About Verjus Wine & Vineyard Tours

Her journey in the wine industry began at the five star resort, Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria.

So struck with the intricacies of the wine medium, Dava developed her understanding and appreciation for grape growing and wine production during this time. Dava worked toward her level one and level two certification from the International Sommelier Guild, a process that integrates body and mind. Earning the title of “Sommelier” involves both theory and rigorous scrutiny of tasting procedures judged by renowned Sommeliers.

Opportunity arrived in May of 2005, when Dava was approached by the new Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa to manage their Wine Bar. Dava was fortunate to partner with Brian Storen, rated by Air Canada’s ‘En Route Magazine’ as Canada’s Sommelier Of The Year 2005. The involvement of buying wines for the new cellar from local and international vineyards was an opportunity of a lifetime. Daily exposure to the history, theory, art, science and theatre of wine through daily tastings, food pairings and discussions led Dava to the passion she now exudes about enology. When trust was place on Davas’ expertise to purchase vintages as old as a 1945 Lafite, she knew she had “arrived”.

With great thanks to Brian Storen, Dava was introduced to the burgeoning development of small romantic wineries and vineyards of Southern Vancouver Island. The name and reputation of Dava Caldwell grew and very soon these vineyards were requesting her visit to taste their wines. They knew that if Dava enjoyed their wine she would be an emissary for their products.

Education is never ending when it comes to grapes and wine. In 2005, Dava met Carol Wallace, owner of Dragonfly Hill Vineyard. This meeting was instrumental in heightening Dava’s knowledge to the intricate process of grape growing. Carol put Dava to work in the vineyard. Living her passion from the ground up, she nurtured this labour of love through literally digging in the dirt.

Learning how to direct a Schönburger grape through sustainable farming methods, to grow into a robust grape perfect for a terroire driven uniquely ‘Island Wine’, has distinct similarities to raising two sparkling young members of the globes female population. Dava’s daughters….who have learned through Dava’s focus, the multiple values and wonder of expressed passion.