Economic Development Cowichan is connecting with local wine, craft beer and spirit producers to gain insights into their challenges, issues and opportunities. Throughout May and June, EDC staff Amy Melmock and Janae Enns are visiting Cowichan producers to identify individual challenges, issues of mutual concern and opportunities for strategic collaboration. EDC’s goal in conducting the site visits is to build on the social and economic benefits the wine, craft brewing and distilling industries provide within the region.
Cowichan is the second largest wine region in BC and home to over 18 wineries. Craft breweries and distilleries are also in growth mode in the region. These industries draw in visitors from across BC and surrounding provinces and enhance agri-tourism and related activities, like applied technology in agriculture.