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Julie Planiden
 
December 30, 2014 | Julie Planiden

Cheese in British Columbia - Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

   

Nestled in the cool moist climate of Vancouver Island in the shadow of Mt. Arrowsmith, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks produce a selection of hand-crafted cheeses to delight the senses. Using the highest quality milk from their own herd of Holstein, Brown Swiss and Canadienne dairy cows, they have an artisan cheese to suit any occasion, meal, or just a light fresh snack.

Visit them at the farm! Watch the cheese makers in action and learn a bit about how they make cheese. Take a self-guided tour of the farm and enjoy a stroll along the walking trails. Stop by the Farmgate Store for samples of all their cheeses and stay for a picnic. And you just can’t leave without visiting all the animals: cows, calves, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, bunnies and Carl (the llama)!

Here are some cheese and wine pairings we think you will enjoy:

Pinot Gris - Pair with their best-selling Brie. It has a creamy texture, velvet white rind, with mushroomy overtones that works beautifully with the richness of the Pinot Gris and the acidity brings out the creaminess of the brie. The little wooden board, rescued from the burn pile of a local guitar manufacturer, can live again as a coaster.

Pinot Blanc - Caerphilly, Famous as the key ingredient in Welsh “Rarebit”, it is a good cheese for sauces as it toasts well. As a table cheese it is characterized by a buttery tang. Perfect for the richness of Pinot Blanc.

Gamay Noir - Rathtrevor - Inspired by Swiss Gruyere and named after the local provincial park. Its careful ripening process and long aging make for a fine table cheese that pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a good wine.  This cheese will compliment the juicy berry characteristics that come through in the Gamay.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
Open daily year-round from 9am – 5pm!
403 Lowrys Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2B5
(250) 954-3931
 

 

Time Posted: Dec 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM Permalink to Cheese in British Columbia - Little Qualicum Cheeseworks Permalink
Chantelle Bruwer
 
December 23, 2014 | Chantelle Bruwer

Staff Selections: Christmas Holiday Traditions

A few of our Staff members shared their favourite Christmas Holiday Traditions - Dinner Ideas and Wine pairings!

 

Christie Mavety & Jason Michiel

"Jason Michiel is the chef in our household and therefore I would like to add his input…Our tradition on Christmas eve is to have Cassoulet and pair it with a Beaujolais Cru, Daniel Bouland Morgon", Christie.

Recipe: Smoked Sausage Cassoulet

Wine pairing: Beaujolais Cru, Daniel Bouland Morgon


Ernst & Chantelle Bruwer

"Christmas in South Africa is in the middle of summer, so Christmas tradition would be to enjoy Cold Cuts - think Ham, Leg of Lamb and lots of salads for Christmas Eve or for Christmas lunch. Since we will be Celebrating Christmas in Canada this year, we will make a traditional South African Chicken Pie (Meraai se Paai), Roasted Potatoes and Veggies. Our wines of choice would be Hamilton Russel Chardonnay, Hemel en Aarde Valley, South Africa or Blue Mountain's Estate Chardonnay", Chantelle.

Recipe: Chicken Pie ("Meraai se Pie")

Wine pairing: Hamilton Russell Chardonnay or Blue Mountain Chardonnay


Julie and Roger Planiden

" A holiday tradition in our family is to have lobster for Christmas Eve (which happens to be my birthday) We always pair this with a rich buttery Chardonnay.  While Roger is preparing dinner we always enjoy a glass or two of bubble. Some of our favourite chardonnays are: MerSoleil, Rombauer, La Crema Chardonnay" , Julie

 


Bill Adams and Petra

"For many years this French Canadian classic was prepared by my Grandmother for our family dinner on Christmas Day, and it is a tradition that I still carry on. Chef David Lee has added venison for a slight twist, which provides a more “gamey” taste to compliment this rustic dish", Bill

Recipe: Venison and Pork Tourtière

Wine pairing: Blue Mountain Gamay Noir, Quails Gate Old Vines Foch Reserve or Pfaffenheim ‘Steinert’ Grand Cru Gewürztraminer

 

Do you have Holiday traditions? Feel free to share them in the comments section below. Happy Holidays!

Time Posted: Dec 23, 2014 at 10:00 AM Permalink to Staff Selections: Christmas Holiday Traditions Permalink
Julie Planiden
 
December 16, 2014 | Julie Planiden

Sparkling for the Holidays

 

The holidays are the perfect time for sparkling.  Think Christmas morning, New Year's Eve or any of the other great reasons to give or receive a pressure packed bottle of deliciousness.  In 2012, I wrote a blog about Sparkling wine and how troubled I was that many customers felt that sparkling, or bubbly was only for anniversaries or New Year's Eve. See www.bluemountainwinery.com/blog/Sparkling  I am pleased to report visitors to the winery seem to be reading the blog and acting on some of the suggestions that were made.  People are now drinking more bubble for no reason at all.  In addition, in the last few years we have had more wineries in the Okanagan starting to produce sparkling wines.

Recent additions to the bubble scene in the valley including "The Bub" from Okanagan Crush Pad, Natural Brut Sparkling Riesling from Tantalus (sold out), Stoneboat Piano Sparkling, Bella Sparkling Chardonnay and Sparkling Gamay Noir, 8th Generation Confidence.  And the grapevine swirl's with other producers starting sparkling production.

A couple of recent reviews of some great holiday sparkling have been provided by Beppi Crosariol from the Globe and Mail, Anthony Gismondi from the Vancouver Sun, Christoper Waters from Canoe.ca,  Darren Oleksyn from Calgary Herald and the Wine Align team.  Be sure to check out their lists before you head to your nearest retail outlet.

Maclean's magazine even did a feature on the sparkling wine industry in Canada last year and slowly it seems wine lovers everywhere are starting to realize that they can enjoy sparkling any day of the week for any reason or no reason at all.  We all have lots to be thankful for in our lives so be sure to have a bottle or two on hand for those days when life needs celebrating.

Cheers!

Time Posted: Dec 16, 2014 at 10:00 AM Permalink to Sparkling for the Holidays Permalink
Chantelle Bruwer
 
December 12, 2014 | Chantelle Bruwer

12 days of Christmas contest

To celebrate a great year we’re toasting with a "12 days of Christmas" giveaway! We will feature one Blue Mountain wine or gift for each of the next 12 days along with the perfect holiday occasion to enjoy them or ideas on who to share them with.

To win you have to share, like, comment, tweet as much as you can over the next 12 days. One of our dedicated friends will win the dozen!! The details on how to enter are at the bottom of this blog (Enter the contest daily). Check back daily for special offers. Limited to British Columbian residents. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.

 

Day 1: Blue Mountain 2013 Pinot Gris

Price: $20.90

***SPECIAL OFFER! - Order a 12 bottle case of our 2013 Pinot Gris on Monday, December 1st and receive FREE shipping in British Columbia!!  USE Promo code: PGRISFREESHIP

Review: Some Okanagan Valley Pinot Gris are fermented and aged in oak barrels and others see no oak at all. Both styles can produce outstanding versions of BC's most planted white variety (2011 acreage report). Blue Mountain successfully combines the best of both worlds with 60% of the fruit fermented and aged in stainless steel and the remaining 40% in new-to-3 year old French oak. The blended wine brings together lively, citrus, apple, kiwi and white peach aromas and flavours with beautiful, rounded characters of orange blossom, wheat, vanilla, light spice and just a hint of warm brioche in the background. A lemon/lime acidic kick keeps the finish crisp and clean. A delightful Pinot Gris to be enjoyed now, or over the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2017.
Score 90 - Liam Carrier, iconscores.ca, October 2014
 

Pairing Suggestion: Apricot Glazed Ham

Where to find: Vancouver/ BC Interior - winery direct follow this link to find stores in your area, Alberta: Jwebb Wine Merchant

 

Day 2: Blue Mountain Sparkling Stopper

This beautiful Sparkling Wine Stopper preserves the fizz and flavour in sparkling wines for several days after opening by creating an airtight seal.

***SPECIAL OFFER! We are including a FREE Blue Mountain stopper with the purchase of a case of Blue Mountain wine consisting of at least one bottle of Sparkling, ordered on December 2nd. Add  #bluemtnbubbly to your order notes.

 

Day 3: Blue Mountain 2010 Brut Rosé R.D.

Price: $33.00

Review: This terrific bubbly is mostly Pinot Noir with a bit of Chardonnay and gets the balance between complexity and freshness right. It's a beautiful wine to enjoy with oysters, seafood or even your festive turkey dinner.
Christopher Waters, canoe.ca, November 2014

Articles: Click here to read "10 sparkling wines for the holidays" by Christopher Waters via Canoe.ca

Where to find: Vancouver/ BC Interior - winery direct, Alberta - Jwebb Wine Merchant

 

Day 4: Jewels of the Okanagan by Mike Biden

Price: $20.00

This glossy coffee-table book showcases 80 pages of Mike's stunning photographs of the Okanagan and features the iconic Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars view on the cover.

To purchase contact Mike Biden at mikebiden@shaw.ca / 250-486-2112 or follow this link to purchase your copy online.

 

Day 5: Blue Mountain 2006 Reserve Brut

Price: $39.90

Review: Exceptional, complex, silky. Recently disgorged (RD) refers to the fact that this sparkling aged on its lees to add complexity, until just months prior to release. Renowned for elegant and often intricate bubbles, this one is no exception. Made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a splash of Pinot Gris, it suggests patisserie aromas of warm buttery croissants and nutty brioche slathered in pear compote alongside golden apples, field berries, orange zest and white flowers. Expect a fine bead (bubbles) and a mosaic of fruit, exotic citrus, nuts and bready toasted flavours. It is silky and undeniably elegant with exceptional power balanced by mouthwatering acidity." Daenna Van Mulligen, winediva.ca, October 2014

Where to find: Vancouver/ BC Interior - winery direct or follow this link to our blog on Retail locations where you can buy Blue Mountain Vintage Sparkling wines the Lower Mainland, Whistler and Vancouver ;  Alberta: Jwebb Wine Merchant

 

Day 6: Blue Mountain Corkscrew

At Blue Mountain we use natural corks as the closure for all our wines. Read more on 'How Wine Corks are Chosen' on our blog. Are you a corkscrew collector? Feel free to share a photo of your corkscrew collection, email it to bluemountain@bluemountainwinery.com and we will post it on our facebook page.

***SPECIAL OFFER! We are including a FREE Blue Mountain corkscrew with the purchase of a case of Blue Mountain wine, ordered on December 6th. Add  #bluemtncorkscrew to your order notes.

 

Day 7: Blue Mountain 2013 Pinot Blanc

Price: $17.90

Review: We loved last year and edition 28 may be even better. Lively juicy fun and fresh on the nose and palate this wine is really over delivering. Two clones are behind this 50/50 mix of wine raised in wood and stainless steel. Love the lively citrus, mineral, green peach flavours flecked with guava and pear. Any type of shellfish works here and I’m thinking spaghetti vongole is the perfect match.
Score 89 - Anthony Gismondi - gismondionwine.com, September 2014

Pairing Suggestion: Butter Popcorn

Where to find: Vancouver/ BC Interior - follow this link to find stores in your area, Alberta: Jwebb Wine Merchant

 

Day 8: Blue Mountain tote bag

A of bottle of wine (or sparkling wine) is always welcome, whether for the hostess, for your secret Santa or for under the Christmas tree. Make it extra special by choosing a creative way of wrapping the bottle of wine.

Check out our Pinterest page -we've created a Pinterest board with some inspiration. For creative gift basket ideas - check Julianna Hayes' article on "Getting creative with gift baskets" via The Daily Courier.

***SPECIAL OFFER! We are including a FREE Blue Mountain Tote bag with the purchase of a case of Blue Mountain wine, ordered on December 8th.

 

Day 9: Blue Mountain 2007 Blanc de Blancs

Price: $39.90

Review: "Bone-dry and razor-sharp with acidity, this all-chardonnay beauty displays great depth of flavour, hinting at lemon pastry, green apple, honey and classic champagne-style tangy-toasty autolytic character. www.bluemountainwinery.com".
Score 93 - Beppi Crosariol, globeandmail.com, November 2014.

Articles: Click here to read "Top-notch wines just in time for the holidays" by Beppi Crosariol via The Globe and Mail.

Where to find: Vancouver/ BC Interior - winery direct or follow this link to our blog on Retail locations where you can buy Blue Mountain Vintage Sparkling wines the Lower Mainland, Whistler and Vancouver ;  Alberta: Jwebb Wine Merchant

 

Day 10: Blue Mountain Key Chain by Creative Corkworks

Unique Key Chain made with love by Creative Corkworks with upcycled Blue Mountain wine corks.

To purchase contact Raelene Rozander at creativecorkworks@gmail.com, order on Etsy or visit the Penticton Visitors Centre. To see more of Creative Corkworks' products visit their facebook page.

***SPECIAL OFFER! We are including a FREE Blue Mountain key chain with the purchase of a case of Blue Mountain wine, ordered on December 10th. Add  #bluemtnkeychain to your order notes.

 

Day 11: Blue Mountain NV Brut

Price: $23.90

Review: "Just released in Ontario Vintages stores and also available direct from the winery, this non-vintage bubbly from one of Canada’s top Champagne-style producers is superb. A blend of mostly pinot noir with chardonnay and pinot gris, it’s bone-dry, rich and creamy, with a sherry-like tang and bread-like autolysis essence. Wonderfully yeasty, honeyed depth; $23.90 direct from the B.C. winery bluemountainwinery.com."
Score 93 - Beppi Crosariol, globeandmail.com, October 2014

Articles: Click here to read "Salut: Sparklers that shine" by Anthony Gismondi via The Vancouver Sun.

Where to find: Vancouver/ BC Interior - winery direct or follow this link to find stores in your area;  Alberta: Jwebb Wine Merchant, Ontario - LCBO Vintages

 

Day 12: Okanagan Valley British Columbia 2015 Calendar

Price: $14.99

This beautifully photographed 12-month 12" x 12" wall calendar of the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia features Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars on the cover. To purchase follow this link.

 

CONGRATULATIONS to Cathi Shaw, the winner of our 12 days of Christmas contest!

 

Time Posted: Dec 12, 2014 at 10:30 AM Permalink to 12 days of Christmas contest Permalink
Chantelle Bruwer
 
December 5, 2014 | Chantelle Bruwer

Retail locations - Where to buy Blue Mountain Vintage Sparkling wines

A of bottle of sparkling wine is always welcome over the holidays, whether for the hostess, for your secret Santa or for under the Christmas tree. We have recently released our vintage sparkling wines - 2010 Brut Rosé R.D., 2006 Reserve Brut R.D. and 2007 Blanc de Blancs R.D. 

Are you looking for a retail location in the Lower Mainland, Whistler or Victoria where you can purchase some Blue Mountain vintage sparkling wines over the holidays? Our agent, Christine Fawcett at Keystone Fine Wines provided a great list of locations that will most likely have our Sparkling wines available this December.

 

 

Lower Mainland:

16th Street Liquor Store

220 16th Street, West Vancouver

 

Blackcomb Liquor Store

#1-4573 Chateau Blvd. Whistler

 

Brewery Creek Liquor Store

3045 Main St, Vancouver

 

Dundarave Wine Cellars

2448 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

 

Everything Wine - North Vancouver

998 Marine Dr, North Vancouver

 

Everything Wine - Surrey

15735 Croydon Dr, Surrey

 

Firefly Fine Wines and Ales – Cambie

2857 Cambie Street, Vancouver

 

Granville Liquor Store

2658 Granville Street, Vancouver

 

Kitsilano Wine Cellar

2239 W 4th Ave, Vancouver

 

Legacy Liquor Store

1633 Manitoba, Vancouver

 

Liberty Wine Merchants - Commecial Drive

1622 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

 

Liberty Wine Merchants - Granville Island

1660 Johnston Street, Vancouver

 

Liberty Wine Merchants - Park and Tilford

560-333 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver

 

Liberty Wine Merchants - Park Royal

704 Main Street, Park Royal SE Mall West Vancouver

 

Liberty Wine Merchants - Point Grey

4583 W 10th Avenue, Vancouver

 

Marquis Wine Cellars

1034 Davie St. Vancouver

 

Nesters Market

990 Seymour St., Vancouver

 

Quayside Wine Cellar

Suite 111 - 960 Quayside Drive, New Westminister

 

Sunshine Hills Liquor Store

6439 120 St, Delta

 

Sutton Place Wine Merchant

855 Burrard Street, Vancouver

 

Village Liquor Store 

IC 900 Main Street Village at Park Royal

 

Value On Liquor Store

1450 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver  

 

Viti Wine and Lager Store

 

West Coast Liquor

5503 West Blvd, Kerrisdale

 

Yaletown Liquor Store

1116 Hamilton St, Vancouver

 

Vancouver Island:

Cook Street Village Liquor

230 Cook St., Victoria

 

Everything Wine Victoria

#131-2401 Millstream Road

 

Hillside Liquor Store

3201 Shelbourne Street, Victoria

 

Vintage Spirits

653 Pandora Ave, Victoria

 

Email us a picture of Blue Mountain on your dinner table this holiday to bluemountain@bluemountainwinery.com and we will feature it on our facebook page!

 

Time Posted: Dec 5, 2014 at 10:00 AM Permalink to Retail locations - Where to buy Blue Mountain Vintage Sparkling wines Permalink
Christie Mavety
 
October 24, 2023 | Christie Mavety

Winery Event - Sparkling + Fire - November 18th, 2023

Please join us for a festive pre-holiday gathering, where we'll warm your hearts with holiday cheer, sparkling wines, and the cozy glow of a crackling fire.  Continue »

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