Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Merridale Cidery & Distillery is an orchard, cider house, small-batch distillery and restaurant in Cobble Hill, in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Come for a cider flight, then settle in for casual food such as brick-oven pizza or chicken pot pie. Apple trees, gardens and a covered patio give you room to linger, while the grounds have space for children to explore. The patio welcomes dogs, too. You order at the counter, and staff bring food and drinks to your table.

The orchard and cider house

Merridale brings together an orchard, a craft cider house, a small-batch distillery and a restaurant in Cobble Hill. The grounds include apple trees and gardens, with barns and orchard views around the cider house. Take a walk around the property before or after your meal, or settle on the patio with a drink.

The setting works for a mixed-age group: adults can sample cider while children have room to explore. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and blankets are provided there. The property also hosts pop-up markets and other events.

Cider flights and a meal

A cider flight lets you taste four selections, a useful way to compare flavours before choosing a glass or bottles to take home. Brandy flights and berry liqueurs, including blackberry, are also available. Apple juice and non-alcoholic craft drinks give non-drinkers options.

The restaurant serves casual comfort food. Brick-oven pizzas are a popular choice, and the menu has included chicken pot pie, steak and mushroom pie, pulled pork buns and spinach and artichoke dip. Apple pie is another option. Order at the counter; staff bring your food and drinks to the table. If the restaurant is busy, service can take longer, so leave room in your plans for a relaxed meal.