Creativity is always on tap at Merridale Cidery and Distillery, Vancouver Island’s largest craft cidery. Tucked into the rolling countryside of the Cowichan Valley, this beloved spot has grown far beyond its roots as a simple cidery. As we arrive at the picturesque apple orchard, owner Janet Docherty welcomes us warmly. Janet’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion are evident. Innovation isn’t a buzzword for her. It’s a way of life, and that’s when the magic happens with the support of her talented cellar team.
Merridale Cidery is a proudly family-owned and woman-led operation. Owner Janet Docherty moved from Vancouver to the island and, after founding Merridale with her former husband, Rick Pipes, in 1999, now runs the distillery solo with the support of an experienced and passionate team.
Merridale Cidery and Distillery owner Janet Docherty. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Merridale has been at the forefront of the island’s cider revolution for over 26 years. It crafts authentic orchard-to-glass award-winning ciders with a deep respect for the land and local heritage. It is a beacon of tradition, innovation, and sustainability.
The cidery produces high-quality, full-bodied ciders using heritage apple varieties grown on the 20-acre organic orchard and also sourced from other local farms. Their commitment to sustainable farming ensures that each sip of Merridale cider reflects Vancouver Island’s rich agricultural landscape and terroir.
We meet Roddy, an experienced Shakespearean actor and film school teacher-turned-tasting guide extraordinaire, who delivers immersive experiences like no other. We are immediately charmed by his wit and knowledge.
I’m in Brigadoon. You know the story of Rigaud and the beautiful, mythical village that floats out of the highlands for one day only and disappears again. It’s exactly what I felt like when I walked onto the property and met Janet for the first time.” – Roddy, Guided Tasting Expert
Merridale Cidery and Distillery in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Let’s take a closer look at Merridale Cidery and Distillery.
Merridale is a Destination Experience
Yes, it’s more than just a cidery; Merridale is a must-visit destination for locals and travellers alike.
Janet’s drive over the years transformed Merridale into an interactive destination experience. It’s a gathering place where people can connect, sip, savour and slow down. Wander the orchard on a self-guided walk, take part in a guided tasting experience, or go behind the scenes on a distillery tour. For those who want to linger a little longer, orchard glamping in cozy yurts offers a peaceful stay in a unique farm setting.
Indulge in farm-to-table cuisine at their on-site bistro. In the Lounge, relax for elevated small bites, cocktails or flights. Plan a Red Wagon Picnic in the Orchard or Long Table Meals for 10 or more. Their shift from large events to more intimate experiences adds a personal touch to each visit.
Seasonal celebrations like the annual Cider Harvest Festival and Craft Spirit Festival bring the whole community together. Everyone is welcome, including families and dogs on leash.
Janet’s son, Jason Child, is the General Manager, and they manage the destination, festivals, and wholesale aspects of the business together.
Merridale Cidery and Distillery. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Orchard and tour map at Merridale Cidery and Distillery in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island/ Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cider Making at Merridale
Their award-winning cider master, Jeff Phillips, began learning about ciders by fermenting his own apples at home. “He first came to pick apples for us,” remembers Janet. “And he’s been with us for a really, really long time and has learned his skill.”
Merridale Cider Works hand harvests 70 tons of apples annually from its 12 acres of organic cider apple trees, producing over 250,000 litres of cider each year. It is 100% organic, with no added water, juices, or preservatives and carbonation is performed slowly at cold temperatures. The cidery produces a variety of ciders, including Old World and New World styles, nine ciders on tap, and seasonal ciders like “Summer Crush. ” It also offers non-pasteurized ciders in plastic bottles with live yeast.
“These are cider apples which are high in tannin and high in acid. So, they’re called spitters, so if you were actually to bite into one, you’d spit it out.” – Roddy
As we embark on a guided cider tasting, Roddy explains the difference between Old World (dry) and New World (sweeter) ciders, starting with the Scrumpy, aged for two years in oak casks with 11% alcohol content. He continues with a little bit of history, ” The earliest recorded history for cider was from 55 BC, when the Romans invaded England and found the locals were drinking an apple-based beverage.”
Merridale Cidery and Distillery in the tasting room. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
A Legacy of Innovation: The Merridale Distillery
Merridale’s distillery has carved out a distinct identity with its hand-harvested, crafted small-batch spirits. As the first certified craft distillery in British Columbia, Merridale pioneered the journey to produce premium spirits that are smooth, clean, and full of character. Today, BC has 77 distilleries throughout the province, with 21 on Vancouver Island.
Craft distilling at Merridale isn’t defined by batch size; it’s about the care and intention that go into every bottle. It all begins in the orchard, where the fruit is grown harmoniously with nature. Every spirit is made from 100% BC raw ingredients, processed, fermented, distilled, and bottled on their Cowichan Valley farm.
Each spirit reflects its dedication to quality and tradition, from smooth apple brandy to vodka, gin, rum, and liqueurs all made with apples. Merridale’s distiller, Laurent Lafuente, trained in Switzerland, brings expertise in winemaking and fermentation, ensuring clean and precise distillation. He spent 11 years in the Caribbean crafting award-winning rum before joining Merridale, and his global experience elevates the distillery’s offerings to world-class status.
Guided tastings at Merridale are equally exceptional. Roddy, during a three-stage rum tasting, shares the importance of nose and palate engagement in tasting spirits. He emphasizes the quality of the distilled products and the importance of savouring them without mixing with other ingredients. Then he sets the mood as if embarking on a sailing trip through the Caribbean: “I just dropped the anchor. I set the hook. It’s a beautiful evening in the Caribbean. There’s a warm breeze coming off the land.” His vivid storytelling transforms the tasting into a sensory journey aboard a 62-foot Benetton sailboat, bringing a theatrical flair and Caribbean ambiance to each pour. It’s a celebration of the spirit’s origin and an homage to Laurent’s rum-making years in the tropics.
Our group sampled various products, including the Cowichan Spiced Rum, which uses organic honey from Vancouver Island to meet the 95% BC ingredient requirement, and the Raspberry Liqueur, a small-batch product available only to speakeasy club members.
Roddy takes the group to the Merridale Craft Cider distiller and explains the process of pressing apples and using the “squeeze box” to extract prime juice. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Merridale Craft Cider Brandy House. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside the distillery at Merridale Cidery and Distillery in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
In the distillery tasting room Merridale Cidery and Distillery in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Some of the spices used in the distillery at Merridale Cidery and Distillery in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside the distillery tasting room Merridale Cidery and Distillery in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Biosphere Certified: Committed to Global Sustainability
In 2023, Merridale Cidery received its Biosphere Certified designation, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward environmental and social responsibility. With guidance from 4TVI and Synergy Enterprises, Merridale aligned its practices with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. As part of this global movement, they are committed to reducing climate change and poverty while promoting education, health, and economic growth for current and future generations.
Organic farming methods at Merridale Cidery & Distillery. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Merridale Farms fall pumpkin display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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