About eight kilometres south of Duncan, and a kilometre west of the Trans-Canada Highway, Blue Grouse Estate Winery sits at 2182 Lakeside Road. The winery describes itself as sustainably farmed and award-winning, and its about page puts the house philosophy in one word: stewardship — “to make everything we touch better than it was when we found it.” Reservations are recommended, and they must be made for everyone in the group, including people who will not taste wine. Non-alcoholic options are sold as well. Charcuterie, snacks or pizza can be added to any experience.
The official visit page lists several ways in. A signature seated, guided tasting, for parties of one to six, is listed at $15. A seasonal wine-and-cheese flight, also for up to six people, is $30 a person ($15 for wine-club members). A Riedel glassware tasting, which compares everyday glasses with Riedel stems, is $20 a person ($5 for club members). Prices are plus tax, and club members are offered complimentary or preferred pricing on the signature tasting. For a longer visit, the Take Flight Tour starts at 11 a.m., Sunday to Friday, and is described as a guided vineyard and cellar tour covering regenerative farming and sparkling-wine production, ending with a locally curated lunch overlooking the vineyard, at $115 a person ($99 for club members). Groups of six or more are asked to email tastingroom@bluegrouse.ca. You can also book a table and order a bottle or a glass — Table + Bottle — again for up to six people.
Hours on the official page are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Thursday through Sunday. Tuesday and Wednesday are bottle-shop only, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hours can change for holidays, special events or extreme weather. The phone is 250-743-3834, and the email is info@bluegrouse.ca. The winery is also in our Cowichan Valley directory.
Lakeside Road is a short, clearly signed hop off the highway, but it is still a country road; leave a little time, and book before you go, especially on a weekend afternoon.
Good to know
- Address: 2182 Lakeside Road, Duncan. Phone: 250-743-3834.
- Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Thursday to Sunday; Tuesday and Wednesday, bottle shop only, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations recommended.
- Details and bookings: bluegrouse.ca/visit.
Image: Screenshot of the Blue Grouse Estate Winery Visit page.
Photo: Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Screenshot of official source page, via source.
