Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival

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Sunday, September 15th, 2013

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Blue Grouse Estate Winery - �Farm to Table Picnics & Music in the Vineyard� Featuring the local talents of singer & songwriter Genevieve Charbonneau. Relax and enjoy a beautiful bottle or glass of Blue Grouse wine, and the enchanting folk style music of our resident songbird. Nothing pairs better with live music than a bottle of Blue Grouse wine!

MNP Grape Stomp! at Cowichan Exhibition - This is the kickoff event of the 2013 Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival held at the Cowichan Exhibition Fairgrounds during the Cowichan Exhibition. Put your team together and enter, it's sure to be a funny, messy and joyful time! More info to come. Poster & Entry Form

Damali 'Sangria Fiesta' - 6 - 11pm (ish) Join the fun at a traditional style Spanish Fiesta with sangria and traditional seafood paella made over an open fire followed by an inclusive music jam led by local musicians Dave Spinks, Harry Williams and Paul Washington. Bring your miracas, Ole! $40 per person includes dinner and a glass of lavender mojito sangria. Book soon, this popular event sold out early last year. Damali Lavender & Winery, 3500 Telegraph Rd, Cobble Hill. Reserve by phone 250-743-4100 or by Email

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Blue Grouse Estate Winery - �Farm to Table Picnics & Music in the Vineyard� Featuring the local talents of singer & songwriter Genevieve Charbonneau. Relax and enjoy a beautiful bottle or glass of Blue Grouse wine and the enchanting folk style music of our resident songbird. Nothing pairs better with live music than a bottle of Blue Grouse wine!

Merridale Cider, Bistro & Deli- Live Entertainment and Pizza on the Deck

Teafarm - Moroccan Tea Experience 2pm - Taste the sweet and luscious flavours of Moroccan tea culture right here in the Cowichan. Green tea perfectly blended with freshly picked spearmint accompanied by authentic Moroccan sweets. Our Moroccan guests will take you to another world of sight, sound and taste. Limited seating, please call or email to reserve. $10/person
250.748.3811 1.855.748.3811 www.teafarm.ca for more details


THE COWICHAN LONG TABLE ICC DINNER ~ "Freedom to Farm"
Time: 5:30pm Reception
Location: Dragonfly Farm, 4064 Vaux Road, Glenora
Ticket Price: $100
Proceeds donated to Dragonfly Farm�s "Freedom to Farm" Action
Tickets available at: Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Averill Creek Winery, Zanata, Merridale, Stone Soup Inn, Vintage Wine and Spirits (653 Pandora) and �Cook Culture� (317 Blanshard St Victoria, (250) 590-8161)

This gourmet 5-course white linen dinner, paired with wine, will be a local culinary and wine collaboration of epic proportion! 150 lucky people will dine in a true �farm to table� style setting and will enjoy the very best of local Cowichan wine and cuisine. This magical evening will take place in a large outdoor greenhouse on Dragonfly Farms and will mark the first Island Chefs Collaborative collaboration with the Cowichan Wineries Coop.

2013 Chefs line up is as follows:
Fatima DaSilva - Bistro 161 and Vinoteca
Bradford Boisvert - Amuse on the Vineyard
Bill Jones - Deerholme Farm
Daniel Hudson - Hudson�s on First
Brock Windsor - Stone Soup Inn
Ian Blom � Meridale Ciderworks

2013 Cowichan Wineries line up: Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Averill Creek Vineyards, Zanatta Winery, Merridale Ciderworks, Rocky Creek Winery, Silverside Farm & Winery, Unsworth Vineyards, Damali Lavender & Winery and more� !

This promises to be one of those very, very special wine and culinary evening that you never forget!


Sunday, September 8 � Friday, September � 13

Damali Lavender & Winery � Open daily for wine tasting, self guided farm tours, labyrinth walks, gift shop perusing, picnics and complimentary lavender U-pick. Bring a Picnic Lunch to enjoy in the Damali wine garden. Guided Vineyard Tours - At 11am and 1pm - taste 8 different wines and then choose a glass of your favourite to take along on a � hour tour of the vineyard and farm ($8 per person)

�Greylag� Picnic Cruises � Hop aboard �Greylag Boat Tours� at Fisherman�s Wharf in Cowichan Bay where shipwright and host Tim Doyle will tour you around the Bay while you enjoy a lunch of local food and Damali Wine. $75 per person. Group bookings for 6 � 8 people can be made for noon, 3pm or 8pm by emailing [email protected]

Monday September 9 to Thursday, 12

22 Oaks Winery - Open 12-5 daily during Festival week


Monday, September 9

Teafarm - Tea + Sweet Pairing - A variety of tea infused sweets are paired with a selection of organic loose teas. Sit in the Tea Garden and enjoy the natural beauty of the Cowichan Valley. Open 10am - 6pm 250.748.3811 1.855.748.3811
www.teafarm.ca for more details

Tuesday, September 10

Teafarm - A Taste of South America - Drink yerba mate the way it�s done down south served in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw. Yerba available throughout the day served alongside locally made Argentinian sweets. A tasting with sweets $5/person.
Open 10am - 6pm 250.748.3811 1.855.748.3811 www.teafarm.ca for more details

Tuesday - Thursday, September 10 - 12

2 Night Wine & Culinary Festival Package ~ Mid week is a great time to visit the wine & culinary festival participants. It's quieter and there's more opportunity to interact with the winemakers and business owners. This 2 night and 2 day Package includes accommodation, tours, tastings and meals. 'Wine Festival Package

Wednesday, September 11

Teafarm - Single Malt Teas - Taste the finest teas the region of Assam has to offer. These gorgeous teas are famous for their round and malty flavours and are also known as single malt teas. Complimentary samples poured throughout the day. Pair with culinary sweets a la carte. Open 10am - 6pm 250.748.3811 1.855.748.3811 www.teafarm.ca for more details

'MEET YOUR MAKER' - 6pm - 8:30pm - Mix and mingle with the Cowichan winemakers at beautiful and historic Providence Farm while enjoying brick oven pizzas made by the students of the Vancouver Island University Culinary Program. Taste a variety of Cowichan wines and discuss your favourites with the 'makers'.

Relax at Vinoteca Restaurant at Zanatta Winery Wednesday - Sunday, September 11 - 15 - for lunch in the original homestead and wrap-around veranda. Wednesday to Sunday 12 to 2pm. Reservations are recommended. 250.748.2338


Thursday, September 12

Teafarm - The Champagne of Teas - The mountainous region of Darjeeling offers an exquisite tea experience. The teas produced in this area have a characteristic muscatel flavour and are sought after because of their delicate astringencies. They are known as the champagne of teas. Share the experience at the farm in an eclectic rural setting. Complimentary samples poured throughout the day. Pair with culinary sweets a la carte. Open 10am - 6pm 250.748.3811 1.855.748.3811 www.teafarm.ca for more details

Chemainus Tastings - 5:30 to 8 pm - Admission is free! No prebooking necessary. Experience the warm hospitality of Chemainus, the arts town by the sea. Enjoy perfect pairings of local wine and food, listen to the smooth tunes of a baby grand piano and view limited edition prints by renowned Vancouver Island artist, Arthur Vickers. The first 50 people in the door will receive a Chemainus goody bag. This event is sponsored by the Chemainus Business Improvement Association.
Location - Chemainus Theatre, Playbill Dining Room. 9737 Chemainus Road, Chemainus, BC www.visitchemainus.ca

AFTERTASTINGS - Take advantage of the opportunity to attend a dress rehearsal of Chemainus Theatre�s production, A Pretty Girl. Purchase advance tickets: only $19+ tx. www.chemainustheatre.ca

MAKE IT A GETAWAY! Stay at a charming B&B. www.cabba.ca or book a special Chemainus Tastings package at the Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn. www.chemainushotel.com

Stone Soup Inn - Enjoy the inspired cuisine of Brock Windsor at the Stone Soup Inn paired with five outstanding local vineyards wines. Five courses of regional food, Venturi-Shultze champagne sabering, 600 pm and 8pm seatings available and $105 exclusive of tax and gratuity. Please call 250-749-3848 to reserve.

Friday, September 13

Averill Creek Winemakers� Dinner at Hudson�s On First with Chef Dan Hudson. 6:30 p.m.163 First St., Duncan.
Join Canada's Top Chef finalist Daniel Hudson and Averill Creek's Andy Johnston for a masterfully crafted five-course dinner prepared from
local, seasonal produce. Three courses will be paired with older vintages from Averill Creek's cellars. The evening will also feature
the release of Cowichan Tawny, a five-years-in-barrel vintage version of Cowichan Black.
Tickets available at Hudson's On First, 250-597-0066.
$125 exclusive of gratuity and tax. Menu at www.hudsonsonfirst.ca/menus.

Blue Grouse Estate Winery - �Farm to Table Picnics & Music in the Vineyard� Featuring the local talents of singer & songwriter Genevieve Charbonneau. Relax and enjoy a beautiful bottle or glass of Blue Grouse wine and the enchanting folk style music of our resident songbird. Nothing pairs better with live music than a bottle of Blue Grouse wine!

Amuse & Unsworth - Dinner Theater Under the Stars! - Greg Perry from the Mercury Players and Alex Gallacher Shawnigan Players will perform a series of short sketches that are light, upbeat and humorous, from the script by Peter Cook and Dudley Moore called "Good Evening". Performances will take place outside underneath the walnut trees and overlooking the vineyard - each sketch will be followed by a different course of the dinner. Dinner theater tickets are $49 per person; there's also a wine paring option available for an additional cost. Visit website for more details.
5:30pm | Reserve early as seats are limited | 250.743.3667 | [email protected]

Silverside Farm & Winery -
Silverside Farm & Winery & Birds Eye Cove Farm are teaming up to serve a gourmet picnic of delicious appies, pulled pork, and a scrumptious dessert. Tickets are $ 30per person. Includes refreshments and live music. Call (250) 743-9149 to reserve your tickets.

Stone Soup Inn - Join the delightful Nancy and Roger Dosman as they uncork unavailable back vintages and large format bottles crafted from their iconic Alderlea Vineyard. Wines are paired with an all local five couse menu at the Stone Soup Inn. 630 pm and $115 exclusive of tax and gratuity. Please call 250-749-3848 to reserve.

Teafarm � Trufflelandia - This epic lineup of awesome tea infused chocolate truffles will rock your palate. Several local chocolatiers will be raising the bar on your culinary tea experience. Available a la carte. Open 10am - 6pm 250.748.3811 1.855.748.3811
www.teafarm.ca for more details

Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15

22 Oaks - Live local musicians Sat 14th and Sun 15th and local Smoke house on site. Great time for a picnic.

Averill Creek Vineyard - The Old Fork Food Truck will be serving local cuisine and the Visions Cowichan Valley Artists group will be exhibiting on the patio . Enjoy complimentary tours of the winery and Wine Tastings � $5 for 5 tickets, 1 ticket per 1 oz pour. On Saturday afternoon vocalist Cari Burdett will perform diverse music styles.

Blue Grouse Estate Winery - �Farm to Table Picnics & Music in the Vineyard� Featuring the local talents of singer & songwriter Genevieve Charbonneau. Relax and enjoy a beautiful bottle or glass of Blue Grouse wine and the enchanting folk style music of our resident songbird. Nothing pairs better with live music than a bottle of Blue Grouse wine!

Damali Lavender & Winery - 'Wine & Lavenderfest' 10am - 4pm What a great weekend to spend time at the lavender farm and winery while live music is playing and lavender food is available and you can sit and do a lavender craft while sipping a glass of your favorite wine in the wine garden and soaking up the ambiance of this working lavender farm and winery. Take a guided tour at 11am or 1pm or a self guided tour anytime, walk the labyrinth, pick your own bundle of fresh lavender or learn about growing it and creating all natural products and delicious wine in Lavender 101 at 12 noon each day. Of course the lavender gift shop and wine tasting room will also be open. Weblink
3500 Telegraph Rd, Cobble Hill 250 743-4100

Deol Family Estate Winery - Complimentary wine tastings daily

Enrico Winery - "Please come and enjoy a BBQ's Baron of Beef and glass of wine on our new deck overlooking the vineyard. Sample our 2012 wines, listen to live music and browse around some of our local vendor stalls that will be on display"

Glenterra Winery & Thistles Cafe -Thistles Caf� will be offering a menu of local fresh vegetables, seafood, poultry & meats.
Winery & Caf� open 11:30 to 5:00

Merridale Cider, Bistro, Bakery & Deli - We are all about the art here at Merridale. Learn something new this Cowichan Wine Festival Season and join in the many activities we have planned at the distillery or on the ciderhouse lawn.

Art in the Distillery � noon and 2:00, Saturday and Sunday - Join Rick Pipes and Laurent Lafluent as they teach you the art of how to taste the essence of our spirits and how they are made right here in our own distillery. Develop a distinguishing palate for spirits, tasting Cowichan Brandy, Stair�s Brandy, Malt Whiskey, Vodka and more. Tours and tastings will be given at noon and 2:00 on Saturday. Reservations for the distillery tour are required but there is no charge for this event.

Art in the Cellar � throughout the day Saturday and Sunday - Meander through our fermentation and bottling room to learn the art of cidermaking on our self-guided cellar tour. Gather your questions along the way, and then join us at the ciderbar where our knowledgeable staff will provide you with answers and tastings of our traditional cider line-up and fortified nectars. There is no charge for our self-guided tours. Cider tastings are $5 per person with all proceeds donated to a local charity.

Art of the Cocktail � noon until 4:00 Saturday only - Journey into the art of the cocktail with mixologist Janice Mansfieldmixing some of her tantalizing House Made bitters and syrups with our lineup of products to create some most delicious mini-cocktails for you to enjoy. Tasting fee of $5 waived with purchase of spirits.

Art in the Orchard � 11 until 4:00 Saturday and Sunday - Throughout this weekend we will be joined by local artists sharing their craft in the merridale orchard: Bernadette McCormack � Painter, Jason Fong � Wood Carver, Tammie Hunter � Painter, Will Daten� - Photographer

Just for the fun of it � throughout Saturday and Sunday

Bakery and Ice Cream counter are open � Baker Alain has many tempting morsels to nibble on while you walk around the orchard. Try one of our new apple fritters or bear claws. Or, cool off with your favourite ice cream served at the deli counter.

Faery Hunt for the kids � There's always something for the kids to do. Grab a map and take a tour. Your kids will be enchanted and busy, while you have the chance to relax and savour the experience.

Pizza Night featuring Sets in the West � Sunday, September 15 starting at 5:00pm -Join us on the deck at the ciderhouse for the last evening of the festival to enjoy brick oven pizzas and fresh salads. Live music begins at 5:00 with no coverage charge, but don't forget to call and reserve a table, our pizza nights fill up fast! This is a family-friendly event, with local favorites Sets in the West bringing their infectious Celtic/East Coast sound to our patio. Don't forget your dancing shoes!

Rocky Creek Winery 'Art is Here!' Rocky Creek Winery is hosting all day wine tastings and our theme this year is �Art is Here�. We have the Ladysmith Art Council coming here to showcase all the artists and work around the winery with their pieces. They will be doing plein aire in our beautiful gardens for anyone! We will be having a seminar each day at 2 pm about the arts. This is a great chance to ask questions, discover or learn something new. Also, music is art and the Robert Stitt Jazz Trio returns to stimulate your senses. Enjoy the experience amongst beautiful gardens, sit out with a glass of wine or flights of wines. We will also have our sparkling and cocktail bar again this year.

Stone Soup Inn Winemaker�s Dinner. September 14 -Celebrate the award winning wines of Rocky Creek Winery alongside a local food five course menu at the Stone Soup Inn. Mark and Linda will provide insight into their viticulture and viniculture. 6:30 pm and $110 exclusive of tax and gratuity. Please call 250-749-3848 to reserve.

Satellite Bar & Grille Winemakers Dinner - 'Anything But Pinot from the Cowichan Valley' Saturday Sept 14 at 6pm Enjoy a four course dinner from Executive Chef Jan Kobbero and team with wine pairings from Averill Creek, Alderlea, Enrico and Unsworth. Winemaker�s will be speaking about each pairing and the development of hybrid grapes on Vancouver Island. $64 (includes wine tastings) subject to tax & gratuity. Reservations required Poster

Silverside Farm & Winery - September 14 - Family Picnic at the Funny Farm - 12 noon to 2 pm Bring the family and your picnic to the farm. Get your groove on and enjoy an afternoon of African Music. We will have Wine tasting for the adults as well as serving up our famous frozen yogurt treats , ice cream, or sherbert and will be donating $1 proceeds from all frozen treat sales to the BCSPCA walk for the animals. Come out! ~ dance! ~ and have fun on the farm all for a good cause. www.silversidefarm.com Sunday September 15 - Closed

Unsworth Vineyards and Amuse Bistro - Winemakers Brunch at 'Amuse on the Vineyard!' Interact with Unsworth�s Winemaker, Daniel Cosman, while enjoying a 3 course brunch created by the culinary team of Amus�. Each course will be paired with a glass of Unsworth wine. 2 Seating�s - 10am & 1pm | $65 per person for 3 course brunch with wine pairing. Phone 250.743.3667 or e-mail [email protected] to reserve | Visit website for more details.

Zanatta Winery & Vinoteca Restaurant - Tasting Extravaganza - 11am to 5pm On-going sampling of all our wines, including guided tastings of our 4 sparkling wines. Winemaker/grower on hand for a more in-depth discussion of winemaking and grape growing in the Cowichan Valley. Demonstrations of various steps in sparkling wine production (champagne method).

For more information and updates visit:
http://wines.cowichan.net/