Powell River, BC V8A 1T6
Rocky Creek Winery began as a small family business and developed into a recognizable part of the Cowichan Valley’s rural landscape. For many years, its home was a modest agricultural property on Myhrest Road near Cowichan Bay, surrounded by gardens, trees, cultivated land, ponds, and distant mountain views.
The business was founded by Mark and Linda Holford and operated in the region for almost two decades. Rather than creating a large commercial destination, the family developed Rocky Creek gradually. Its identity was shaped by personal hospitality, hands-on agricultural work, and a relaxed country setting.
The original Cowichan Valley operation closed in October 2024. Rocky Creek has since entered a new chapter under Jeremy and Susanna East. Because the business’s current visitor arrangements remain in transition, it should not be described as a guaranteed stop on a Victoria and Cowichan Valley tour unless its location and availability have been confirmed directly.
Wine Tours Featuring Rocky Creek Winery
6 Hours
Holy Sip - Full Day Wine Tour
Victoria Area Wineries
$169 per person plus GST
6 Hours
Bachelorette Wine Tours - Full Day Wine Tour
Victoria Area Wineries
$169 per person plus GST
From professional careers to a rural family business
Mark and Linda Holford followed an unusual path into agriculture.
Mark trained as a chemical engineer and later completed graduate work in environmental engineering. Linda worked as a pipeline technologist and brought experience managing budgets and organizational operations.
The couple met in Calgary and later lived in Sarnia, Ontario. Mark had been interested in winemaking since helping his father with home production during his youth, but the couple did not immediately have the land required to establish a vineyard.
They eventually moved to Vancouver Island after Mark accepted work at a pulp and paper operation near Crofton. The relocation brought them closer to the agricultural conditions and rural communities that would later shape Rocky Creek.
Their professional backgrounds remained important to the business. Mark’s technical and environmental education influenced production and farming decisions, while Linda’s financial and administrative experience supported the company’s growth.
A business that began at home
Rocky Creek started on a much smaller scale than many estate businesses.
The Holfords initially worked from the basement and garage of their Ladysmith home. A compact production area was created in the basement, while the garage served as a practical work zone.
The business officially began operating in 2005. At that stage, the family did not own the later Cowichan Bay property. They worked with agricultural material obtained from Vancouver Island growers and managed relationships with nearby vineyard sites.
This home-based beginning became an important part of the Rocky Creek story. It demonstrated how the business grew through practical experimentation, family labour, and gradual investment rather than through a large purpose-built development.
Moving to the Cowichan Valley
In 2008, Mark and Linda moved the business to a rural property on Myhrest Road near Cowichan Bay.
The property covered approximately seven acres and placed Rocky Creek within the Cowichan Valley’s developing agricultural region. It was close to other established farms and vineyards but retained a quiet, residential character.
The move allowed the family to bring more of its work into one location. It also provided space for gardens, outdoor visitor areas, agricultural activity, storage, and continued business development.
Rocky Creek’s setting differed from estates with extensive formal architecture. The buildings and grounds felt more like a working family farm, with improvements introduced over time as resources allowed.
The Myhrest Road landscape
The former Cowichan Bay property was known for its informal and peaceful surroundings.
Its landscape included:
- Cultivated agricultural areas
- Mature ornamental and native trees
- Landscaped gardens
- Grassy outdoor spaces
- Small ponds
- Rural buildings
- Picnic and seating areas
- Views toward surrounding hills and mountains
- Forested areas around neighbouring properties
The land did not depend on a single dramatic architectural feature. Its character came from the combination of gardens, open space, mature vegetation, and the wider Cowichan Valley countryside.
Visitors often described the estate as intimate, quiet, and personal. The property’s smaller scale made the grounds feel closer to a family garden than a large commercial attraction.
Gardens as part of the business identity
Rocky Creek’s gardens became one of the most recognizable parts of the Cowichan Bay property.
The family invested time in maintaining trees, lawns, flowers, shaded areas, and informal outdoor seating. These landscaped spaces helped turn a working agricultural site into a welcoming rural destination.
The gardens also softened the practical areas of the property. Agricultural buildings, equipment, trellises, driveways, and production spaces were balanced by colourful plantings and mature greenery.
During warmer months, the trees created shaded spaces around the grounds. Flowering plants and maintained lawns gave the property a more relaxed appearance, while the surrounding countryside remained visible beyond the main visitor areas.
Ponds and mountain views
Small ponds added another layer to the estate landscape.
Water features introduced reflections, aquatic vegetation, and seasonal wildlife into the property. They also created a visual transition between the more formal gardens and the wider agricultural land.
Beyond the grounds, visitors could see forested hills and sections of the Cowichan Valley’s mountain landscape. These views reinforced the rural character of the location without making the property feel isolated.
The combination of ponds, mature trees, cultivated areas, and mountain scenery helped distinguish Rocky Creek from estates built around highly modern visitor facilities.
A network of Vancouver Island vineyards
Rocky Creek’s agricultural operations extended beyond the Myhrest Road property.
The Holfords managed or worked with several vineyard sites in the Cowichan Valley and around Chemainus. Historical reporting described approximately 11 acres of vines owned, leased, or managed by the family during part of the business’s development.
This arrangement allowed the company to remain connected to Vancouver Island agriculture even though the main visitor property was relatively small.
Managing separate sites required coordinating work across different locations. Seasonal tasks included monitoring plant development, maintaining rows, managing ground conditions, organizing harvest work, and transporting agricultural material.
The business therefore represented more than the visible property near Cowichan Bay. It was connected to a wider network of small Vancouver Island farms.
Hands-on farming
Rocky Creek promoted a hands-on approach to managing its agricultural sites.
Historical descriptions indicate that much of the vineyard work was completed manually. Machinery was used when required, but the family attempted to limit unnecessary vehicle movement through cultivated areas.
This approach had practical and environmental benefits. Reducing heavy traffic can limit soil compaction, while walking the rows allows workers to observe changes at close range.
The family also selected plant varieties with disease resistance in mind. More resilient plants can reduce the need for repeated interventions and support a lower-impact approach to vineyard management.
These practices were consistent with Mark Holford’s environmental engineering background and the business’s stated interest in responsible land management.
An independent family operation
Rocky Creek remained closely associated with the Holford family throughout its Cowichan Valley years.
Mark oversaw much of the technical and production work. Linda handled business leadership, administration, visitor relations, and marketing. Their daughters, Robin and Katherine, also became involved at different stages.
This family participation gave the business a personal identity. Guests often interacted directly with an owner rather than moving through a highly standardized commercial experience.
The company’s gradual development also reflected the limits and strengths of a small independent operation. New spaces, gardens, production areas, and outdoor features were added over time rather than completed through one large construction project.
A property developed in stages
Rocky Creek’s Cowichan Bay estate was never presented as a finished luxury complex.
The owners described it as a property being developed in stages. Improvements were introduced as the business grew and as funding became available.
This incremental approach could be seen throughout the grounds:
- Established trees stood beside newer landscaping
- Practical buildings shared the property with visitor areas
- Informal seating was arranged around gardens and lawns
- Agricultural areas remained visible
- Outdoor spaces were expanded gradually
- The overall layout retained the feeling of a working rural home
The result was an estate with a personal and evolving character rather than a uniform architectural theme.
Sustainability within a small property
Rocky Creek connected its business identity with environmental responsibility.
The family discussed limiting vehicle use within vineyard rows, selecting lower-impact agricultural materials, and choosing disease-resistant plants where practical.
The business also reduced certain forms of unnecessary packaging. One publicly documented change involved removing single-use plastic wrapping from bottle closures.
Although these measures were smaller than the large infrastructure projects used by some major agricultural estates, they reflected the scale of the operation. Rocky Creek focused on changes that could be incorporated into the daily work of a family-run property.
Rocky Creek’s place in the Cowichan Valley
For nearly two decades, Rocky Creek was part of a network of independent farms, vineyards, orchards, food businesses, and rural destinations around Cowichan Bay and Duncan.
The company’s development coincided with growing recognition of the Cowichan Valley as a distinct agricultural region. In 2020, the Province of British Columbia formally recognized the Cowichan Valley as a sub-geographical indication.
Rocky Creek was included among the regional wineries identified when that designation was announced.
Its role within the region was based not only on its products but also on its family-business story, local agricultural relationships, gardens, environmental approach, and participation in community events.
Visitors can learn more about the region’s geography and other active properties through the Sip Happens destination blog.
The closure of the original operation
In October 2024, Mark and Linda announced that the Cowichan Valley operation would close after almost 20 years in business.
Public reporting connected the decision to financial pressure that followed the COVID-19 pandemic, including debt and increased borrowing costs.
The closure marked the end of the Holfords’ day-to-day operation of Rocky Creek. It also created uncertainty about the future of the Cowichan Bay property, visitor facilities, and winery brand.
For this reason, older tourism directories and reviews should not be treated as confirmation that the original tasting room, gardens, or visitor experience remain open.
New ownership
Rocky Creek has since been acquired by Jeremy and Susanna East.
Jeremy and Susanna previously operated a U-Brew and homebrewing business in Powell River. Jeremy has completed formal wine education and has continued professional studies related to production, while Susanna brings accounting, business, and gardening experience.
The current Rocky Creek website states that the couple intends to continue the brand from Powell River.
However, the same website still lists the Myhrest Road address in Cowichan Bay and states that a tasting room is coming soon. This creates some uncertainty about where future public visitor operations will be based.
Until updated location and opening information is published, the business should be described as being in transition rather than as a currently established Cowichan Valley visitor stop.
What made the Cowichan Bay property distinctive?
The former Rocky Creek visitor property stood out because of its modest scale and family-farm atmosphere.
Its notable characteristics included:
- A family business established in 2005
- Early operations from a Ladysmith home
- A move to Cowichan Bay in 2008
- Approximately seven acres on Myhrest Road
- Gardens, trees, lawns, ponds, and outdoor seating
- Views toward Cowichan Valley hills and mountains
- Agricultural relationships with several Vancouver Island sites
- Hands-on vineyard management
- Limited vehicle use within cultivated rows
- A gradual, stage-by-stage approach to property development
- Direct involvement from Mark, Linda, and their family
- Nearly two decades of operation in the Cowichan Valley
These qualities gave Rocky Creek a personal place within the region’s rural-business history.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Rocky Creek Winery still operating?
The original Cowichan Valley operation closed in October 2024. The Rocky Creek brand has since been acquired by Jeremy and Susanna East, who state that they intend to continue the business.
Who founded Rocky Creek Winery?
Rocky Creek was founded by Mark and Linda Holford. It began operating in 2005.
Where did Rocky Creek Winery begin?
The business initially operated from the basement and garage of the Holfords’ home in Ladysmith, British Columbia.
When did Rocky Creek move to Cowichan Bay?
The family moved the winery to its Myhrest Road property near Cowichan Bay in 2008.
How large was the Cowichan Bay property?
Historical sources describe the estate as approximately seven to seven and a half acres.
What was the property known for?
The rural estate was known for landscaped gardens, mature trees, ponds, picnic spaces, agricultural areas, and views toward the surrounding hills.
Did Rocky Creek manage vineyards away from the main property?
Yes. The business managed or worked with multiple agricultural sites in the Cowichan Valley and near Chemainus.
Why did the original business close?
The former owners cited financial pressure following the COVID-19 pandemic, including the effects of business debt and increased borrowing costs.
Who owns Rocky Creek Winery now?
Jeremy and Susanna East are the current owners.
Is Rocky Creek Winery now in Powell River?
The current website says the new owners are continuing Rocky Creek Winery in Powell River. However, its contact page still lists the Cowichan Bay address.
Is the Cowichan Bay tasting room open?
The official website currently says that the tasting room is “coming soon” and does not list regular visitor hours.
Can guests visit the Myhrest Road property?
The present status should be confirmed directly with Rocky Creek before travelling to the property. Older directory listings and reviews may no longer be accurate.
Is Rocky Creek included on Sip Happens tours?
Rocky Creek should not currently be presented as a regular or guaranteed stop. Its location, opening status, group capacity, and availability must first be confirmed.
