Once again my old colleague from Ontario came for a few days visit and what better idea than to take him to some Cowichan Valley wineries. It’s only a hours drive from our home to the wine country, so we pointed the Acura south until we reached the first winery. 

AVERILL CREEK Winery is located just north of Duncan on a hillside with a spectacular view looking down on Cowichan Bay in the distance. This is a delightful spot with a beautiful patio and garden which alone is worth the visit. The wines produced here are very good and they do an excellent tasting experience. We chose two different Roses which we enjoyed in the sunshine on the patio. If you are peckish a variety of snacks are available. AVERILL Creek is a highly recommended stop on any Cowichan Valley tour. For more on this winery go to https://www.averillcreek.ca

Next stop was for lunch at UNSWORTH Winery in Cobble Hill just south of Duncan. UNSWORTH was locally owned for many years but about 3 years ago Kendall-Jackson Wines from Santa Rosa, California purchased the property. As a result there is a significant expansion underway with construction of a new tasting room and wine making building. The current tasting room is on the edge of a pond with a lovely patio. 

UNSWORTH is one of the only wineries with a restaurant and it’s a good one. An old home on the property has both indoor seating and an expansive patio alongside the vineyard. Our guest chose the Tuna Tartare and warm olives which arrived with the most interesting chips. Tapioca in Squid ink.

 Sheila chose the Wicklow Salad which included shaved vegetables, tamari seeds, local cheese in a strawberry ginger dressing. Delicious! I had one of the best Grilled Chicken Sandwiches ever.

Great food, good service, charming server. On the patio on a sunny day. At a winery. What could be better. Oh, and wine too. The Unsworth Cowichan Pinot Gris. Crisp and delicious. Check out the menu here..

https://www.unsworthvineyards.com/assets/client/File/Summer menu 2024 final w za.pdf

This was my 5th or 6th visit to the Cowichan Valley wine country and I love it. Every bit as enjoyable as the Okanagan or Napa.There are a dozen wineries to visiit, each one interesting and unique.  If you’ve not done it you must. Really.

 To see all the wineries in the area look here. https://www.tourismcowichan.com/eat-drink/wineries/

Just saying…