Restaurants in Cowichan Valley
Wine Trail
The Cowichan is home to more than a dozen wineries, cideries, distilleries, and brew pubs, and taking a self-guided tasting tour is a delicious way to spend a day. (If you plan to drink, though, do get someone else to drive.) Some of the best include Venturi-Schulze, known for its sparkling and dessert wines, as well as its balsamic vinegar made in the traditional Modena style; Averill Creek, which makes award-winning Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir; and Merridale Cidery, which produces traditional English-style apple ciders. In general, wines tend to be cool-climate varietals, so don’t expect any bold Cab Sauvs here. Visit www.wines.cowichan.net for a touring map and contact information for individual wineries. Follow the wine route signs off Hwy. 1. Most wineries will charge a small fee for tasting.
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5 Results
- West Coast
Amusé on the Vineyard
Chef Bradford Boisvert must be hoping that the third time really is the charm for his popular bistro. From the original location in Shawnigan Lake where he opened in 2005, he moved to an 1895 farmhouse in 2012, and now to Cherry Point Vineyards. The winery should prove an ideal…$$$Around Town - North American
Bistro at Merridale Cidery
As you meander along the country roads that crisscross the valley, be sure to visit this artisan cidery and its friendly little bistro. The dining room is a rambling, rustic space filled with cheerful local art and surrounded by windows that open out over the apple orchards. Owner…$$Around Town - West Coast/English
Hudson’s on First
From the highway, the city of Duncan seems like nothing but a sprawl of big box stores. But venture down its side streets and you’ll find charming heritage houses like this rambling old Victorian. An even better surprise is that you’ll find a Top Chef Canada alum in the kitchen…$$$Around Town - West Coast
Stone Soup Inn
Over a 20-year career, chef-owner Brock Windsor has cooked at some of Canada’s top restaurants. Now that he’s got his own place, he’s doing things his way. He’s only open 3 nights a week. He only serves a five-course tasting menu. He changes the menu all the time. You get what you…$$$Around Town - Bakery
True Grain Bread
Truly, some of the best rustic artisan bread you’ll ever try. True Grain mills its own grains, most of them organic heritage varieties like spelt, rye, and Red Fife wheat, and a small selection of wheat grown on Vancouver Island. All these go into their loaves, which are divinely…$Around Town
