This one-of-a-kind festival was originally created by the municipalities’ local government as a way to showcase the amazing farmers and food producers tucked away in the country roads of North Saanich. The concept is simple: participating farms, wineries, cideries, chefs, artisanal food producers and community groups open their doors over a weekend, ready to greet the public, offer tours, answer questions and offer up delicious samples of their craft.
=0D=0A=The festival has grown over the years to a whopping 22 venues and an almost dizzying array of gastronomic delights at each stop. Plan your route and be your own guide to what interests you: would you like to see ancient art of sheep-herding in action, while sitting in a Garry oak meadow? Pick up insider tips on how to grow fabulous organic flowers in this region, straight from a commercial flower grower? Try a local late-summer IPA from an artisanal brewery so charmingly tiny that they call it a nano-brewery? Sample cured meats inspired by european family recipes, crafted from local meats and cured right in North Saanich? Sample drizzling vinegars made from elderberry, nasturtium flowers or Douglas fir tips?
=0D=0A=Friday night is the festival gala dinner, and this is one four-course meal not to be missed. The long-table dinner takes place outdoors in the beautiful Deep Cove vineyard, with each course having been personally grown, harvested, prepared and introduced by a different North Saanich farmer or chef. And of course, even the wine is 0-mile! The Edie Daponte Quartet will sing songs of late summer guaranteed to fill your cup… Check the festival website flavourtrails.ca for more info and for ticket purchase.
=0D=0A=Entrance to all the venues is free, with plenty to sample and a diverse array of farm and food products to take home. Most stops are open from 10-4, Saturday and Sunday. Check the festival brochure or website from June onwards to get a complete list of participating venues and times.
=0D=0A=What to bring? A picnic blanket, a basket for festival finds, a sun hat, and your appetite. Biking is a great way to take in the festival, inviting you to slow down and savour the country roads (bike & ebike rentals are available in Sidney and through the festival). And no need to pack lunch: several venues offer up festival lunch feasts and goodies over the course of the weekend.
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