VISIT THE WARMLANDS - The Cowichan Valley

Situated between the east and west coastlines of Vancouver Island, Cowichan stretches from the Malahat in the south to Ladysmith in the north.

The vast area has its own share of world-famous treasures such as the Carmanah Provincial Park, home to some of the world's tallest trees, and the award-winning mural town of Chemainus. The region is home to the rare, shy, Vancouver Island marmots, the exotic sea life and abundant species of birds found, for example, in Somenos Marsh.

Consider making the old village of Duncan the center of your tour. The village has a large number of fabulous totem poles, and a walking tour marked out to take you from one to another. You'll find charming boutiques with fine native art, premium Cowichan Sweaters, elegant clothing and even a top-notch supply store for arts and crafts. On Saturdays, the farmer's markets of Duncan are a center for the famous local cheese and bread, tomatoes and herbs, flowers, plants and arts and crafts. You can buy local organic sausage and fruit, and take them with you when you tour the local wineries.

**The Cowichan Valley: The best of Tuscany, Burgundy and Napa Valley**

Visitors rave over the unspoiled experience of touring the wineries of the Valley. Experienced wine tourists report it's like visiting Napa in the days before it got commercial, or going to out-of-the-way vineyards in Tuscany or Burgundy. You'll feel welcome whether you're an oenophile or a just love the taste of wine.

If you drop in, you're likely to meet the vintner/owner, who will give you a tour. At VIGNETTI ZANATTA (the oldest vineyard in the valley) you can enjoy a fabulous meal on the verandah of the old house, looking out over the vines and sampling the famous Zanatta sparkling wines. They're at 5039 Marshall Road, Duncan, just past the hamlet of Glenora.

A kilometer further along Marshall road is the new GODFREY-BROWNELL VINEYARDS where, if you prefer, you can eat the picnic you bought in the Duncan market on the terrace, shaded by an ancient hemlock. Later - Dave Godfrey himself will give you a tour of the winery and Let you compare the wines by tasting from the French Oak Barrels.

For a unique experience, be sure not to miss the MERRIDALE CIDER WORKS
1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill.

The only estate Cidery in BC, Merridale Ciders are all natural and made from 100% undiluted juice. Take a stroll through the orchard. See the apple mills and presses, and the fermentation casks where fresh apples and champagne yeast become "the best English-style cider in Canada." Savour the diversity of tastes ranging from flavours reminiscent of fine scotch, to ice wines and champagne.

Other vineyards in the region include: Blue Grouse, 4365 Blue Grouse Road, Duncan and Cherry Point, 840 Cherry Point Rd, Cobble Hill. You might want to drop into the Duncan tourist center to get a complete list of all the vineyards and a map.

While wine and food may nourish the body and the senses, First Nation tourism will expand the mind and be balm to the soul.

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