Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival

COWICHAN VALLEY

September 8 – 16, 2012. The 8^th Annual Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival kicks off on September 8 with a Grape Stomp at the Cowichan Exhibition.  This promises to be a very funny and messy event so be sure to sign up a team or go out and watch from 1:30 – 3:30.  The week continues with special events such as winemakers dinners, ‘crab feastival’ and other restaurant specials and ‘Savour’ at the Barn in Birdseye Cove on September 13 with 12 wineries pouring and pairing with the culinary treats of the resident chef.  Look for lots of other activities and events throughout the week and plan to join in the fun.

On the weekend of September 15 & 16 all of the daytime festival activities and events take place at the 12 participating winery locations.  Tour the scenic back roads of the beautiful Cowichan region while visiting the wineries along the way during this celebration of local wine & food.  Indulge your senses with both classic and unique flavours of a wide variety of grape and fruit wines, ciders and artisan vinegars.

Enjoy a Market Feast, artisans in the vineyards, chef demonstrations, self guided tours and tastings or sit and enjoy a glass of your new favourite while listening to some live music on an enchanting patio surrounded by beautiful gardens overlooking fabulous scenery.  Learn about Cittaslow, beekeeping  or how to be ‘wine writer’. Take a picnic or treat your taste buds to local cuisine prepared by world class chefs.  You can even play a life sized game of chess!  Spend the evening with a winemaker and chef or dance the night away with Latin or Jazz music and traditional dishes.  Be sure to check all listings for events that may require reservations or ticket purchases.

Visit the Cowichan Wineries website for more information and to print schedules and touring map.  www.wines.cowichan.net