Birds of a Feather

Hilary and Patty Abbott founded Hilary's Cheese in the Cowichan Valley in 2001. They source quality cow and goat's milk from area farmers. With that milk, and working in small batches, they use artisan techniques to make a deluxe array of cheese. Some of those include fromage à la crème, Valley Blue, St. Clair, a Brie/Camembert-style cheese, and Belle Ann, a washed rind cheese featuring Cherry Point Vineyard dessert wine. The Abbotts operate a retail store in Cowichan Bay called Hilary's Cheese and Deli, where they sell their cheeses, hearty sandwiches, soups and other goodies. The couple also has a shop in Victoria, 1034 Fort St.