Merridale Ciderworks

Janet Docherty and Rick Pipes, proprietors of Merridale Ciderworks.

In 1998, while expecting our last child, Merek, we decided we wanted to work together in a joint business venture that would be fun and profitable. We were open to all possibilities, but we wanted the business to be something we would be passionate about and provide a healthy lifestyle for our family and us.

An aerial view of Merridale, 2007.

We were aware of the budding wine industry in the Cowichan Valley, and had heard that Merridale was for sale. On a weekend drive through the rolling pastures and past the dairy farms to view the property we feel in love with the rural scenic setting. Although we knew nothing about the wine industry, we both appreciated fine food and drink. “Perfect” we said, “how hard can it be?”

Perfection in a pour.

In March 2000, we purchased Merridale from its founder who had started it in 1990. Al had planted the cider apple trees in a perfect location, and had begun to establish a reputation for high quality cider. We rolled up our sleeves, and jumped in to commence what would become an on-going renovation project. We embarked upon a tremendous learning curve about agriculture, cider, and tourism.

The first tasting room we built.

And the second, which is in our new ciderhouse.

We built a new tasting room, so that we could start bringing in new tour groups. We outgrew that in a couple of years and then built our new ciderhouse in the summer of 2003. The old tasting room is now the lab, a much needed addition to ensure the quality of our product. Word spread of the educational and fun experience to be enjoyed along with the quality ciders at Merridale, as we focused on making ourselves a destination for both tourists and locals.

At the bistro.

Our chef, Dave Woolfall.

Visitors to our new ciderhouse continually asked for food that would complement the cider, so, in the summer of 2005, we opened la Pommeraie Bistro. The philosophy of our bistro is the same as the philosophy for our cider. We use the best quality ingredients available, grown by people that are passionate about what they do, and prepare them with care and skill to deliver only the best.

Alain Boisseau, master baker.

In the summer of 2006, we were fortunate to be approached to build a brick oven and bake at Merridale. We thought for mere seconds, and said, “Of course”. Now helmed by Alain Boisseau, we use this brick oven for our bread and pastries, apple pies, and special occasion menus.

From late spring through early fall, we also make pizza, particularly for our famed Sunday night pizza on the deck.

Janet Docherty, owner.

Born and raised in Vancouver by adoptive parents, Janet’s father was an accountant. While she absorbed those bean counting tendencies well, they were tempered by Janet’s love for performing which developed while doing a variety show on CBC from the age of 9 to 17. After travelling and a few years in the CGA program, Janet balanced raising children while attending university and working. She graduated from UBC with a commerce degree, and worked in the construction and real estate industry before meeting the love of her life, Rick Pipes. Mother of three children — Jason, Michelle and Merek — and now an owner/operator of a growing business, she believes that Merridale’s success is best achieved by promoting the growth of the community as a whole and then distinguishing Merridale within it.

To that end, Janet has volunteered as a director of the South Island Direct Farm Marketing Association (DFMA) and has served as Secretary, President and Marketing Chair for the Wine Islands Vintner’s Association (WIVA). She has volunteered thousands of hours for the organization of the fall wine festivals and has worked closely with Island Tourism Associations and Chambers to increase the growth of wine and culinary tourism on Vancouver and neighbouring islands.

More recently, Janet has been president of the BC Agri-tourism Alliance, a director of South Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, director of Cowichan Tourism and has been awarded Rural Woman of the Year by the Cowichan Valley Chapter. In 2005, the BC Agricultural Council named Merridale BC’s Best Open Farm. Janet is dedicated to continuing to keep the community working together, growing the entire economic base.

Rick Pipes

Rick Pipes, owner.

Raised in Victoria, Rick’s is the third generation of his family to be involved in local business on the Island. Active in sports as a child before attending UBC to obtain a Bachelor of Commerce, he then returned to the University of Victoria to obtain his law degree in 1984. Rick has practised law in Victoria since 1985. Years later, he met Janet, the love of his life and her two children. They had a child together and decided to find a lifestyle that would allow them to work together and be nearer to their children.

In March of 2000, they bought Merridale and Rick began to learn the art and the science of cider making. He has been educated in fermentation science relating to cider in Washington state and England, and has studied distillation science in New England. Rick enjoys a challenge and the ability to express his creativity through the cider. He believes that the art of cider making is expressed through a collage of quality fruit.

He has served as a director of Victoria Minor Hockey Association, the Garth Homer Centre, the Island Farmers Alliance, South Vancouver Island Direct Farmers Association, BC Food Processors, and numerous other committees relating to agriculture.

The challenges of Merridale Ciderworks and his law practise in Victoria are enhanced by the opportunity to share these experiences with his family.

If you’re looking for Rick, he’ll likely be found in the cellar wearing his gum boots, out playing on his tractor in the orchard, or in the Brandihouse experimenting with the still.