Excursion Country wine and butchart gardens with lunch tour at Victoria

Delight in a full day of scenic views and gourmet food and wine on this dreamlike excursion. Departing the pier, drive amidst spectacular views as you head north up the Malahat Highway to the Cowichan Valley. Along the way, stop for views once or twice as your guide talks about the area's history, geography and agriculture.

The Cowichan Valley is sheltered by a ridge of high mountains on the west side and warmed by the ocean to the east, making the region an ideal climate for growing grapes. In fact, the Coast Salish word for the agriculturally rich Cowichan Valley translates to 'the warm land."

Leaving the highway to seek out the wineries, pass by working farms and rolling hills in the heart of Cowichan Valley's wine country. October is harvest month for grapes and you are likely see wineries in a bit of a frenzy of activity.

Sharing similar growing conditions as the northern regions of Germany and France, warm summers, temperate mild winters and gravelly soils suit some recognizable grape varietals like Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Ortega, Marechal Foch as well as Mure Lavande, a dry blackberry dinner wine balanced using lavender syrup. Overall, you are sure to experience traditional grape varieties of Europe handcrafted from a new world terroir.

Visit two country wineries, each offering four samples of their unique wines. Lunch is offered from seasonally inspired menus showcasing fresh, local, sustainable ingredients, to exceptional service and award-winning wines.

Turning south, skirt the City of Victoria to follow a country road to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a designated National Historical Site of Canada. By 1912, with a former limestone quarry for her backyard, Jennie Butchart envisioned landscaping a sunken garden in its place, transforming the property for her family (and visitors) for generations to come. Little by little, the quarry blossomed into today's Sunken Garden. Over the last century the Gardens have transformed into the world-renowned attraction with outdoor concerts and night lighting in the summers, and the Magic of Christmas in the winters.

In the fall, as warm days transition to crisp nights, a parade of red, russet and golden maples emerges at The Gardens. It's the perfect time of year to visit the Japanese Garden before winter begins. Other sights to visit include Sunken Gardens, Ross Fountain, Star Gardens and the Italian Gardens. Remnants of the original cement plant and millions of bedding plants in over 900 varieties await as you can simply wander in 55-acre garden paradise. The Seed and Gift Store sells everything from hand-packaged seeds to one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans.

As you wind your way back to Victoria, there is time to reflect on the day's culinary experiences, the locals you have met, and the rural landscape that is so much a part of Vancouver Island.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Victoria highlights, winery stops, locally sourced lunch, wine tastings, Butchart Gardens

Note

Please note: This excursion involves mostly optional walking. Casual dress recommended.