Janet Docherty doesn’t like to be bored. The owner and self-described chief disruptor at Merridale Cidery and Distillery in the Cowichan Valley prefers to think outside of the box.
“I like to motivate people and encourage people, so sometimes when people are just getting comfortable, I like to go in and shake things up, because those are opportunities when we can create new things,” Janet says. “We’re always adding something new here. Always. We don’t say ‘that’s good enough’ – we keep going.”
During the 25 years that Janet has owned the craft cidery, she and her team have responded to customers’ requests such as offering food, and developing a menu that pairs cider with different farm-to-table dishes. Moreover, they have created a destination that’s not just about selling cider, but a place where people can come and relax in a beautiful pastoral setting. On offer here are a guided orchard tasting experience, a distillery tour and tasting, orchard glamping in yurts, live music on Saturdays, plus an annual Cider Harvest Festival and Craft Spirit Festival.
“We started creating things like the orchard walk,” Janet says. “People can come and wander around the orchard and it’s an opportunity to learn, but it’s more than that. It’s a place to get excited about farming. Where does your food and drink come from?”
She adds: “Then, to take it the next step further, we decided to explore the land that we’re on and work it sustainably. The bottom line is I love creating things for my community – not just the Cowichan community but the people who come here. I love seeing smiles on people’s faces, I love seeing people get excited when they come in the door, and I love seeing people laughing and having a good time with their friends and their family. We see those moments created and we call them Merridale moments.”
When you come to Merridale, you slow down, Janet points out: “You walk along a windy path that encourages people to slow down when they come here. We’ve created a courtyard with picnic tables. People can bring their pets and relax with a drink in their hand. They bring their kids, and they can run around and they can go look for fairies in the orchard. As part of the self-guided orchard walk, we’ve got information about mystical fairies and we talk about fairy sightings – parents really love it.”
The orchard grows cider apples, which are a very specific type of fruit; they’re not for eating, just as grapes grown for wine tend not to be eaten.
“The apples have big tannins, big bitters and big acids, and that’s what gives you the big mouthfeel,” Janet explains.
Adding to Merridale’s success is the fact that the cidermaker and the distiller have been part of the team for a long time. There are no staffing shortages and everyone gets along. “One of my criteria is making sure my team enjoys working here – that it’s a fun place to be. And they do! They all get along. We trust them, and it’s important to me they believe in the product. And it really is their creativity and dedication that allow us to thrive.”
Janet also acts as the chair of the board for 4VI, a regional tourism organization that prides itself on sustainable tourism.
“It’s part of a bigger picture, being a responsible person in the community and doing the right things,” Janet says. “It’s about working with residents and making sure tourism remains a force for good forever.”
While Janet is at a stage in life where many of her friends are retiring, she can think of nothing worse.
“I love what I do,” she says. “I still love creating. If I didn’t get to walk into my place and see people enjoying it, I would miss it so terribly much.”
The 7 Sins
Envy: Whose shoes would you like to walk in?
Hmm, that’s a tough question! I have many that I admire, but I would have to say my dad. He passed away when I was young, but he was such an incredible mentor. He really instilled in me the belief to create my own path to success, while always giving back to others along the way. If I could only be 10 per cent of the person he was, then I’d be proud of that. His legacy inspires me every day.
Gluttony: What is the food you could eat over and over again?
Tacos – maybe it’s my Mexican heritage.
Greed: You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?
There is no point to money unless it is shared. I have a dream that I’ve been thinking about for a few years: to launch a wellness retreat for women. Initially, I would start it at Merridale because I already have the food and drink in place, but eventually, I would like to move it to the sunny shores of Baja, Mexico. Imagine an oasis where amazing, vibrant women gather in a supportive and uplifting environment. This retreat would be packed with exciting adventures and soul-nourishing experiences, helping women to rediscover their passions and unleash the magic for the best chapter of their lives.
Wrath: Pet peeves?
When people suggest I should consider retiring because I’m 63 and going through a divorce it really irks me. I’m just getting started! My work brings me passion and joy. Why would I retire from something that fulfills me? Age shouldn’t dictate when someone stops working – that’s a ridiculous notion.
Sloth: Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?
Honestly, I can’t do nothing – I even stretch and exercise while meditating. Don’t laugh; it works for me! But I can spend a long time on or by the water. It’s my happy place.
Pride: What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of?
I am extremely proud of the people in my life. Primarily my children, although I don’t think that’s a secret. They have all grown up to become wonderful human beings, but I am also proud of my team at Merridale. Seeing them collaborate and support each other fills my heart with pride and joy.
Lust: What makes your heart beat faster?
A fast run down a ski hill, paddleboarding with a whale right beside me, hiking up a mountain to reach a spectacular view, trying some new “thing” I have never done before, and seeing my family all together and happy. That’s what first comes to mind.
This feature appeared in the November edition of Boulevard Central Island.