Cowichan Valley: Wine & Food Tour with Lunch & 3 Tastings

Summary

Winding up malahat to cowichan valley for wine tasting and local flavors

You’ll wind up Malahat Mountain with a small group, pausing for wild views before heading into Cowichan Valley for three relaxed wine tastings and a proper picnic lunch (vegan/veggie options if you ask). With a local guide sharing stories along every stretch of road, you’ll taste what makes this region special — and probably leave with more than just wine on your mind.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell like cedar and salt when we climbed the Malahat out of Victoria — but it did, kind of sharp and green. Our driver, Mark, slowed at the summit so we could pile out and stare at the Saanich Inlet. The light was weirdly soft that morning, almost blue. Mark pointed out where the Gulf Islands start and told us how Cowichan means “the warm land” in Hul’qumi’num, which felt right even though I kept my jacket zipped. There was this quiet up there except for someone’s laugh echoing off the rocks. I still think about that.

Once we dropped into the valley, everything looked different — softer hills, vineyards tucked between forests. The first winery had a dog that greeted us before anyone else (I think his name was Jasper?). Tasting pinot noir at 11am felt slightly rebellious but also totally normal here. The winemaker explained something about rain shadows and ocean breezes shaping their grapes; I nodded along while mostly thinking about how good it smelled — a mix of earth and fermenting fruit. We tried three wineries in total on this day trip from Victoria to Cowichan Valley, each with its own style and someone happy to talk about their favorite bottle.

Lunch was this picnic spread under a big maple tree — local cheese, bread that tasted like actual wheat, something pickled I still can’t name (in a good way). They’d asked about dietary stuff ahead of time so everyone got what they needed. There was supposed to be balsamic tasting too but it depends on the day; honestly I didn’t miss it because I was busy watching clouds roll over the hills and trying not to spill rosé on my jeans. On weekends there’s cheese tasting at a farm nearby — wish I’d timed it for that.

The ride back felt quieter, maybe from all the food or maybe just full in that other way you get after hearing people’s stories all afternoon. Mark played some old local radio station as we wound down through the trees again. If you’re looking for a private wine tour near Victoria that doesn’t feel rushed or fancy for its own sake… well, this one hit right for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and scenic tour

• Depart from downtown Victoria hotels
• Drive and sightsee along Malahat Mountain
• Stop at summit for scenic photos
• Learn history and points of interest en route
• Arrive at Cowichan Valley wine country
• Visit and taste wines at three wineries
• Enjoy cheese and balsamic tastings (Fri-Sun)
• Have picnic lunch with dietary options

Top questions

How long is the Cowichan Valley wine & food tour?

The tour lasts around 6 hours including travel from Victoria.

Is hotel pickup included in Victoria?

Yes, pickup from downtown Victoria hotels is included.

How many wineries do we visit?

The tour includes tastings at three different wineries in Cowichan Valley.

Is lunch provided? What if I’m vegetarian or vegan?

A seasonal picnic lunch is included; vegan or vegetarian options are available with 24-hour notice.

Are there cheese or balsamic tastings?

Cheese tasting at a nearby farm is offered Friday-Sunday; balsamic tasting is sometimes available depending on the day.

Can I bring my service animal?

Service dogs are allowed with proof of license and must be working/in uniform.

Is this private or small group?

This is a small group tour with groups of 6 or less.

What’s the minimum age for wine tasting?

You must be 19 years or older to join and taste wine on this tour.

What’s included

Your day covers hotel pickup in downtown Victoria, all winery entry fees and guided tastings at three Cowichan Valley wineries, plus a seasonal picnic lunch tailored to your diet if you give advance notice. When possible there’s cheese tasting at a nearby farm (Friday–Sunday) or balsamic sampling too before returning comfortably by late afternoon.