We get lots of questions about how picnics work at Beaufort so we thought it handy to put all the info in one place. Here we go!
So you have a picnic area, yes?
Yes! Our guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy after (or even before) their tasting. We can sell wine by the bottle and provide (real) glasses, water, and an ice bucket (if required). An endorsement to our liquor licence is what allows us to have a picnic area. The picnic area capacity is 60 persons.
Can I reserve a picnic table?
We do not take reservations for the picnic area. Picnic spots are offered on a first come/first served basis and priority is given to guests who have booked tastings. We do not host private parties and functions. If you want to increase your chances of securing a picnic table after your tasting, we suggest booking the noon or 12.30pm tasting spot.
Do you have picnic goodies we can purchase onsite?
No. We do not have a restaurant or food service facility at Beaufort, so please bring your own goodies, serviettes, cutting boards, cutlery etc. and pack out all your trash/leftovers. Put it this way; we can provide everything you need in terms of wine and water, but food is up to you. If you want to make life real easy, you can always order take out (or a bespoke picnic) from one of the valley’s many top notch restaurants/caterers like Jam & Co.
This sounds great! Can I hang out all day in your picnic area?
I mean, you could BUT, we can only sell one bottle of wine per every two adults (19+) in your picnicking group. Them’s the rules in BC.
What do we sit on?
We have lots of heavy duty cedar furniture, to include 6 picnic tables. However, feel free to bring a picnic blanket and/or your own camping chair as we may not always have enough furniture during busier times. Please note that our picnic area is entirely outside–there is no covered area in the event of rain or hot, hot sun. We do have patio umbrellas but they can only do so much in extremes.
Can I bring some games?
Sure! Though no frisbees or other flying objects that could interrupt someone else’s picnic. We have a bocce set if you’d like to borrow that.
Can I smoke in the picnic area?
Nope. The entire Beaufort property is smoke/vape free.
Can I bring my pet?
Well-behaved pets on leash, yes! Please don’t leave them in the car. You MUST pick up after your pet.
Are kids welcome in the picnic area?
Definitely! Please do not leave children unattended though. Beaufort is a working farm and winery and we prioritize the safety of all our guests.
Is the picnic area wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
What time does the picnic area close?
On regular tasting days, the store and picnic area both close at 5pm. If you would like to have a picnic after your tasting we suggest booking an earlier tasting appointment. Alternatively, if you have booked a later tasting, you are welcome to use the picnic area before your tasting appointment.
What about table service? Why do I have to carry everything out myself?
We do not have a lounge licence at Beaufort; therefore there is no table service in our picnic area (the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch do not want us to facilitate you to that degree in your alcohol consumption). As such, if you need anything, you’ll have to pop back in to us. Same goes for carrying your wine and glasses to your picnic table (you’ve got to do that!).
Can we invite some friends over to join us for a picnic?
The 6 person per group limit that applies to tastings, does not apply in the picnic area so feel free to invite others to join you for a picnic after your tasting… within reason! If you show up with a mariachi band, a bell tent, a paddling pool, a selection of decorative palms, a pastor, and 30 in-laws (even if they’re the good kind), we’ll have to ask you to take it to the beach. Remember that we do not host private parties or functions at Beaufort. Note that we will pop out to check IDs for guests who join your party in the picnic area.
My aunt doesn’t drink wine, can she bring her own gin?
HARD NO!
Our licence is on the line if guests bring in alcoholic beverages (of any kind) from the outside.
I don’t have a tasting booked, can I just show up for a picnic?
In theory, yes. But remember that picnic spots are offered on a first come/first served basis and priority is given to guests who have booked tastings. Walk-ins can’t always be accommodated.
*The above pic was supplied by Jodi at Jam & Co. Luxury Picnics in Comox. If you want to make life easy and have someone else prep your picnic, contact Jodi directly for a bespoke cheese/charcuterie box. You won’t be disappointed!