Do you like the idea of checking out working farms, tasting their produce and finding out how they do what they do? All in an entertaining atmosphere of fun and learning?
You’ll probably love North Saanich Flavour Trails, where area farmers, wineries and markets open their doors to share their craft and seasonal offerings to take home to enjoy.
This popular rural celebration returns for an 11th year over the weekend of Aug. 17-19. With 21 participating venues and two special events to choose from, there’s plenty of options from which to experiences the tastes of the Saanich Peninsula.
From live animals, wine tastings and farm tours to live music, samples and farm feasts: there’s something for everyone.
“That is the beauty of this festival, there is so much to experience for all of the senses”, says Jelena Putnik, festival co-ordinator.
Old favourites on the Flavour Trail include 10 Acres, which is offering tours of its farm operations; The Roost, with tours, fresh-baked pizza and wine samplings and even peeks at their secret dungeon; and Snowdon Farm, with its mouth-watering samples that will impress the foodies in the crowd, including their unique Douglas fir-tip infused vinegar.
Newcomers to the Trail include the refurbished Deep Cove Winery on Chalet Road, which will host the festival’s Gala Farm to Table Feast, a three-course meal featuring summer flavours and live music (Aug. 17, tickets $65).
Just down the road, a brand new Millstone Farm & Organics has imported an authentic Austrian millstone to produce organic, cold-milled local flours (including gluten free!). Kallayanee’s Kitchen, teachers of Thai cooking, will offer free samples and private views of their garden where they grow the authentic herbs and spices that make the magic happen.
To download the tour map or to purchase tickets, visit flavourtrails.com.
– Monday Magazine staff