Cove Winery?
Deep Cove Winery is owned and operated by Elyse and Tasem Ramadan and their family.
When did the current owners purchase the property?
The Ramadan family purchased the former Muse Winery property in 2017.
When did Deep Cove Winery open?
The renovated property opened as Deep Cove Winery in 2018.
Is Deep Cove Winery in the Cowichan Valley?
No. It is in North Saanich on the Saanich Peninsula near Victoria.
How large is the vineyard?
The property includes approximately three acres of cultivated vineyard land.
How old are the vines?
The vines were planted more than two decades ago, before the current Deep Cove Winery business was established.
What surrounds the property?
The estate sits between the wooded hills around Horth Hill Regional Park and the coastal community near Deep Cove Beach.
What does the property look like?
The grounds include vineyard rows, grass pathways, mature evergreen trees, a renovated timber building, an outdoor terrace, and a covered timber structure.
Was the former Muse building renovated?
Yes. The renovations included local fir, a curved wooden feature, locally sourced marble, new cabinetry, outdoor seating, and a timber shade structure.
Does Deep Cove Winery host private events?
The property operates as an event and hospitality venue in addition to its agricultural functions. Event availability changes according to the season and existing bookings.
Should Sip Happens create a separate Muse Winery page?
No. Muse Winery is the former name of the same property. Its history should be included on the Deep Cove Winery page to prevent duplicate content and outdated visitor information.
Can Deep Cove Winery be requested on a private tour?
Guests may request the property when planning a private itinerary. Inclusion depends on availability, group capacity, reservations, and route logistics.
Is Deep Cove Winery included on every Victoria tour?
No. Venue selections vary based on availability, timing, group requirements, seasonal schedules, and the practical flow of the itinerary.
