The Return of Michael Coughlin

A Letter To Our Guests 

After my original sixteen years at Hastings House, followed by a journey that took me deep into the heart of Italy, I am honoured to return, this time as General Manager.

My time abroad was dedicated to attaining a PhD, and the 2020 publication of my book on 16th-century Italian villas—many of which remain vibrant, working wineries to this day.

I have returned to Salt Spring Island with a vision that bridges these worlds.

Our new wine program celebrates the incredible British Columbia terroir, while introducing a fine selection of Italian labels inspired by my research into Europe’s historic estates.

As a French Wine Scholar, I have also expanded our French offerings to create a seamless dialogue with Executive Chef Marcel Kauer’s Swiss-French influenced cuisine.  Our expanding wine list, which I am personally curating, also offers wide-ranging food-and-wine pairing options from around the globe.

I look forward to working with Marcel and his team to take the Hastings House dining experience to new heights, including special events and themed dinners, as well as expanding our onsite vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens, while cultivating relationships with many esteemed local food and beverage growers and producers.

Along with the whole Hastings House team, I also look forward to welcoming our friends, neighbours, and visitors from around the world to the finest Relais & Chateaux experience in the Southern Gulf Islands, and to indulge in our range of luxurious and historic guest suites.

I hope you will join us soon.

Michael Coughlin PhD