Latest reviews from Central Saanich
| 78 /100 2487 MT. ST. MICHAEL RD “2023-02-27. We arrived in the middle of the day fleeing snow on the other side of the island. They set us up with a flight in a large tasting room. It felt a bit cavernous all by ourselves but has a nice view out the window of the farm and the ocean. Server was friendly. Samples were all from bottle pours, most of which had been previously opened, and thus had low to no carbonation. This was not an issue generally but some I think might have benefited from more carbonation. Nice little shop and it seems like they have lots of outdoor seating and things to see on the grounds in nicer weather. We opted to just enjoy the ciders today. Overall I was pleased with the quality of the ciders, with all being at least okay to good with a few shining above the others. I suspect that will be as much a matter of your own taste as anything. Worth a visit.“ |
| 76 /100 2487 MT. ST. MICHAEL RD “A beautiful place close to the sea, with beautiful views of the islands, apple orchard, just beautiful. The pavillon for inside tasting was closed but was provided with a blanket on the patio on this cold late November afternoon. Flights of 3 for 8$. Great service. Recommended. No food.“ |
| 78 /100 2487 MT. ST. MICHAEL RD “This is a beautiful big farmhouse set out in the hinterlands between Victoria and Swartz Bay. The ciders are excellent, doing styles and adding flavours that others in the area wouldn't even be able to execute even if they could contemplate them. Service was quick and the value was good. A great stop for a weekend drive.“ |
| 78 /100 2487 MT. ST. MICHAEL RD “A stunning location situated on a sort of overlook of a lake and the mountains on a fairly secluded farm. But it’s easy to get to, just 10 minutes or so from the ferry terminal. When I went, they had their entire selection of ciders available for tasting or purchase. The bottle prices are unacceptably expensive given they make the products there; there is a discount for purchasing multiples, but then you have a very steep bill. Service was super friendly and hospitable - certainly no complaints there. Recommended stop on the way in or out of Victoria if you can make it in the 5-hour time slot they’re open everyday.“ |
| 80 /100 2487 MT. ST. MICHAEL RD “I was very much looking forward to coming here. A short detour from the highway and essentially in the backyard of a neighborhood. Small orchard with the cidery building perched up top off of a dirt road that carries you onto the property.
The place itself and the view out over the orchard and to the water is stunning. Really a great place to sit and enjoy some ciders. Friendly service and pretty decent selection. They have two flights available: a "short" and a "long" flight, the latter requiring two people...they have some goofy liquor laws in BC which apparently restrict the amount they can serve per person here. Pretty decent price on the flights. They have bottles of all the ciders available for takeaway and you can get a pretty good deal if you buy three or more. Some other apple/cider based goods available too. It’s a very nice place, but due to the restrictions on how much you can be served, there isn’t a whole lot one can do here. And it’s not a cheap trip from the mainland, either.“ |
| 60 /100 2487 MT. ST. MICHAEL RD “Sea Cider has a beautiful location, and beautiful taproom. Their cider is not on par with many European ciders, but it may possibly be the best in BC; cider from bottles is available for consumption onsite, samples and to buy out. They had a decent selection at the time of the visit, but apparently they were out of 2 or 3 products. They also have a board of cold cuts to go with the cider, but they unnecessarily complicated the choice of cider samples. I found the service a bit unwilling, unhelpful and uninformed.“ |
| 76 /100 2487 MT. ST. MICHAEL RD “A great farmhouse setting just off the highway. Lots of parking and a quaint but small tasting room. Service is basic and selection is their own stuff if they have it in stock. Food is cheese and charcouterie, prices are high unless you buy a bunch of bottles and you get a pretty good discount. A good place to go, especially since it is so convenient.“ |
| 58 /100 2487 MT. ST. MICHAEL RD “The main building is grand. The grounds are surprisingly small... yet some of their apples are coming in from the family’s neighbouring orchard in the area and another sister estate in the Okanagan. The grand opening on July 23rd 2007 was marvelous and wish them all the success that Merridale has enjoyed. There is definitely enough room for two cideries to flourish on the Island. Rumrunner was my favourite to date with the Kings & Spies a close second. I received a decent tour and was informed they have Nelson Brewing’s old equipment. Best of luck to the Jordan family!“ |
