Moms Gone Mild (ish)
Let’s just start by saying this: Victoria Wine Fest is officially going to be an annual event for us. There’s something magical about trading in sippy cups and snack bags for stemware and charcuterie boards, even if only for a night.
This year’s “Moms Gone Mild” crew was made up of the ever-balanced trio: Michaelia, Jenn, and Carly. Think of us as a perfect wine flight, two full-bodied, practical varietals (that’d be Michaelia and Jenn) paired with one effervescent, free-spirited vintage (hi, Carly). Together, we’re smooth, a little spicy, and definitely best enjoyed in good company.
We started our night at Rudi’s. It’s one of those hidden gems where you walk in and instantly feel like you’ve made a good life choice. The warm, ambient lighting, the hum of conversation, and the scent of fresh-baked bread basically whispered, “Stay awhile.”
We decided to order family-style and share a few dishes, because who can choose just one when there are so many great dishes to choose from? The house-baked focaccia was perfection, the crispy halloumi was pure joy, and the risotto was so creamy it could probably solve most of life’s problems. Every plate that came out made us do that little happy food dance in our seats.
Rudi’s has a relaxed elegance that’s so Victoria, modern but cozy, refined but not pretentious. The staff were wonderful too, cheerfully refilling our glasses and pretending not to notice when we declared, “We’re moms, this is our night off!”
After dinner, we checked into our home base for the evening, the charming and luxurious Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites. Located right in downtown Victoria, it’s just a short walk to all the best restaurants, shops, and nightlife, and most importantly, right across the road from the Victoria Conference Centre.
Our suite was absolutely lovely with two queen beds, a spacious layout, and a view that stretched across the city skyline.
There’s something glorious about staying in a hotel without kids, no toys on the floor, no snack crumbs in the bed, and no 6 a.m. wake-up call. Just peace, plush pillows, and friends who also appreciate the art of doing absolutely nothing for a few minutes before getting ready.
Then it was off to the main event, the Victoria International Wine Festival. Hosted at The Crystal Garden, the festival brought together wineries from across BC and around the world for a weekend of pure wine bliss.
Everywhere we turned, there were tables lined with beautiful bottles, each one with a smiling sommelier ready to pour, explain, and charm. Carly (our social butterfly and resident good-vibes ambassador) wasted no time making friends, by the end of the night she was basically part of the sommelier union.
Michaelia and Jenn, being slightly more practical, took their tastings seriously, notes were made, favourites were debated, and yes, a few bottles were purchased to “enjoy later” (which, let’s be honest, meant next weekend).
There were crisp whites, bold reds, sparkling rosés, even a few that tasted like summer vacations in a glass. The whole event had such a vibrant energy; people were laughing, clinking glasses, and comparing notes like pros (even if most of our notes were just “yum”).
Because three moms in a city with no bedtime is a recipe for adventure, we kept the night rolling. First stop: Big Bad John’s, Victoria’s famous dive bar where the peanut shells hit the floor and the music hits your soul. Then it was over to The Duke, where the live music kept the good vibes going. It was one of those rare, perfect nights where you completely forget about routines, bedtimes, and meal prep. Just pure, unfiltered fun. Live music, dancing, darts, and laughter, it was the kind of night that makes your cheeks hurt from smiling and your feet hurt from shoes you promised were “totally comfy.”
The next morning, we fully embraced the luxury of hotel life, no alarms, no rush, and no responsibilities. We ordered room service, enjoyed fresh coffee and breakfast in bed, and soaked up the beautiful view from our window overlooking Victoria. It was blissfully quiet, peaceful, and the perfect way to ease back into reality after a night of laughter and (many) pours.
Between the delicious food, the cozy stay at Chateau Victoria, and the lively, wine-fuelled fun, it was exactly what we all needed. The perfect mix of relaxation, laughter, and just enough chaos to remind us we’re still young(ish).
So here’s the plan: next year, same weekend, same crew. Carly can keep working her sommelier social circle, and Jenn and Michaelia will continue their noble mission of “quality control tasting.”
Until then, cheers to friendship, fine wine, and moms who know how to have a very good time.