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Home / Wine / Red Wines

Red Wines

Craft and Premium Winemaking Kits

We keep more than 250 wine kits in stock including all the favourites—Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec, and most varietals and blends.

Below is a sampling of the red wine kits we carry. Upon request, others may be ordered. From top of the line premium wine kits that include grape skins, oak, and flavours to economy wine kits ready to drink in just four weeks, we have styles to suit every taste and budget.

RJS Craft Winemaking Kits

  • En Primeur (8 week) — superior, age-worthy wines of distinction, sure to impress
  • Cru Select (6 week) — the finest juices from the world’s best vineyards
  • Cru International (5 week) — unique tastes of acclaimed, international wine styles
  • Grand Cru (4 week) — easy drinking table wines with little to no ageing
  • Heritage Estates (4 week) — light and pleasant wines, ready to enjoy in 4 weeks

VineCo™ Premium Winemaking Kits

  • Signature Series™ (8 week) — the finest varietal juices & concentrates from exceptional growing regions produce exquisite quality wines
  • Estate Series™ (6 week) — unique styles made with high quality juices & concentrates deliver premium quality wine
  • Original Series™ (4 week) — approachable and delicious wines to have on hand for any occasion
  • On the House™ (4 week) — easy-drinking, everyday house wines

RJS Craft Winemaking Kits

EnPrimeur_Logo

8 Week Kits

Australia Cabernet Sauvignon

This complex, full-bodied wine has an appealing aroma of plump blackberries, sweet vanilla, and fresh violets while cherries, pepper spice, and rich tannins grace the palate.

Goes well with beef short ribs or fig and Brie cheese appetizers.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Full

Australia Pinot Noir

A flavourful wine rich with ripe black cherries, red berry fruits, and a hint of spice nicely balanced with oak.

Goes well with salmon and other seafood.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry       
  • OAK:  Medium           
  • BODY:  Medium

Australia Shiraz

This satisfying wine melds warm black fruit and berries with concentrated flavours of red fruit, oak, and chocolate.

Goes well with pasta and tomato sauce or grilled steak.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Heavy          
  • BODY:  Medium

Chile Carménère

This rich wine boasts luscious flavours of red cherries and berries, hints of spice and leather, enhanced with robust tannins.

Goes well with cabbage rolls, pork or beef tacos, meatballs and Pepper Jack cheese.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium         
  •  BODY:  Medium

Chile Merlot

A classic wine with notes of fresh cherries, toasted oak, and herbs, with hints of plums, berries, and silky tannins.

Goes well with beef.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium       
  • BODY:  Medium

Italy Valpola

The delightful wine delivers aromas of raisins, dark cherries, and toasted oak, followed by notes of sweet chocolate, prunes and firm tannins.

Goes well with stuffed mushroom appies and veal parmigiana.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium         
  • BODY:  Medium
Cru-Select_Logo

6 Week Kits

Australia Cabernet Sauvignon

This soft Australian style Cabernet is abundantly fruity with cherry and blackberry flavours.

Goes well with roasted duck or a beef’n’veggie stirfy.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Australia Style Shiraz

This wine features a deep, dark colour and a rich fruit bouquet with a hint of cassis.

Goes well with spicy chili con carne or burgers with grilled onions and gouda cheese.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Heavy          
  • BODY:  Medium

California Style Pinot Noir

This highly-enjoyable wine boasts notes of rich tobacco and ripe dark cherries The hint of oak and velvety tannins are a pleasant surprise.

Goes well with duck breast and pomegranate citrus glaze or pancetta-wrapped grilled turkey.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Light
  • BODY: Medium

Chile Style Malbec

A tantalizing aroma of blackberries and vanilla followed with chocolate and oak tones.

Goes well with duck confit or country-style ribs and BBQ sauce.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Heavy
  • BODY: Medium

France Style Merlot

Delightful aromas of strawberries, violets and vanilla embodied with soft, silky tannins. Luxurious notes of raspberries, cherries and dark fruit—a classic.

Goes well with grilled lambchops or veal and portobello mushrooms.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Italy Style Sangiovese

This wine is sure to remind you of Tuscany, with its deep ruby colour and aroma of tobacco, plums and black cherries—followed by strong notes of blackberries, prunes and vanilla.

Goes well with penne alla vodka or chicken parmigiana.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium         
  • BODY:  Medium

Italy Style Valpola

This fruit-forward wine combines fresh cherries, dark chocolate and toasted oak for a lovely Italian style wine that’s sure to impress.

Goes well with beef stroganoff or chicken with mushroom and onion gravy.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium         
  • BODY:  Medium
Cru-International_Logo

5 Week Kits

Australia Cabernet Sauvignon

A traditional Cab with combining blackcurrants, dark chocolate and hints of coffee and vanilla.

Goes well with meatloaf and mashed potatoes or prime rib au jus.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Argentina Malbec Syrah Style

Argentina’s cherished red grape, Malbec, blended with spicy Syrah produces pleasant toasty aromas with hints of cherry and dark fruit.

Goes well with honey garlic chicken wings or beef brisket.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium        
  • BODY:  Medium

British Columbia Pinot Noir Style

This wine offers aromas of black cherries and strawberries. Its silky tannins and subtle notes of pepper and spice give it a well-balanced finish.

Goes well with Mexican enchiladas or Indian green lentil curry.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Chile Cabernet Merlot Style

This traditional Chilean dry wine delivers a multi-layered flavour experience. It starts with aromas of warm, dark fruit and tobacco, followed by aromas of ripe black currants and cherries. Notes of coffee and dark plums and supple tannins round out.

Goes well with Italian sausage and pasta or Spanish jambalaya.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium         
  • BODY:  Medium

Italy Sangiovese Style

This expressive wine has a lively cherry flavour and a brisk acidity combined with smooth tannins for a deep and lingering finish.

Goes well with Italian sausage and tortellini soup or ham and swiss stromboli.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Washington Merlot Style

This wine features cassis and chocolate flavours with complex notes of blackberry and velvety tannins.

Goes well with Italian sausage pizza or Mediterranean lamb.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium
Grand-Cru_Logo

4 Week Kits

Cabernet Sauvignon Style

A hint of violet and the addition of oak create this typical Cabernet Sauvignon.

Goes well with roasted vegetable pizza, or roasted chicken and mushroom sauce.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Malbec Style

This popular, rustic wine delivers flavours of plums, currants, cherries and red berries combined with silky tannins for a soft, rich texture.

Goes well with spaghetti and meatballs or beef burritos.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium        
  • BODY:  Medium

Merlot Style

A smooth, rich wine with notes of blackberry and currants. A hint of green olive in the aroma is a pleasant surprise.

Goes well with hamburgers or roast chicken with thyme and onion.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Pinot Noir Style

This soft wine possesses rich berry flavours and a subtle raspberry undertone.

Goes well with butternut squash soup or chicken with raisins and pine nuts.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Sangiovese Merlot Style

This aggressive wine is crisp, clean and spicy with a subtle black pepper flavour—a perfect match for tomato-based Italian cuisine.

Goes well with Caesar salad and meatballs or a hearty pasta meal.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Shiraz Style

A well-balanced wine with aromas of black pepper, plums and toasted oak.

Goes well with a meat lover’s pizza or grilled steak.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium         
  • BODY:  Full

Valpola

This intense wine boasts a velvety, fruity flavour with a lingering finish. Aging this wine will add to its complexity.

Goes well with turkey burgers or pepperoni pizza.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium         
  • BODY:  Medium
Heritage-Estates_Logo

4 Week Kits

Cabernet Sauvignon Style

A classic Cab with berry, toast and vanilla aromas and a berry flavour with well-integrated oak.

Goes well with meatballs or lamb chops.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Heavy
  • BODY: Medium

Malbec Style

This popular, rustic wine delivers flavours of plums, currants, cherries and red berries combined with silky tannins for a soft, rich texture.

Goes well with spaghetti and meatballs or beef burritos.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium        
  • BODY:  Medium

Merlot Style

This medium-bodied wine delivers the aroma of tart strawberry and the flavours of many berries with light floral notes.

Goes well with Shepherd’s pie or beef stew.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Pinot Noir Style

A light-bodied wine with crisp acidity and very little tannin, plenty of fruit flavour with some cherry and red berry notes.

Goes well with pasta and roasted vegetables or grilled eggplant.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Light
  • BODY: Medium

Shiraz Style

This full-bodied wine has aromas of raspberry with floral and spice notes, with balanced acidity and soft tannins.

Goes well with barbequed meats or pizza.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium         
  • BODY:  Full

Valpola

This intense wine boasts a velvety, fruity flavour with a lingering finish. Aging this wine will add to its complexity.

Goes well with turkey burgers or pepperoni pizza.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium         
  • BODY:  Medium

VineCo™ Premium Winemaking Kits

Signature Series

8 Week Kits

Cabernet Sauvignon, California

This full-bodied wine offers rich layers of dark berry fruit, with notes of spice and vanilla.

Goes well with prime rib, lamb or ahi crusted tuna.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Heavy
  • BODY: Full

Merlot, California

This wine delivers big fruit flavours, rich spices, floral notes and a chocolaty finish.

Goes well with chicken and roasted vegetables.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Full

Pinot Noir, New Zealand

This fruit-driven wine offers sweet strawberry and raspberry, subtle earthy notes and an elegant finish.

Goes well with roast chicken, salmon, stews and casseroles.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Zinfandel, California

A delightful aromatic of strawberry jam, berries with allspice and mocha on the finish.

Goes well with turkey, pork, ham and veal.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Light       
  • BODY:  Full
Estate Series

6 Week Kits

Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia

A satisfying blend of black currant, chocolate and bay leaf with toasted notes.

Goes well with beef short ribs or cheeses, especially hard cheeses and blue cheeses.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Heavy
  • BODY: Full

Carmenère, Chile

A delightfully fruity wine with raspberry, red cherry and plum flavours.

Goes well with smoked, grilled or roasted meats, as well as spicy dishes and strong cheeses.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Merlot, California

This is a surprising wine with a combination of blackberry, fruitcake and coffee.

Goes well with roast beef, pork loin, garlic and mushrooms.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium       
  • BODY:  Medium

Malbec, Argentina

This distinctive wine is structured with black plum, hints of clove and notes of charred wood.

Goes well with grilled steak, roast pork or roast leg of lamb.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Heavy
  • BODY: Full

Shiraz, Australia

This bold, medium-bodied wine is an intense combination of black currant and dark chocolate flavours.

Goes well with barbecue spareribs, hamburgers, and aged hard cheeses like Gouda.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium       
  • BODY:  Full
Original Series

4 Week Kits

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

This classic Cab has flavours of blackberry and black raspberry with notes of cedar.

Goes well with red meats, especially a New York strip steak, and cheddar cheese snacks.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium-Full

Merlot, Chile

A classic wine with a pleasing combination of blackberry, cherry and vanilla.

Goes well with a tomato-sauce Italian dish, roast turkey or pizza.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Malbec, Chile

This full-bodied wine is a lovely combination of blackberry, black cherry and oak.

Goes well with roast lamb and slow-cooked, pork belly.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium-Full

Pinot Noir, California

This lush, fruit-forward wine delivers raspberry and cherry flavours with notes of earthiness.

Goes well with salmon, roast chicken or beef bourguignon.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Medium       
  • BODY:  Light-Medium

Sangiovese, Italy

This savoury wine is reminiscent of Chianti with a mix of sour cherry, strawberry and prune flavours.

Goes well with tomato sauce dishes, chicken, roasted game birds, and mushroom side dishes.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Light    
  • BODY:  Medium

Shiraz, California

This bold, medium-bodied wine is a distinctive combination of black cherry flavour with notes of leather and spice.

Goes well with game, duck, braised meats and stews.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Light    
  • BODY:  Medium-Full
On the House

4 Week Kits

Cabernet Sauvignon Style

Black fruit and oak.

Goes well with lamb or almost any meet including beef and pork.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Merlot Style

Red fruit and oak

Goes well with grilled or roast chicken, pork loin and roast beef.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Medium

Pinot Noir Style

Red fruit and earthy notes.

Goes well with salmon, pasta dishes and stews.

  • SWEETNESS: Dry
  • OAK: Medium
  • BODY: Light-Medium

Shiraz Style

Black fruit and spice.

Goes well with barbecued chicken, hamburgers and roast leg of lamb.

  • SWEETNESS:  Dry         
  • OAK:  Heavy     
  • BODY:  Medium

VANISLE WINE & BEER MAKERS

We’re the Comox Valley’s choice for Ferment-on-Premises, UVin winemaking, UBrew beer, as well as making cider and cooler on-site. And for homebrew fans, we’ve got you covered too—with a wide variety of kits, plus supplies and equipment. 

Store Hours

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Friday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 3:00pm

Stop by and see us or call to reserve your time!!

2440 Cliffe Avenue,
Courtenay, BC  V9N 2L6

(250) 334-3055
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