A-Life BC Travel Blog

By Holly Rose

I am seated in a beautiful space, feeling a little reverent. While it is true that I am one to feel a great sense of reverence for culinary delights or an excellent glass of wine, I have only arrived at Steeples Restaurant and it is the space itself that inspires these feelings.

For the last 10 years, Steeples has been satisfying its patrons with an elegant ever-changing menu and its enticing selection of local (and global) wines, ciders and beers.

Prior to being the culinary prize of Shawnigan Lake, this space was once a place of worship. One glance around Steeples Restaurant and its history is evident. Proprietor Darren Cole ensured with his renovations that the beauty of the building was showcased.

Rich exposed beams shine in the afternoon light on my visit. Most of the brunch clientele has already moved on but a few linger on the protected patio with its lovely view of Steeples' manicured grounds. In the evening the patio is often full with the breeze of BC's summer nights, never bothering those under the shelter of heat lamps.

By Holly Rose

Today is as beautiful a Saturday as I can recall. I went in search of a wine tasting from the cellars of Divino Estate Winery and found instead something a little different. More than a wine tasting, I can only describe this as a wine experience.

In years past I have found myself in the most elaborate tasting rooms, with people sniffing very carefully and swirling with great abandon. Grand rooms with interesting wines and stories to accompany them—indeed I have loved it all.

However, there is something terribly charming about this understated tasting room, with its four small walls and intimate interaction with owner Joe Busnardo.

By Jessica Woollard

From Thailand’s world famous night bazaars to Germany’s holiday Christkindlmarkts, food and artisan markets have become a popular attraction in communities around the world, including Sidney, BC, just 35 minutes from downtown Victoria.

Now in its 11th year, the Sidney Summer Market boasts more than 200 vendors, displaying everything from hand-crafted jewellery, clothing, pottery, and soaps, to home-made pasta, granola, and teas.

By Jacqueline Windh

Yes, you heard that right.

Many people want to do the right thing both environmentally and healthwise, but lament the high price of local organic food.

Well, out here on the west coast, we have local organic food available for free, six months of the year!

Wild berries are one of the most delicious and easy-to-find food sources here on the west coast. And yes, the season really does run for six months or more. The first salmonberries appear in May, and evergreen huckleberries (also known locally as cinamock or winterberries) remain good for the picking in the cool temperatures of early winter, through November and even December.

By Holly Rose

Brilliant white light streams in from the glass ceiling at the Crystal Ballroom.

Perfect illumination for a sea of enthusiasts, arms outstretched swirling, inspecting and sipping over one hundred different British Columbia wines at Taste: Victoria's Festival of Food and Wine.

To look around is to see people immersed in their senses, tuning in to find the faintest hint of black pepper or looking for a note of raspberry. What I notice on the faces of many vintners pouring wine is akin to a proud parent, whose child has grown and matured.

In many ways British Columbia’s wines are indeed finding maturity. Ice wine was once British Columbia’s claim to wine fame, but as more vineyards have put down roots and expanded their knowledge, our province has taken its place at the table and has happily brought its own award-winning wine, cider and champagne.

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By Holly Rose

The very first time I stepped on the earth of a vineyard was here in the Cowichan Valley more than 15 years ago. It was long before my years living in California and long before my time exploring the vineyards of Napa Valley.

This week, I wander back in time to that first vineyard of my youth. A place where wonder was born for the process of winemaking. Join me as we travel to one of the founding estate wineries on Vancouver Island, Blue Grouse Vineyard.

The Kitlz family settled in the Cowichan Valley in 1989 after living around much of the globe. Their home and vineyard provided not only a picturesque setting, but also the start of what would become a full-scale pioneering business.

By Holly Rose

It’s a pristine summer day. The sky is open and brilliant in its gradient shades of blue. It’s warm July days such as these that I close my eyes and wish myself into the Tuscan hills of Italy.

On this day, while exploring part of the Cowichan Valley, I must admit I lost myself just a little in the vine-covered rolling hills at Enrico Winery.

Driving down Telegraph Road, one might never guess what lies behind the manicured landscape until turning down the drive marked Enrico Winery.

By Jessica Woollard

In France, the 14th of July commemorates the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. In Canada, it’s an excuse (as if you needed one!) to dine à la French cuisine.

Victoria is blessed with five, fabulous French restaurants, each celebrating France’s glorious gastronomy while offering a different take on the country’s rich culture.

Sit back, relax, and let me indulge your palate on a mouthwatering journey!

By Holly Rose

Damali Lavender Farm in the Cowichan Valley is the perfect place to stop and refresh your senses on a summer day.

Fields full of lavender sway gently in the breeze and pathways are marked so you can wander around the different lavender varietals at your leisure.

Damali Farm has expanded to include a vineyard, winery, labyrinth and a luxurious french-style bed and breakfast, which has become a hotspot for weddings in the Cowichan Valley, with its painterly backdrop and rich landscape.