Road trip

Route 1 · Cowichan Wine & Cider Loop

Driving: ≈ 75 km, 2 h behind the wheel
Day: 6–7 hours with lunch
Terrain: Country roads; gravel driveways
Season: Thu–Sun year-round; fullest hours Jun–Oct

Schematic map of the route with numbered stops — Open this route in Google Maps ↗Schematic map; numbered stops match the list below. The link gives turn-by-turn directions.

Canada's only maritime Mediterranean climate grows aromatic whites, Pinot Noir and cider apples within 30 minutes of the inn. The loop runs south through the valley's vineyards, lunches at a winery and finishes at the cidery. Pick a designated driver or taste lightly; most tasting rooms pour 1 oz samples and sell by the glass.

Averill Creek Vineyard — Hillside above Duncan with the valley's best view from a tasting-room terrace; known for Pinot Noir and sparkling. Opens late morning.
Alderlea Vineyards — One of the Island's oldest vineyards, planted in 1992: Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and the old-vine Marechal Foch "Clarinet". Small, personal pours.
Duncan — Coffee or an early lunch, and the Saturday market if it is Saturday. Otherwise push on.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery — A striking modern tasting room above a sweep of vines; one of the best places in the valley for a long lunch on the terrace in summer.
Cherry Point Estate Wines — One of the original 1990s wineries, now with a Latin touch from its Colombian owners and a food-friendly rosé; bistro lunches in season.
Merridale Cidery & Distillery — BC's oldest craft cidery on a 20-acre orchard in Cobble Hill: self-guided orchard walk, farm store, bistro with a covered patio and tastings of cider, brandy and gin. Allow an hour.
Unsworth Vineyards — Finish in Mill Bay with the valley's most polished restaurant, in a restored farmhouse. Book dinner, then 35 minutes home on Highway 1.

Also on the way: Enrico Winery, Emandare Vineyard and Zanatta (the valley's original winery, 1992, with Vinoteca restaurant) if you want to swap stops. Many tasting rooms close Monday–Wednesday in winter.