So you’re planning a trip to the Cowichan Valley, BC’s youngest wine region. Maybe you're a wine enthusiast keen on sampling our local varietals, or maybe you're just looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend your day in the Cowichan Valley. Either way, you're in for a treat. Check out our tips below to make the most out of your experience.
Do a Little Research (Or Not)
Something lovely about the wineries here in the Cowichan Valley is that they are all a little bit different. There are about a dozen wineries open to the public here, some being big, beautiful, state of the art buildings with staff and a patio setting overlooking their vineyard while others are charming little tasting rooms behind the family home where you’ll get to know the enthusiastic owners in a more intimate setting. Each has their own wonderful charm. On our Nothin’ to Wine About Wine Tour, we aim to curate a blend of wineries with these different approaches. We believe that experiencing this variety throughout the day gives you a true taste of Cowichan Valley style.
That being said, we are always happy to accommodate any requests you might have if there is a particular winery that you’d like to visit as part of your tour. We just ask that you let us know at the time of booking so that we can be sure to secure the reservations as many wineries fill up during their busy seasons. So if this sounds like your style, it can be a good idea to do a little Googling before you’re ready to book. On the other hand, if you’d prefer to leave the details to us, we’ve got you. Sit back and enjoy the experience with a wine in hand along the way.
Book in Advance
Wine tour season kicks off in April, peaks during the summer, and winds down by October. Saturdays are in high demand, often booking up months in advance, with reservations starting as early as January for popular summer dates. To secure your spot and avoid disappointment, we recommend booking as early as possible.
For those with flexibility in their schedules, weekday bookings offer a great opportunity to avoid crowds and secure a spot with shorter notice. So, if you're open to midweek adventures, you can often book closer to your desired date while enjoying a more tranquil experience at the wineries.
Hydrate and Snack
Don't underestimate the importance of breakfast on the morning of your wine tour. With a day filled with tastings ahead, it's essential to start off with a hearty meal to provide a solid foundation.
Bringing along some snacks to munch on throughout the day is a wise idea to keep your energy up and maintain your composure. Many Cowichan wineries welcome outside food, so feel free to pack a picnic or bring along some nibbles to enjoy during your tastings. If you prefer a more substantial meal, there's ample space on the bus for a cooler. Additionally, we have plenty of chilled water bottles onboard in case you forget to bring your own.
Dress comfortably
Dressing for the weather is always the best policy. We can have really hot summer days so anything flowy is always a win. Don't forget essentials like a hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun but we also carry sunscreen on the bus in case there are no shady spots left on the patio. For the transitional seasons of spring and fall, bringing along a light jacket is advisable in case of chilly weather or unexpected rain.
Wine tours present a fantastic opportunity for memorable photos, so feel free to dress up if you're inclined! There's no strict dress code, so wear whatever makes you feel great. Go the extra mile and coordinate a group dress theme if you want! We’ve had 80s, Western and Dr. Seuss to name a few.
Ask Questions
Don't hesitate to ask questions during the tasting – it's the perfect chance to learn! If there's something you're unsure about, chances are others in the group are curious too. The staff at the wineries we visit are passionate about wine and eager to share their expertise. They welcome questions and are more than happy to provide insights into their winemaking process and operations. So, feel free to ask away!
Enjoy
The most important part of a wine tour lies in simply enjoying the moment and having a blast with your crew. It's not just about the wine; it's about soaking in the laid-back beauty of Cowichan Valley's countryside, making memories with friends, maybe making some new ones, perhaps belting out some karaoke tunes along the way. So, relax, take it all in, and when it's over, you’ll be ready to plan the next one and do it all over again.
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