Wine Tour: Savor Every Sip in the Cowichan Valley

Summer in the Cowichan Valley is an amazing time, with beautiful landscapes, local markets and some of the best wine and cider in the region. Planning a day to tour the local wineries and cideries with friends is a fantastic way to soak in the beauty of the area and try a few local favourites. Here’s a guide to help you plan the perfect day, including a possible itinerary.

Planning Your Day

1. Gather Your Friends

Invite a few friends who enjoy a good drink and beautiful scenery. Aim for a small group, around 4-6 people, to make transportation and reservations easier.

2. Arrange Transportation

Designate a driver or hire a local tour service to ensure everyone can enjoy the tastings. I had fun driving my group around the island. We set off mid-morning to catch the Mill Bay ferry from Brentwood Bay. Unfortunately we missed the ferry by a couple of cars so decided to drive the Malahat instead. We thought afterword that it would have been fun to combine the day with the views from the Malahat Skywalk – next time.

3. Prepare Your Essentials

• Picnic Blanket: Many vineyards let you bring your own picnic and enjoy it on the grounds.
• Comfortable Clothing: Wear light, breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes for walking. Don’t forget a hat and some sunscreen.
• Water: Stay hydrated between tastings.
• Car Snacks: While many locations offer food, having light snacks helped keep us going. We packed some fresh fruit, nuts and chocolate along with our water.
• Camera/Phone: Capture the memories and beautiful scenery.
• A Plan: Have a loose schedule but allow for flexibility to enjoy each stop fully.

4. Make Reservations

We had a look at the winery websites we wanted to visit ahead to see whether we needed reservations. All but one of the wineries we wanted to visit allowed for walk-ins with a small group. This gave us greater flexibility for the day. If you are a larger group, be sure to book ahead.

Your Itinerary

We picked the spots we wanted to visit based on recommendations from friends who live in the Cowichan Valley and our lunch stop. We chose four stops so that we could be back by early evening and ensure that everyone would feel okay the next day.

Stop 1: Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Start your day at Merridale Cidery, located in the heart of the valley about 45 minutes north of Victoria. Known for its artisan ciders and spirits, Merridale offers a unique and relaxing experience. Enjoy a delicious lunch and then wander around the orchards. You can also make a night of it and stay in one of two yurts.

The food here was fantastic, we picked up a few things to take home with us, everything from soap to cinnamon buns, cider and spirits. This stop was incredibly family friendly. There were lots of families enjoying lunch at the restaurant and picnics in the garden. There is also a fairy walk around the property to enjoy. We can’t wait to go back for brunch with the whole family. Definitely the highlight of our day.

What to Do:

• Tasting Room: Sample a variety of ciders, from dry to sweet. As the driver for the day, I appreciated their non-alcoholic flight so I could still be part of the fun.
• Cider House Bistro: Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch with stunning orchard views.
• Distillery Tour: Learn about the cider-making process and try their spirits.
• Take a stroll through the orchard and find the fairies.
• Relax on the patio with a refreshing drink and a light meal.

Stop 2: Unsworth Vineyards

Almost next door, head to Unsworth Vineyards, a family-owned winery known for its elegant wines and beautiful setting.

This was a picturesque spot with a pond and waterfall where everyone could enjoy a drink in the sun on the balcony. Construction has begun on a large tasting house, although this didn’t deter from the day in anyway. The menu in the tasting room was quite limited although I have heard great things about their restaurant.

What to Do:

• Tasting Room: Taste a selection of their award-winning wines. Savor a wine flight in the cozy tasting room or outside on the balcony.
• Winery Tour: Get an insider’s look at the winemaking process.
• Dine at the Unsworth Restaurant, where the menu showcases local ingredients.
• Explore the vineyard on a self-guided tour, taking in the scenery.

Stop 3: Union 22 and Drifters

We wanted to pace ourselves so took a short break from the wineries and wondered around Union 22, a vintage shop in Cobble Hill before making our way to our next stop. There is also a great organic soft serve ice cream stop next door. If you are in the mood for something sweet make sure to stop at Drifters Creamery.

Stop 4: Rocky Creek Winery

Rocky Creek Winery, a charming boutique winery known for its sustainable practices and delightful wines. We learned the most about the wines being tasted at this stop. Our host was a wealth of information and we liked that Rocky Creek was clearly a family owned business with the whole family involved. The sampling was enhanced with an aromatic experience, where everyone smelled different elements or notes found in a particular blend of red wine, everything from butter to cinnamon. Such a fun and unique way to experience the wine. This stop was also where the most wine of the day was purchased to take home and enjoy later.

Pro tip: they wave the tasting fee when you purchase a bottle to take home.

What to Do:

Unfortunately, this vineyard has had to close so you aren’t able to visit it any longer.

• Tasting Room: Sample their handcrafted wines, including unique varietals.
• Picnic Area: Bring a picnic to enjoy in their beautiful outdoor area.
• Winery Tour: Learn about their commitment to sustainability and innovative techniques.
• Enjoy a tasting session and chat with the knowledgeable staff.
• Relax in the picnic area with a glass of your favorite Rocky Creek wine.
• Take a leisurely walk around the vineyard and admire the natural surroundings.

Stop 5: Blue Grouse Estate Winery

End your day at Blue Grouse Estate Winery, a family-owned and operated winery known for its exceptional wines and stunning views. We ran out of time so didn’t make it to Blue Grouse; this will have to be our first stop on our next wine day.

What to Do:

• Tasting Room: Sample their diverse range of wines, from whites to reds.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the vineyard and surrounding landscape.
• Outdoor Seating: Relax in their beautiful outdoor seating area with a glass of wine.
• Participate in a guided tasting to explore the full range of Blue Grouse wines.
• Take in the panoramic views from their outdoor seating area.
• Wander through the vineyard and learn about their sustainable growing practices.

Tips for a Fun Day

• Pace Yourself: With multiple tastings, it’s important to sip slowly and enjoy.
• Take Breaks: Allow time between stops to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay refreshed.
• Capture Memories: Take lots of photos to remember the beautiful locations and fun moments with friends.

Conclusion

A summer day spent touring the wineries and cideries of the Cowichan Valley is a perfect way to enjoy the season with friends. With a little planning and the right essentials, you can create a memorable experience filled with amazing drinks, beautiful scenery, and great company. Cheers to a fantastic day in the Cowichan Valley.

Happy touring!