Tourism Cowichan
It’s been called Napa of the North, and with good reason! Just 45 minutes north of Victoria on Vancouver Island sits Cowichan, a unique valley region known for their craft beer, wines, ciders, and fresh, local food and farm-to-table restaurants.
In fact, with 14 wineries, Cowichan is the one of the largest wine regions in BC with a unique growing climate. Large mountain ranges grab the moisture that sweeps in from the Pacific Ocean, leaving Cowichan dry. While the soil is heavy in marine deposits and limestone…a key element for growing grapes. This combination of a cool, dry climate coupled with soil that rarely freezes means that Cowichan is home to a wide selection of grapes not available elsewhere.
Pinot Noir is a popular wine here, with wineries such as Unsworth Vineyards and Restaurant, and Averill Creek Vineyards taking home national accolades for their versions. The region is also home to their very own varietal of sparkling wine. France has champagne, Italy has prosecco, and Cowichan has Charme De’Lile, a light and dry sparkling wine that can only made from grapes grown in the Cowichan region.
But perhaps what sets this region apart is the people. At Emandare, owner and winemaker Mike Nierychlo’s adorable cat will likely stop by to say hi as you sip a selection of local, organic wines. At Blue Grouse Estate Winery, it’s not uncommon to come across winemaker Bailey Williamson crushing grapes the traditional way (using his feet) in an antique clay basin. Winemaking here is a social endeavour, and the sweeping views of rolling hills and panoramic ocean vistas make you feel as if you are slowing down and stepping back in time. A tasting or tour in at any of the wineries in Cowichan means you actually get to meet the makers, see the process, and walk through the vineyards. As we like to say, “come for the wine; stay for the stories.”
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