Summer Wine Tours For Locals
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side from local farmers markets, and beloved ‘open daily’ spots like Alderlea Farms, how is a visitor or local to experience this notion of ‘agritourism?’ Most working farms cannot be open to the public daily because.... well, they’re busy farming! Cheers Cowichan is pleased to introduce farm to table day tours. Local farms, not typically open such as The Happy Goat, Fairburn Farm, Botanic Bliss,--and some soon to be revealed on our Cheers site--are now more easily accessible. Foraging tours, cheesemaking and cooking classes too.
Most of our day tours still originate from within Cowichan, picking up at hotels, marinas, visitor centres, or residences (for groups). Group pickups outside the Cowichan area can also be accommodated. Last week a lucky group of ladies from the TighNaMara in Parksville joined us for a winery tour and lunch at Vinoteca/Zanatta. A typical tour involves an 11 am departure and visits 3 or more wineries, a stop for lunch or picnic, an option to visit another Cowichan destination such as The Tea Farm or Lavender Labyrinth, and concluding around 4. All admissions, tasting fees and meals are included on full day tours. Prices range from $79 for a 3 hour tour to $159 for the full day. Yacht Clubs dock at local marinas and join us for a winery or Kinsol Trestle tour. Several local companies have scheduled staff reward getaways on a weekday. Guests of Affinity Guesthouse in town for wedding fun are regulars. Just in is a request for some groomsmen to enjoy a day fishing and golfing while the ladies explore the wineries.
A family reunion planner just signed up her flock for a winery tour in August. We even had one ‘divorce celebration’/winery tour. Many local gals have enjoyed safe transport to and from their events. In early June, Cheers and with Tourism Cowichan hosted a large group of Victoria hospitality professionals. A grand day was had by all and our guests were wowed. Pickups can now be scheduled as far south as Victoria. Our18 passenger bus and driver are available for private events. Smaller or larger vehicles also available. We run daily, year round as our schedule/staff allow. (gift certificates for that pal who has everything.) If you own a farm or garden and are interested in having a Cheers tour come your way for scheduled visits, please contact us.
Happy Goat Farm
Cheerscowichan.com 250-710-7391
Susan Quackenbush is a farm girl and wine enthusiast.
OPEN DAILY FROM 11-5PM
Cheers Cowichan Tours was founded in 2014 by Susan Quackenbush with the idea to support local wineries, farms, restaurants, hotels,and events by offering new transport and tourism options. We’re pleased with our 5 star trip advisor and facebook reviews.
For full design/build service, give us a call
p 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com
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