We had such a successful year in 2007, and we are looking forward to a great 2008! We would like to thank all of our local customers who brought guests to our ciderhouse, as well as those who traveled from far away to see us for the first time. Recently, we've expanded our little destination spot to include a brandihouse, a pond for special occasions likes weddings and concerts, and an expanded heated back deck (for our bistro as well as special events) equipped with a large BBQ for summer 2008. Please read on for an update of our current activities and what you can expect in 2008. We welcome you to our farm, and hope to see you soon!

La Pommeraie Bistro and Merridale
are open over the winter!

Although the orchard may be sleeping, Merridale's Tasting Bar and la Pommeraie Bistro are open for your enjoyment. Visit us as at the bistro for lunch Wednesday through Sunday, when we're open from noon until 3:00. And if dinner is more to your taste, the bistro is open Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:00 until our last seating at 8:00. And just as all throughout the year, our tasting bar and cellar are open for tours and tastings 7 days a week from 10:30 until 5:00. During the winter hours, our doors close promptly at 5:00, so if you are joining us for a tour, please arrive by 4:30.

What's on the table at La Pommeraie Bistro and who's at the helm in the kitchen?

To tantalize your taste buds, have a look at our new Winter Menu. It's more Merridale magic worked by la Pommeraie Bistro's chef Dave Woolfall, and we feel extremely fortunate to have such an experienced chef at our bistro. To those of you that don't already know, Dave has run restaurants in England and France holding Michelin stars and AA rosettes dining awards. He has held 3 AA rosettes and is one of only 12 chefs to hold three at once. At the age of 27, he was also one of the youngest chefs to be granted entrance into the Master Chefs of Great Britain.

Here at Merridale, Dave focuses on the fresh and local that Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have to offer, and refers to his current style of cooking as "comfort food". But this is comfort food like you've never had before: it makes you glow with familiarity and delight in the unexpected twist. Come taste a Scrumpy Chicken Pot Pie, or a Quist Lamb Burger...Dave style. We can say with confidence you won't be disappointed.
Read more...

The Brick Oven Bakery and the Farmhouse Store

To complement our Bistro and make year round use of our brick oven we have enticed Alain Boisseau to join our Merridale team. Alain is an experienced baker trained in France, and has lived in the Cowichan Valley for many years now. Some of you may remember Alain as the first owners of Café des Artistes.

Alain has been busy developing recipes using Merridale ingredients such as cider levain bread, a sourdough bread made from natural cider yeast and feed with our Cyser which gives the sourdough a hint of sweetness. And you won't want to miss his croissants or apple pies. And while we appreciate the importance that many put down to the original geography, elevation, water, and quality of flour that defines the archetypal croissant, we love Alain's subtle, outstanding work here on Vancouver Island. Our customers place it shoulder to shoulder with the gold standard, the dyed-in-the-wool French croissant as bought and consumed hot from the oven in that fine country. Alain's recipes have been passed down through a long line of of his Cognac winemaker and baker ancestors, and here at Merridale, Alain carries on these family traditions and secret recipes.

At Merridale, Alain not only provides the baked goods and apple pies for the Bistro, but also for the Farmhouse Store for purchase and take-away. Choose from a selection of local cheeses from our deli fridge, warm bread from our woven baskets, Merridale soups and chutneys created by Dave, and a delicious bottle of your favourite cider to quench your thirst. Voilá you have the perfect ingredients for a relaxing evening at home: just add the company!

Valentine's Day

Please join us at la Pommeraie Bistro for a unique Valentine's evening with your special someone. Enjoy an intimate dinner in the glow of our stone fireplace surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of our delightful menu, created by our Chef Dave Woolfall. To appeal to all senses, pair your meal with the perfect wine or one of our award winning authentic ciders. Read more...

The Brandihouse

The new building, the Brandihouse, is now complete, and our still has arrived from Germany and is now producing wonderful Eaux de Vie. The new still is a 200 litre alembic still made of copper and stainless steel by the craftsmen at Muller. The new Brandihouse that houses the still is an impressive building with custom-made solid wood arts-and-crafts style fir doors.

Rick, our master distiller, has been using local fruit (our apples and some blackberries) to become comfortable with the new still. The nectar that is produced will make those searching for a quality Calvados very happy. Those hoping for a taste of this elixir please note samples will be available at our Valentine's dinner. Read more about the Brandihouse...