Little Qualicum Cheeseworks / Mooberry Winery Farm

If you find yourself on Vancouver Island around the Parksville, BC area and are in need of some inexpensive fun, then check out the Little Qualicum Cheeseworks / Mooberry Winery Farm, located at 403 Lowry’s Road, Parksville, BC.  Most of all, this cheese factory/winery/farm is a great place to visit for people of all ages.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks / Mooberry Winery Farm

Mooberry Farm

The farm features typical farm animals and is open to the public during regular business hours. Small children will enjoy visiting the goats, rabbits, and calves. Mom and Dad will like the free admission! A little something for everyone.

The calf featured above is only a few days old.

Winery

Attached to the store is a wine bar where you can sample a variety of the farm’s wines. Lots of fruity flavors and the prices are pretty sweet too. (Wine pun!)

Cheeseworks

In addition, the Mooberry farm also produces a variety of cheeses. Customers may sample the delicious varieties of cheese.

These dairy cows are milked by a robot. It’s a very interesting system. Essentially the cows wear electronic collars that give off radio signals. When it is time for the cow to be milked, a gate will open for the cow, allowing them into the pen to be milked. The cow is motivated to go to the pen because each time it does, it receives a treat high in nutrients. The cow enjoys eating the treat, and the treat helps to keep the cow healthy. A perfect system!

For some reason, I had the urge to drive this fine Kubota tractor! Maybe it’s the color that interests me, or maybe it’s the fact that it’s a Japanese brand! Or maybe, I just want to drive something with a big diesel engine and be a farmer. Whatever it is, I have an urge to use heavy machinery!

Gift Shop

Finally, there is a small gift shop which features cheese, wine, and a number of other small crafts and toys.  Looks like the store is pretty busy! Consequently, not a bad place to pick up a souvenir or just browse.