Victoria: Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour offers a compelling way to explore Vancouver Island’s renowned craft beverage scene. For about 7 hours, you’ll travel just 45 minutes north of Victoria into the picturesque Cowichan Valley, a region celebrated for its award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Guided by knowledgeable professionals, this tour takes you to two distinguished wineries, a brewery, and a cidery/distillery, with all tasting fees included. The experience combines scenic views, authentic tasting opportunities, and a relaxed pace that suits those eager for variety.
What we love most about this tour is the quality of the guides, like Lee, who makes each stop informative and fun, and the beautiful landscapes that serve as a stunning backdrop for tasting. Plus, the inclusion of an lunch at The Red Arrow Brewing Company adds a welcoming break in the middle of the day. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that lunch costs are extra, ranging from $20 to $40, so budget accordingly. This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy a mixed beverage experience—wine, beer, spirits—and who want to see the valley’s diverse offerings without the hassle of planning individual visits.
If you’re someone who appreciates friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and the chance to sample a broad range of local drinks in one day, this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially suitable for those who value behind-the-scenes access and ample time for tasting and conversation.
Key Points
- All-inclusive convenience: Tastings, reservations, and transportation are covered.
- Diverse stops: Wineries, a brewery, and a cidery/distillery, offering a well-rounded tasting experience.
- Beautiful scenery: Breathtaking views of vineyards, orchards, and rolling countryside.
- Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like Lee enhance the experience.
- Comfortable transport: A brand new, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride.
- Flexible for different tastes: Suitable for wine lovers, beer enthusiasts, and spirits aficionados alike.
A Detailed Look at the Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour
The Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour is crafted for those who want a taste of everything in the Cowichan Valley, a region often called Vancouver Island’s wine country. The six-hour itinerary offers a relaxed pace, allowing you to truly appreciate each stop without feeling rushed. The experience begins with a scenic drive from downtown Victoria, taking you through some of the most attractive landscapes on the island—rolling vineyards, lush orchards, and expansive farmland that set the perfect scene for tastings.
Pickup and Transportation
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is convenient and eliminates any guesswork about transportation. A luxury, air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially important during the warm months or if you’re traveling with a group. The group size tends to be small, allowing for a more personalized experience—something that many reviews highlight as a major plus. The driver, often a guide like Lee, is more than just someone behind the wheel; they’re a wealth of local knowledge and personal anecdotes.
Visiting the Wineries
You’ll visit two award-winning wineries, such as Blue Grouse and Umsworth Vineyard, both praised for their scenic settings and quality wines. At Blue Grouse, we loved the spectacular views and the chance to ask questions about the wines and the vineyard’s practices. One reviewer noted, “Great views there! Some quite nice wines, with very good descriptions.” The emphasis here is on small, intimate tastings that allow you to savor each sip and learn about the winemaking process from passionate staff.
Umsworth Vineyard also receives high marks, with visitors commenting on the friendliness and knowledge of the staff. The tasting experience here is relaxed, with plenty of opportunity to wander, snap photos, and pick up a few bottles if you find a favorite.
The Distillery and Cider House
Next is Stillhead Distillery, where the focus is on spirits—whiskey, gin, vodka—and the knowledgeable staff. “The gal was, not just an employee, but she knew every aspect of the place,” one reviewer shared. Expect behind-the-scenes insights and spirited conversations that elevate the tasting experience.
The cidery adds a fruity twist, with samples of handcrafted ciders and perhaps a few spirits. The reviews suggest that the staff here are enthusiastic and eager to share their craft, making it more than just a tasting but an authentic peek into local production.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Lunch Break at Red Arrow Brewing
Midway through the tour, you’ll stop at Red Arrow Brewing Company for lunch. The menu features hearty options like burgers and braised beef sandwiches, with recommendations from satisfied visitors. The brewery’s energetic atmosphere and friendly staff make for a pleasant break. You can also purchase some beers to go, which many guests appreciate. Keep in mind that lunch is not included in the tour price, and costs typically range from $20 to $40, depending on your choices.
Final Stop and Return
The day wraps up with a final tasting, often of cider or spirits, giving you one last taste of the region’s offerings before heading back to Victoria. The views on the return drive are just as stunning, making for a peaceful end to a full yet enjoyable day.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
The combination of diverse beverage options—wine, beer, spirits—and the all-inclusive nature of the tour make it an excellent value. With all tasting fees and reservations handled for you, the focus remains on enjoying the day rather than planning logistics. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Lee and Ashley enhance the visit with stories and insights that bring the region’s beverage scene to life.
Reviewers repeatedly praised the scenery and hospitality, noting how every stop was friendly and relaxed. One quipping guest said, “He had a great sense of humor,” referring to Lee, which hints at the fun and engaging atmosphere you can expect.
Possible Drawbacks
Some guests mentioned that lunch costs are extra, which can add up, so plan accordingly. Also, if you’re not a fan of certain drinks, the mix of tastings might feel a bit overwhelming after a while, but overall, the tour provides plenty of options to suit different palates.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour suits adults with an interest in craft beverages and scenic landscapes. It’s ideal for couples, friends, or small groups seeking a relaxed, all-encompassing day out without the hassle of organizing multiple visits. If you value guided behind-the-scenes access and want to sample a variety of local drinks, this tour will hit the mark. It’s particularly well-reviewed by those who appreciate friendly guides and beautiful views.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, making it convenient to start and end your day comfortably.
Are tasting fees included?
Absolutely, all tasting fees at the wineries, distillery, and brewery are covered in the tour price.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, giving plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed.
Can I bring alcohol back home?
The tour itself doesn’t specify restrictions, but one reviewer noted they would have bought more wine if not for customs restrictions; check local policies if you plan to ship bottles.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch at Red Arrow Brewing Company is an extra expense, typically between $20-$40.
Are children allowed?
No, this is an adult-only tour, as it involves tastings and alcohol consumption.
What kind of vehicle is used?
A brand new, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle is used, ensuring a pleasant ride.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking around vineyards and tasting rooms, so some mobility is required.
What is the group size?
The experience tends to be intimate, with guided commentary tailored to smaller groups, though the exact size isn’t specified.
Final Thoughts
The Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour offers an engaging, well-rounded look at Vancouver Island’s beverage scene. It combines scenic drives, friendly guides, and a variety of tastings that appeal to many types of travelers. The all-inclusive setup and behind-the-scenes access make it a convenient way to enjoy the best of Cowichan Valley’s wineries, brewery, and distillery in one day.
Ideal for those who value personalized experiences and authentic regional flavors, this tour balances beautiful scenery with educational and delicious stops. If your idea of a perfect day involves sampling great drinks, learning about local producers, and soaking in stunning views, this experience is hard to beat.
In summary, the Victoria Grapes to Grains Tour provides excellent value—covering transportation, tastings, and insider access—making it a memorable highlight of any Vancouver Island trip. Just remember to budget for lunch and perhaps pace yourself with the tastings, especially if you want to savor each stop fully.
Whether you’re a wine lover, craft beer aficionado, or spirits enthusiast, this tour offers a comprehensive, enjoyable taste of Cowichan Valley’s thriving beverage culture.
You can check availability for your dates here: