The Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for oenophiles and craft beverage enthusiasts alike. The Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the region’s burgeoning beverage scene. Over the course of seven hours, this VIP experience takes guests behind the scenes at award-winning wineries, a brewery, and a cidery/distillery, providing an exclusive glimpse into the production of exceptional wines, beers, ciders, and spirits. Between tastings, visitors can soak in the breathtaking rural vistas and savor a gourmet lunch paired with craft brews. It’s an immersive outing that showcases the Cowichan Valley’s vibrant and diverse beverage culture. What makes this tour particularly enticing, however, is the chance to truly connect with the local producers and uncover the stories behind their craft.
Key Points
- A 7-hour tour that visits 2 award-winning wineries, a brewery, and a cidery/distillery in the Cowichan Valley, 45 minutes north of Victoria.
- Offers behind-the-scenes access to vineyards, brewmasters, and opportunities to sample a diverse array of wines, beers, ciders, and spirits.
- Includes luxury air-conditioned transportation, VIP concierge service, and a lunch reservation at The Red Arrow Brewing Company.
- Showcases the breathtaking views of rolling vineyards, orchards, and lush country landscapes in the Cowichan Valley.
- Designed for adults who can fully appreciate the exceptional beverages, with restrictions for individuals under the legal drinking age of 19.
Tour Overview
The Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour takes guests 45 minutes north of Victoria to the Cowichan Valley, where they can indulge in wines, beers, ciders, and spirits from Vancouver Island.
The 7-hour tour includes visits and tastings at 2 award-winning wineries, a brewery, and a cidery/distillery.
Along the way, guests will enjoy breathtaking views of rolling vineyards, orchards, and lush country landscape, as well as behind-the-scenes access to vineyards and brewmasters.
The tour offers a VIP concierge service, a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, and a lunch reservation at The Red Arrow Brewing Company.
With 16-20 tastings throughout the day, it’s the perfect way to explore the flavors of the Cowichan Valley.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Duncan British Columbia.
Inclusions
The Grapes to Grains Tour includes a VIP concierge service to guide participants throughout the day. It also provides a luxury air-conditioned touring vehicle for the journey, with all tasting fees covered.
Participants will receive photos taken during the tour, which the organizers will send to them afterward.
Plus, the tour includes a lunch reservation at The Red Arrow Brewing Company. This ensures guests can enjoy a delicious meal and sample the brewery’s offerings as part of the experience.
The inclusions of the tour are designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable day for visitors, allowing them to fully enjoy the flavors and scenery of the Cowichan Valley.
Highlights
Indulging in a diverse array of wines, beers, ciders, and spirits from Vancouver Island, the Grapes to Grains Tour offers a delightful sensory experience for participants.
The tour’s highlights include breathtaking views of rolling vineyards, orchards, and lush country landscapes, providing a picturesque backdrop to the tastings.
Guests also enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the vineyards and brewmasters, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craft and processes involved in creating these artisanal products.
With 16-20 tastings throughout the day, the tour allows visitors to enjoy the vibrant local beverage scene, savoring the unique flavors and characteristics of each winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery.
Availability and Booking
Travelers can easily book the Grapes to Grains Tour, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later. Guests can check availability for starting times that fit their schedule.
| Start Time | Availability |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Available |
| 11:00 AM | Available |
| 1:00 PM | Sold Out |
| 3:00 PM | Available |
| 5:00 PM | Available |
The tour’s flexible booking options make it convenient for visitors to plan their Cowichan Valley experience. With multiple departure times throughout the day, guests can choose the time that works best for their travel plans.
More Great Tours NearbyRestrictions
While the Grapes to Grains Tour provides an immersive exploration of Vancouver Island’s finest beverages, it’s important to note that the experience has a few restrictions in place.
Firstly, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals under the legal drinking age of 19 in British Columbia. Plus, smoking is strictly prohibited inside the luxury touring vehicle. These measures help ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
The tour is designed for adults who can fully appreciate the exceptional wines, beers, ciders, and spirits on offer. By adhering to these reasonable guidelines, guests can focus on enjoying the scenic countryside and indulging in the region’s top-notch libations without any unnecessary distractions or inconveniences.
Wineries and Breweries
Nestled among the rolling hills and lush greenery of the Cowichan Valley, the wineries and breweries showcased on the Grapes to Grains Tour offer visitors a chance to savor the finest beverages Vancouver Island has to offer.
The tour includes visits to two award-winning wineries, where guests can indulge in expertly crafted vintages and learn about the region’s unique terroir.
The tour also features a stop at a local brewery, where visitors can sample a variety of craft beers, and a cidery/distillery, where they can discover the art of small-batch cider and spirit production.
With behind-the-scenes access and the opportunity to meet the talented artisans behind these products, the Grapes to Grains Tour provides a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Luxury Transportation
The tour’s luxury air-conditioned vehicle transports guests in comfort and style, whisking them away to the Cowichan Valley’s picturesque wineries and breweries.
Equipped with plush seating and climate control, the spacious touring van ensures a relaxing and enjoyable ride. Throughout the day, a VIP concierge provides personalized service, attending to guests’ needs and capturing memorable photos to commemorate the experience.
The highlights of the luxury transportation include:
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Worry-free transportation to and from all tour stops, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tastings without the burden of driving.
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Ample space for guests to stretch out and relax as they admire the scenic countryside views.
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Courteous and knowledgeable driver who navigates the winding roads with ease, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
Gourmet Lunch
Guests savor a gourmet lunch at The Red Arrow Brewing Company, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and expertly-paired craft beers.
The brewery’s cozy taproom provides a perfect setting to refuel after a morning of winery and distillery visits.
The menu showcases seasonal Pacific Northwest fare, with options like hearty burgers, fresh salads, and artisanal sandwiches.
Participants can enjoy a flight of Red Arrow’s award-winning brews, each one carefully selected to complement the flavors of their meal.
It’s a chance to relax, socialize, and enjoy the Cowichan Valley’s vibrant culinary scene before continuing their journey of discovery through the region’s thriving drinks industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many People Can the Tour Accommodate?
The tour can accommodate a group size, though the exact capacity is not specified in the details provided. The tour utilizes a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, suggesting it likely has room for a comfortable number of participants.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Water or Snacks?
No need to bring your own water or snacks – the tour includes all tasting fees, a lunch reservation, and photos taken throughout the day. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the beverages and scenery.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, as the luxury air-conditioned touring vehicle and all the visited venues accommodate guests with mobility needs. Participants can enjoy the full experience without any accessibility constraints.
Can I Purchase Items at the Stops to Take Home?
Absolutely, participants can purchase items at the stops to take home. The tour includes visits to wineries, a brewery, and a cidery/distillery, allowing guests to sample and purchase local products throughout the day.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Groups or Seniors?
The tour offers discounts for groups of 6 or more, as well as for seniors. Group discounts are available, and seniors can receive a reduced rate. Guests should inquire about these options when booking the tour.
Recap
The Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour offers an exclusive and immersive experience in the Cowichan Valley’s vibrant beverage scene.
Guests will discover award-winning wineries, a brewery, and a cidery/distillery, enjoying behind-the-scenes access, tastings, and a gourmet lunch.
With breathtaking views and luxury transportation, this VIP tour provides a glimpse into the region’s exceptional wines, beers, ciders, and spirits.
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