A Guide to the Cowichan Valley Wine Region
It’s been called the “Napa of the North”, and with good reason. Cowichan is home to fourteen unique wineries making a name for the area as a destination wine region. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier looking to add new and exciting wines to your library or just developing your palate, it’s time to move this region to the top of your list and explore what cool climate viticulture in Cowichan has to offer.
Just a quick hop over the Malahat from Victoria, embark on a self-guided tour or let someone else do the driving. You can book with a tour company to guide you around the region’s wineries, including Island Time Tours, EV Tours, LA Limousines, and Alset Tours.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery
One of the Island’s oldest estate vineyards, Blue Grouse Estate Winery offers an exquisite tasting experience in stunning surroundings. The Estate label is produced entirely from grapes grown in their vineyard, from Champagne-style Paula Sparkling to Ortega and Pinot Gris. Planning a multi-day trip? Blue Grouse Estate Winery is family-owned and their grapes are sustainably farmed on their 65-acre vineyard on a sunny slope in the Cowichan Valley. There are a range of experiences you can choose to indulge in at the Winery, whether that is a Signature Guided Tasting, sipping on a flight, or enjoying Table + Bottle service.
Wine to try: 2020 Traditional Cuvée
Unsworth Vineyards
This family owned and operated winery is just 30 minutes from Victoria, offering handcrafted wines and a unique farm-to-table dining experience at Unsworth Vineyard’s on-site restaurant. Enjoy seasonally inspired, locally sourced fare in a picturesque setting alongside award-winning wines; Unsworth’s 2014 Pinot Noir Reserve recently received a gold medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada! Stop by for a tasting on any day of the week, tour the vineyard, or make a reservation for a memorable dining experience at the restaurant, open Wednesday through Sunday.
Wine to try: Pinot Noir. The 2022 Pinot Noir is a great introduction, and when you're looking to expand your palate, we recommend moving up to the 2023 Pinot Noir - Saison Vineyard.
Keep exploring
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wineries across the Cowichan Valley. As you travel winding country lanes, you just might stumble upon your new favourite winery, tucked away off the beaten track in a region known as "Canada's Provence". There are 14 different wineries between Cobble Hill and Lake Cowichan, each with their own distinct approach to wine making, making exploration a part of the experience. This is a region where flavour from farm to table and from grape to glass, you're certain to find the winery that fits your tastes.
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