Vanislander / Festivals and Events / Cowichan Valley Wine Festival

Cowichan Valley Wine Festival 2025

Unveil the Secret of Summer’s Best Sip

Something quietly remarkable is set to unfold in the heart of Vancouver Island this August—the Cowichan Valley Wine Festival 2025. Tucked among rolling hills and sun-kissed vineyards, this month-long celebration invites travellers to uncover a hidden side of Cowichan, one glass at a time. Picture yourself wandering through boutique wineries, each offering a story in every sip, and a journey more compelling than the last. Intrigued? Keep reading to see how a single passport opens the door to an unforgettable summer of wine, discovery, and local charm.

Event Overview

What: Cowichan Valley Wine Festival 2025 – a month-long self-guided wine passport adventure
When: August 1 – 31
Where: Across Cowichan Valley’s premier wineries, roughly 45 minutes north of Victoria
Cost: $50 per person, includes Festival Passport (map) + souvenir tasting glass

How It Works: Your Passport to Discovery

1. Purchase Your Ticket Online

Tickets are available exclusively online—no physical copies. After purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email (don’t forget to check your junk folder).

2. Collect Your Passport and Glass

Starting August 1, show your email at any participating winery to receive your festival passport map and a souvenir tasting glass—the essentials for your wine adventure.

3. Sip, Stamp, and Win

Explore as many wineries as you like. Each visit earns you a passport stamp, and the more you collect, the greater your chance to win exciting prizes.

4. Plan Ahead for Reservations

Some wineries require reservations, especially for larger groups, so be sure to check each winery’s policy before setting out.

Participating Wineries: Explore & Taste

Cowichan Valley’s festival features 13 distinct wineries, each offering unique experiences, terroir, and hospitality.

Winery	Highlights	Reservation Policy
Divino Estate Winery	Historic, 100% estate winery with old-world vinifera varietals	Required for groups of 10+
Unsworth Vineyards	Handcrafted, small-batch wines reflecting Cowichan’s unique soil	Reservations encouraged
Zanatta Winery	Vancouver Island’s first estate winery; family-grown fruit and long-standing tradition	Required
Cobble Hill Winery	Boutique vineyard focused on biodynamic and regenerative farming	Required for groups of 6+
Blue Grouse Estate Winery	Family-run, sustainably farmed, and award-winning; terroir-driven wines	Recommended (varies by group size)
Cherry Point Estate Wines	One of the valley’s largest vineyards; traditional European winemaking methods	Not specified, check ahead
Others	Venturi Schulze, Enrico Winery, Alderlea Vineyards, Averill Creek, Emandare, Telltale, Deol	Policies vary—check each winery before visiting

Winery

Highlights

Reservation Policy

Divino Estate Winery

Historic, 100% estate winery with old-world vinifera varietals

Required for groups of 10+

Unsworth Vineyards

Handcrafted, small-batch wines reflecting Cowichan’s unique soil

Reservations encouraged

Zanatta Winery

Vancouver Island’s first estate winery; family-grown fruit and long-standing tradition

Required

Cobble Hill Winery

Boutique vineyard focused on biodynamic and regenerative farming

Required for groups of 6+

Blue Grouse Estate Winery

Family-run, sustainably farmed, and award-winning; terroir-driven wines

Recommended (varies by group size)

Cherry Point Estate Wines

One of the valley’s largest vineyards; traditional European winemaking methods

Not specified, check ahead

Others

Venturi Schulze, Enrico Winery, Alderlea Vineyards, Averill Creek, Emandare, Telltale, Deol

Policies vary—check each winery before visiting

Bonus Kickoff Evening: Malahat SkyWalk Launch Party

Want to elevate your experience even before August begins? On July 30, 2025, join the exclusive Kickoff Party at the Malahat SkyWalk—a magical night above the forest canopy with local wine, canapés by The Canteen, live music, and golden-hour views.

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Cost: $60 for the party alone, or $95 for a bundle that includes your Festival Passport.

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Cowichan Valley Wine Festival 2025

Event Overview

How It Works: Your Passport to Discovery

1. Purchase Your Ticket Online

2. Collect Your Passport and Glass

3. Sip, Stamp, and Win

4. Plan Ahead for Reservations

Participating Wineries: Explore & Taste

Bonus Kickoff Evening: Malahat SkyWalk Launch Party

Vancouver Island Tours

Practical Tips for an Enjoyable Visit

1. Book Ahead

2. Plan Your Route

3. Bring Two Forms of ID

4. Dress for the Season

5. Stay Hydrated and Snack

6. Arrange Safe Transportation

Why Cowichan Valley Wine Festival Stands Out

Flexibility

Authenticity

Memorable Extras

Scenic and Accessible

Festivals & Events: Don't Miss Out!