Prior to 1911, the town of Duncan was known as Alderlea. Now Alderlea has returned as a vineyard and winery. Alderlea Vineyards came to life in 1992 when Roger and Nancy Dosman moved from Vancouver to the rural setting of Vancouver Island's Cowichan Valley. The beautiful southwest sloping 10 acre vineyard, overlooking Quamichan Lake, possesses all the requirements for producing quality grapes. From the rocky soil to the grafted vines recommended by a French research institute, some of Europe's best known grape varieties such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Merlot flourish in the warm Cowichan Valley summer.