Wine tour and snow capped mountains

The sun was out again and the day promised to be warmer with a light breeze. My wine tour started down at the harbour again opposite the Empress hotel. While I was waiting, I noticed that a crow was not happy with people gathering near his territory and he was swooping without contact…and making a lot of noise.

The Canadian Craft Tours bus finally arrived with enthusiastic tour guide Scott directing all 5 of us onto the bus and we got on our way after a briefing.

The Cowichan Valley was our destination where we would visit 3 wineries. The valley is an hour’s drive from Victoria and Scott took us on the scenic route where possible off the highway.

This part of the world has snow capped mountains in the distance all year round. Scott stopped at some scenic spots which made the journey very enjoyable.

Our first stop was the Cherry Point Estate Winery which specialised in a very European method of producing wines. It was a quaint family run business.

About 12 minutes drive away we reached the Unsworth Vineyards. This was a very modern and expansive establishment. We were placed at a lovely outdoor setting for our Charcuterie board of food such as bison and elk salami, a range of 3 local cheeses with accompaniments such as a habanero jam! We were hungry and happily shared the food while our presenter offered us a range of wines to taste. The gardens were very manicured and very pleasant.

Another 12 minutes drive away we reached the Cobble Hill Winery. I saw deer in the fields before we reached the driveway and there were lovely fields of lavender next to the vines. We were seated on a lovely sun drenched table and chose the White flight for our tasting. The gardens here were also spectacular.

The journey home was another one hour drive out of the valley and we were dropped near the Empress Hotel where we started.

As I entered the foyer it was very busy with people checking in for the weekend.

I headed down to Bartholomew’s public house and ordered the Crispy Dry Ribs of pork with honey garlic dip. I brought them back to my room ready to do the quiz online with family in Australia.

I went out on the balcony after this and noticed a number of police cars with police going in the direction of the foyer downstairs. Not sure what that was about but I will try to investigate.