Merridale Blog
Merridale Blog
Stories From Our Cowichan Valley Farm & Orchard
Welcome to the Merridale blog, where we share stories from our Cowichan Valley farm and orchard on Vancouver Island. Follow the seasons through Jan’s Orchard Notes, written by Merridale owner Janet Docherty, and discover what’s growing and happening around the farm.
Learn about the orchard, discover the craft of cider and spirits, explore cocktail recipes, meet the people behind Merridale, and find plenty of reasons to experience the Cowichan Valley throughout the year.
Jan’s Orchard Notes: Dear Orchard
Dear Orchard Thank you for another year of reminding me that I am not actually in charge. I know. [...]
The Cider I Wish We Could Make Again | Jan’s Blog
There is a cider we used to make at Merridale that I really wish we could make again. It was [...]
Jan’s Orchard Notes: What 30 Harvests Have Taught Me About Patience
Those of you who know me probably wouldn’t call me overly patient. 😊 But on the other hand, I can [...]
Why We’re Growing Our Cider Apples on Wires | Jan’s Blog
Why We’re Growing Our Cider Apples on Wires In our last orchard blog, we talked about why Vancouver Island, and [...]
What Makes Vancouver Island Good for Growing Cider Apples? | Jan’s Blog
What Makes Vancouver Island Good for Growing Cider Apples? There is a reason Merridale is in Cobble Hill. Actually, there [...]
Jan’s Orchard Notes: It Takes a Village: Building Community in the Cowichan Valley
It Takes a Village When we started Merridale more than 30 years ago, we were, in many ways, following what [...]
Watch the Apple Press in Action at Merridale This October
Want to see where cider really begins? Come watch us press apples during harvest at Merridale. October is one of [...]
Pasteurized vs. Unpasteurized Cider: What’s the Difference?
Did You Know? Pasteurized vs. Unpasteurized Cider If you've ever looked closely at the cider at Merridale, you may have [...]
Two Merridale Ciders Take Home 2026 Growlie Awards
We have something to celebrate in the cidery! The results are in for The Growler’s 2026 Craft Beer & Cider [...]
How to Taste Cider Like a Pro
How to Taste Cider Like a Pro: A Simple Cider Tasting Guide You don’t need a fancy vocabulary or years [...]
Award-Winning BC Cider | Merridale Wins 3 Northwest Cider Cup Medals
Merridale Cidery & Distillery is celebrating another milestone after earning three medals at the 2026 Northwest Cider Cup, one of [...]
Merridale Cidery Wins Big at the 9th Annual Cidercraft Awards
There’s something special happening in the Cowichan Valley, and we’re proud to say it’s being recognized on the national stage. [...]
Stone Fruit Sidecar | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The Stone Fruit Sidecar combines Merridale Cowichan Stone Fruit & Pear Brandy with the bright citrus and hop character of [...]
#Bliss | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The #Bliss is a light, refreshing vodka cocktail made with Merridale Cowichan Vodka, Lemon Lavender Syrup and sparkling soda water. [...]
Fall’n Apples | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The Fall’n Apples brings together the warm spice of Merridale Cowichan Spiced Rhumb, the baked apple and cinnamon notes of [...]
3 Easy Cider Cocktails | Merridale Distillery Recipes
3 Easy Cider Cocktails to Make at Home Looking for easy cider cocktails? These three simple cider cocktail recipes combine [...]
Merri Berri Seltzer | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The Merri Berri Seltzer is a light, refreshing cocktail that puts Merridale's fruit-forward Merri Berri Cider front and centre. Cowichan [...]
Traditional Tea | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The Traditional Tea brings together the warm spice of Merridale Spiced Rhumb, fragrant Earl Grey tea and the bright acidity [...]
Cider Harvest Festival Guide: How to Taste Cider | Jan’s Blog
How to Taste Cider: A Simple Cider Tasting GuideTaste cider in the orchard where it beginsThe 8th Annual Cider Festival [...]
Fall Market in the Cowichan Valley | Harvest for Hounds
A Fall Market for Dogs & Their People in the Cowichan Valley October 3 & 4, 2026 | Merridale Cidery [...]
Watch the Apple Press in Action at Merridale This October
Want to see where cider really begins? Come watch us press apples during harvest at Merridale. October is one of [...]
Where to Stay When Visiting the Cowichan Valley: A Vancouver Island Fall Getaway
Fall is one of the best times to discover the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.The vineyards are harvesting grapes, apples [...]
Looking for a Dog-Friendly Restaurant in the Cowichan Valley? Visit Merridale
Looking for a dog-friendly restaurant in the Cowichan Valley where your pup can do more than just sit under the [...]
Five Things to Discover at Merridale in the Cowichan Valley | Jan’s Blog
One of my favourite parts of owning Merridale in the Cowichan Valley is hearing people say, "We've driven past [...]
Watch the Apple Press in Action at Merridale This October
Want to see where cider really begins? Come watch us press apples during harvest at Merridale. October is one of [...]
Pasteurized vs. Unpasteurized Cider: What’s the Difference?
Did You Know? Pasteurized vs. Unpasteurized Cider If you've ever looked closely at the cider at Merridale, you may have [...]
Two Merridale Ciders Take Home 2026 Growlie Awards
We have something to celebrate in the cidery! The results are in for The Growler’s 2026 Craft Beer & Cider [...]
How to Taste Cider Like a Pro
How to Taste Cider Like a Pro: A Simple Cider Tasting Guide You don’t need a fancy vocabulary or years [...]
Award-Winning BC Cider | Merridale Wins 3 Northwest Cider Cup Medals
Merridale Cidery & Distillery is celebrating another milestone after earning three medals at the 2026 Northwest Cider Cup, one of [...]
Merridale Cidery Wins Big at the 9th Annual Cidercraft Awards
There’s something special happening in the Cowichan Valley, and we’re proud to say it’s being recognized on the national stage. [...]
Stone Fruit Sidecar | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The Stone Fruit Sidecar combines Merridale Cowichan Stone Fruit & Pear Brandy with the bright citrus and hop character of [...]
#Bliss | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The #Bliss is a light, refreshing vodka cocktail made with Merridale Cowichan Vodka, Lemon Lavender Syrup and sparkling soda water. [...]
Fall’n Apples | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The Fall’n Apples brings together the warm spice of Merridale Cowichan Spiced Rhumb, the baked apple and cinnamon notes of [...]
3 Easy Cider Cocktails | Merridale Distillery Recipes
3 Easy Cider Cocktails to Make at Home Looking for easy cider cocktails? These three simple cider cocktail recipes combine [...]
Merri Berri Seltzer | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The Merri Berri Seltzer is a light, refreshing cocktail that puts Merridale's fruit-forward Merri Berri Cider front and centre. Cowichan [...]
Traditional Tea | Merridale Distillery Recipe
The Traditional Tea brings together the warm spice of Merridale Spiced Rhumb, fragrant Earl Grey tea and the bright acidity [...]
Cider Harvest Festival Guide: How to Taste Cider | Jan’s Blog
How to Taste Cider: A Simple Cider Tasting GuideTaste cider in the orchard where it beginsThe 8th Annual Cider Festival [...]
Fall Market in the Cowichan Valley | Harvest for Hounds
A Fall Market for Dogs & Their People in the Cowichan Valley October 3 & 4, 2026 | Merridale Cidery [...]
Watch the Apple Press in Action at Merridale This October
Want to see where cider really begins? Come watch us press apples during harvest at Merridale. October is one of [...]
Where to Stay When Visiting the Cowichan Valley: A Vancouver Island Fall Getaway
Fall is one of the best times to discover the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.The vineyards are harvesting grapes, apples [...]
Looking for a Dog-Friendly Restaurant in the Cowichan Valley? Visit Merridale
Looking for a dog-friendly restaurant in the Cowichan Valley where your pup can do more than just sit under the [...]
Five Things to Discover at Merridale in the Cowichan Valley | Jan’s Blog
One of my favourite parts of owning Merridale in the Cowichan Valley is hearing people say, "We've driven past [...]
Jan’s Orchard Notes: Dear Orchard
Dear Orchard Thank you for another year of reminding me that I am not actually in charge. I know. [...]
The Cider I Wish We Could Make Again | Jan’s Blog
There is a cider we used to make at Merridale that I really wish we could make again. It was [...]
Jan’s Orchard Notes: What 30 Harvests Have Taught Me About Patience
Those of you who know me probably wouldn’t call me overly patient. 😊 But on the other hand, I can [...]
Why We’re Growing Our Cider Apples on Wires | Jan’s Blog
Why We’re Growing Our Cider Apples on Wires In our last orchard blog, we talked about why Vancouver Island, and [...]
What Makes Vancouver Island Good for Growing Cider Apples? | Jan’s Blog
What Makes Vancouver Island Good for Growing Cider Apples? There is a reason Merridale is in Cobble Hill. Actually, there [...]
Jan’s Orchard Notes: It Takes a Village: Building Community in the Cowichan Valley
It Takes a Village When we started Merridale more than 30 years ago, we were, in many ways, following what [...]