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.
August in Our Cowichan Valley Orchard | Jan’s Blog
There are mornings when I walk through the orchard and nothing seems very different. And then there are mornings [...]
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: August in the Orchard – Where Every Great Cider Begins
If you've visited Merridale in August, you'll know this month has a rhythm all its own. The orchard is [...]
Jan’s Orchard Notes: A Season at Merridale – Beginning the Orchard Journey
I think summer might be my favourite season at Merridale. Not because it is the busiest season. Not because [...]
The Men Who Teach Us Patience | Jan’s Blog
My father Jack was one of the most influential people in my life. He was my adopted father and [...]
The Force of Mom | Jan’s Blog
There’s a certain kind of energy in the world that doesn’t always get named properly. We call it “mom,” [...]
Copper Cal | Merridale Distillery Recipe
Some cocktails are bold and refreshing. Others tell the story of the orchard in every sip. The Copper Cal Cocktail [...]
A Harvest Worth Celebrating | Jan’s Blog
Now that September has arrived, it feels like the real beginning of the year to me. I know most [...]
Ciderfest and the Craft We Love | Jan’s Blog
Janet’s Blog: Ciderfest and the Craft We Love Here goes - my first-ever monthly blog. Just me, Janet Docherty, [...]
Two Amazing Weekends in the Cowichan Valley
February in the Cowichan Valley is brimming with exciting events, and Merridale invites you to make the most of [...]
Discover the Best of Cowichan Valley: Extend Your Trip Beyond the Craft Spirit & Cocktail Festival!
The anticipation is building, and were eagerly counting down the days to the Craft Spirit & Cocktail Festival on [...]
Escape to Cowichan Valley: Craft Spirits, Hidden Gems, and Endless Memories
Welcome to the Cowichan Valley, Adventurer! In fact, the journey to get here is an integral [...]
Discover the Best of Cowichan Valley: Extend Your Trip Beyond the Cider Harvest Festival!
The anticipation is building, and were eagerly counting down the days to the Cider Harvest Festival on Sunday, September [...]
Copper Cal | Merridale Distillery Recipe
Some cocktails are bold and refreshing. Others tell the story of the orchard in every sip. The Copper Cal Cocktail [...]
A Harvest Worth Celebrating | Jan’s Blog
Now that September has arrived, it feels like the real beginning of the year to me. I know most [...]
Ciderfest and the Craft We Love | Jan’s Blog
Janet’s Blog: Ciderfest and the Craft We Love Here goes - my first-ever monthly blog. Just me, Janet Docherty, [...]
Two Amazing Weekends in the Cowichan Valley
February in the Cowichan Valley is brimming with exciting events, and Merridale invites you to make the most of [...]
Discover the Best of Cowichan Valley: Extend Your Trip Beyond the Craft Spirit & Cocktail Festival!
The anticipation is building, and were eagerly counting down the days to the Craft Spirit & Cocktail Festival on [...]
Escape to Cowichan Valley: Craft Spirits, Hidden Gems, and Endless Memories
Welcome to the Cowichan Valley, Adventurer! In fact, the journey to get here is an integral [...]
Discover the Best of Cowichan Valley: Extend Your Trip Beyond the Cider Harvest Festival!
The anticipation is building, and were eagerly counting down the days to the Cider Harvest Festival on Sunday, September [...]
August in Our Cowichan Valley Orchard | Jan’s Blog
There are mornings when I walk through the orchard and nothing seems very different. And then there are mornings [...]
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: August in the Orchard – Where Every Great Cider Begins
If you've visited Merridale in August, you'll know this month has a rhythm all its own. The orchard is [...]
Jan’s Orchard Notes: A Season at Merridale – Beginning the Orchard Journey
I think summer might be my favourite season at Merridale. Not because it is the busiest season. Not because [...]
The Men Who Teach Us Patience | Jan’s Blog
My father Jack was one of the most influential people in my life. He was my adopted father and [...]
The Force of Mom | Jan’s Blog
There’s a certain kind of energy in the world that doesn’t always get named properly. We call it “mom,” [...]