Duncan

Food and drink are without a doubt two of my favourite things and one of the best ways to enjoy them is by touring the vineyards and farms of the Cowichan Region on beautiful southern Vancouver Island. With over a dozen vineyards and the only estate cidery in BC, Cowichan is the second largest wine region in the province and becoming well known for it's character and culinary delights. The vineyards are all fairly small and the growers and vintners are generally available to spend time talking to visitors about their craft. The quality and variety of foods grown and produced in the area is one of the main reasons that world class chefs are making this area their home. You can take part in culinary workshops, demonstrations and gourmet pot luck dinners held in many homes and commercial kitchens. Local chefs can often be found sharing their craft at local festivals and events throughout the year. Culinary retreats and accommodations with fully equipped gourmet kitchens are springing up throughout the region for guided or self catered culinary enjoyment. A scenic wine tour will take you past diverse farms to collect seasonal fruits and vegetables, visit the cheesemaker and organic bakery in historic Cowichan Bay and buy fresh fish & seafood straight from the fishermen. Learn about wild mushrooms and have a guide take you into the forest in search of these elusive delicacies. You can even visit local potters and glass makers along the way to collect your dinnerware for a truly authentic Cowichan feast. After a bountiful day of gathering you can bet that dinner is going to be great ! http://www.visit.cowichan.net

Posted by: Alison Philp | March 23, 2006