Merridale Cidery & Distillery
Episode: 3
Title: Merridale Cidery & Distillery
Broadcast: Oct 21st 2018
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Just north of Victoria on Vancouver Island lies the beautiful Cowichan Valley. Named after the Cowichan First Nation peoples – the name nmeans“land warmed by the sun”. This area is picturesque a great place to base yourself for a food experience where you will find vineyards, forests, farmland, sparkling lakes and crystal clear rivers. And where the Merridale Cidery and Distillery is located.
- Making CRAFT is their Artisan approach and dedication to making the best Cider and Spirits in British Columbia. They create our products the right way, they never cut corners and are never satisfied with good enough. They are pioneers in the craft cider and spirit movement – first cidery in BC, first craft distillery in BC, and one of the first 3 small batch distilleries that started in BC. They believe in tradition but embrace innovation.
- Their spirited ethos transcends in everything they do. They live life with a welcoming energy and a big smile and also believe that hard work is best accompanied by your favourite furry friend and a little fun.
- They consider Merridale a taste of place – They craft ciders and spirits that will make you smile and dream of Cobble Hill. The dishes that are served at their events and in the eatery transform local ingredients into unexpected delights. From creative plating, to enticing aromas and mouth-watering flavours, the food they serve and the beverages they create are an expression of the Cowichan region.
- Their farming practices are organic, and the methods used to create their craft cider and spirits is too. They have been practicing organic methods since we started over 19 years ago. Merridale has been operating for over 30 years, though, they try to integrate environmentally friendly practices in everything they do – composting, buying local where possible, employing people close to home, and using suppliers that also follow these practices.
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