Excursion Vancouver island wineries & cider farm tour at Victoria

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Savour the exquisite wines and ciders of Vancouver Island during this immersive, half-day tasting excursion at three estates in the Cowichan Valley.

Victoria, Southern Vancouver Island, Cowichan Valley, Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Depart the pier for the incredibly scenic and narrated, approximately one-hour drive to the Merridale Cidery & Distillery. En route, a photo stop is made for breath-taking panoramic vistas of southern Vancouver Island before continuing on to the Cowichan Valley, a wine region with similar growing conditions as northern Germany and France. The warm summers, mild winters, and gravelly soils here are ideal for growing the grapes and apples utilised to produce unique wines and ciders.

Cider Tastings, Enrico Winery, Estate Walking Tour, Wine Tastings

Sample some of these ciders during a visit to the Merridale Cidery & Distillery, a family-owned, community-minded orchard and cider house. This small farm with a big heart grows crisp cider apples, and strives to produce award-winning cider and an exceptional experience. Afterward, re-board your coach and continue on through the Cowichan Valley to the Enrico Winery, producers of hand-crafted wines of distinction. Here, taste and hospitality meet in a magnificent setting whilst you enjoy various samplings and a guided stroll through the estate.

Cherry Point Estates, Rolling Vineyards, Downtown Victoria, Chinatown, Inner-Harbour, Iconic Sites

Your final stop is at the Cherry Point Estates. Upon arrival, delight in a tasting of award-winning classic wines from well-established vines, all set in a modern, west coast-inspired structure overlooking the rolling vineyards. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier. En route, discover the highlights of downtown Victoria. Iconic sites here include Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, the Old Town, and Inner-Harbour, home to the Royal BC Museum, BC Legislative Buildings and the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Victoria, Merridale Cidery, Enrico Winery, Cherry Point Estate, Chinatown, Old Town, Inner-Harbour, BC Legislative Buildings, Fairmont Empress Hotel

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and up to five steps at the sites visited. Walking in Victoria is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, umbrella, bottled water, and Canadian Dollars, US Dollars, or credit cards for purchases from the ship: dress for the weather, as some venues are indoor/outdoor. Guests must be at least 21 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately one hour in each direction. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.