A popular full-day tour combines two incredibly popular island activities: Ocean Ecoventures of Cowichan Bay takes you on a morning whale-watching excursion followed by a visit to the picturesque Saturna Island Winery for a tour of the vineyard, wine tasting and a sumptuous lunch. Does it get better than this?
You can reach the main wine-growing region of the Cowichan Valley along scenic Hwy 1. Watch for burgundy and white signs, which indicate the location of the valley's vineyards.
One of the most ideal times to visit is during the exuberant 3rd Annual Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival, September 27 - 30, 2007. Cowichan wineries and farms welcome wine and culinary aficionados to their doorsteps to experience the best of the region firsthand, accompanied by original music and art.
Additional information is available at the various Visitor Centres located in most communities along the way. A comprehensive list of Vancouver Island winery tours can be found at www.wineislands.ca
A typical day route includes (south to north):
Merridale Ciderworks, Cobble Hill
This extraordinary, family-run estate cidery currently produces eight varieties of award-winning, handcrafted, all-natural and unpasteurized ciders.
Cherry Point Vineyards, Cobble Hill
The exceptional wines of this superior Cowichan Valley vineyard swept 11 awards at the 2006 All Canadian Wine Festival and 2006 Northwest Wine Summit, including "Best in Category."
Venturi-Schulze Vineyards, Cobble Hill
This superior winery is renowned for its handcrafted wines, produced entirely from its own estate-grown grapes, as well as a superb balsamic vinegar.
Blue Grouse Vineyards, Duncan
One of Vancouver Island's original estate vineyards, Blue Grouse welcomes tours - there are usually five different wines to sample.
Echo Valley Vineyards and Godfrey Brownell Vineyards, Duncan
Both these estate vineyards are focused on producing lovingly handcrafted, small-release wines. Godfrey Brownell is particularly famed for its inspired wild blackberry champagne.
Zanatta Winery and Vinoteca restaurant and wine bar, Duncan
This Cowichan Valley winery pairs fresh and delectable country cuisine with its own stellar wines.
Alderlea Vineyards (just north of) Duncan
Alderlea produces 100 percent estate-grown wines, such as pinot gris, pinot noir, auxerrois and clarinet.