News

November 27, 2020 By Katie Phelan in winery news Comments Off

Pinot Noir Release & Holiday Hours

Contrary to what Angela Carter once proposed, anticipation isn’t always the greater part of pleasure. We can say that with conviction because… 2018 Pinot Noir is here and the wait is finally over!

Terroir—from the French terre, meaning land—is a valuable concept in appraising Pinot Noir on Vancouver Island. A narrow understanding of terroir will invariably include reference to the soil composition in a given wine region or vineyard. A more holistic comprehension encompasses a multitude of factors that affect a wine’s phenotype: everything from climate (sunlight, temperature and precipitation) to topography (elevation, slope and aspect), as well as hydrology, and even the scale and type of human intervention in the vineyard and winery are considered. Pinot Noir is a grape that, given the right circumstances, loves to tell the story of where it’s from. In cooler climates like ours, it’s a grape with a robust following and oodles of potential. We’ve been looking forward to sharing this one with you for a while.

We used 100% Vancouver Island grown fruit (sourced from Cherry Point vineyard in Cobble Hill) for our first ever single varietal red Pinot. In the glass, it’s more deep pink than red. The nose is all cherry cola, and cranberries, and those red toffee-dipped apples at Halloween. On the palate, Island acidity is a jovial counterpart to huckleberry, cranberry and clove. Some fine silky tannins add texture & just a little weight on the finish, balancing an otherwise bright mouthfeel. Aged in premium French oak barrels for 16 months. This is a Pinot to pair; try it with wild mushrooms or cedar plank salmon. This is a TASTING ROOM EXCLUSIVE; 2018 Pinot Noir is available online and in-store only.

12% alc./vol.
3.3g/l RS (dry)
93 cases produced
$29.90 in the tasting room

We also wanted to let you know that the winery store will be open on the following dates in December (10am to 3pm all dates): 4th-6th, 11th-13th & 18th-20th. While the STORE will be open on the above dates for wine and gift card sales and pick-ups, we WILL NOT be hosting tastings on-site this holiday season. Our tasting room is just too cosy (and the deck too chilly) to safely and comfortably host guests at this time of year. However, we still have a few virtual tasting appointments available — click HERE for details.

November 23, 2020 By Katie Phelan in recipes Comments Off

Zeballos Inlet

Riffing on a classic Americano, Mike Norbury’s Zeballos Inlet is a delectable and thirst-quenching gin-based highball; bright, citrusy white vermouth and the delicate botanicals of Sheringham Distillery’s Kazuki are buoyed by the addition of lavender soda. Great anytime, as long as there’s a bowl of salty potato chips nearby! Photography and styling by Danika Sea Design. Recipe by Mike Norbury.
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Zeballos Inlet
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1 ½ oz Beaufort vermouth
½ oz Kazuki gin
3 dashes of Ms. Better’s Trans Canada bitters (or orange bitters instead)
4 oz dry lavender soda
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Build in a Collins glass and serve long, on the rocks. Garnish with a lemon wheel and add a reusable straw.

November 16, 2020 By Katie Phelan in recipes Comments Off

Alpine Resort

This one is a favourite. Reminiscent of a fancy cough drop in cocktail form, the Alpine Resort is a perfectly balanced combination of zingy ginger, zippy lemon and sweet honey syrup. Curating a small, high quality bar at home isn’t hard, and certainly doesn’t need to be expensive. Invest in some high quality tools and ingredients and you’ll be able to shake your way into anyone’s affections. Photography and styling by Danika Sea Design. Recipe by Mike Norbury.

Alpine Resort

1 ½ oz Sheringham akvavit

½ oz Beaufort vermouth

¾ oz lemon juice

½ oz honey syrup*

1 coin of ginger

3 dashes of root beer bitters

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, muddle ginger. Flash chill and double strain. Serve over crushed ice in a large rocks glass and garnish with a spanked mint sprig.

*To make honey syrup at home, combine 2 parts honey with 1 part boiling water and stir well. Allow to cool.

November 9, 2020 By Katie Phelan in recipes Comments Off

Megin Lake

This Mike Norbury original riffs on an old classic; the Tom Collins. It is a pretty fresh take of course, but we’re okay with being iconoclasts. The recipe incorporates Beaufort vermouth and Sheringham Distillery’s vodka, and is named for Megin Lake in the northeast portion of Clayoquot Sound. Give it a go and tell us what you think! Photography and styling by Danika Sea Design.

Megin Lake

1 oz Sheringham vodka

1 oz Beaufort vermouth

¾ oz lime juice

½ oz vanilla syrup

3 strawberries

2 oz soda

Place vodka, vermouth, lime juice, syrup and strawberries into a shaker, muddle the strawberries. Flash chill and double strain. Serve long, on the rocks, in a Collins glass and top up with soda. Garnish with a lime wheel and add a reusable straw.

November 2, 2020 By Katie Phelan in recipes Comments Off

The Comox Cocktail

Although Mike Norbury spends a lot of his time behind the bar at some of Victoria’s most illustrious watering holes and eateries, he nonetheless found time to whip up 6 unique cocktails for us. Each recipe is an Island celebration, incorporating Beaufort vermouth alongside Sheringham Distillery’s world class spirits.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll share all six recipes right here (and on our socials). To kick things off, try this exceptionally good riff on a Bronx at home. Photography and styling by Danika Sea Design.

The Comox Cocktail

1½ oz Kazuki gin

¾ oz Beaufort vermouth

6 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

¾ oz grapefruit juice

¼ oz lemon juice

¼ oz honey syrup*

Combine all ingredients and shake over ice. Double strain and serve in a chilled coupe. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

*To make honey syrup at home, combine 2 parts honey with 1 part boiling water and stir well. Allow to cool.

October 19, 2020 By Katie Phelan in offers Comments Off

2020 Winemaker’s case

Every year, we put together a case of 12 Beaufort favourites (and the odd new release!) and offer the lot at a very tasty discount during the holiday season. This year is no different, and it comes with the added bonus of zero repeats. That’s right; 12 different Beaufort wines at a spectacular 20% off! CALL OR EMAIL US DIRECTLY TO RESERVE YOURS: 250-338-1357 or katie@beaufortwines.ca Winemaker’s cases are not available in our online store and, as always, are first come, first served. This year’s case is offered at the very special price of $258.08 +tax, for a saving of 20% on tasting room prices (sorry, no trade outs and no other discounts apply on bottles in the winemaker’s case). Shipping is available to select Canadian provinces; pick up is possible on store open days in December; and FREE delivery is offered in the Comox Valley. Here’s what you’ll get:

1 x 2017 Epic

This one has really mellowed and we are ALL about it. Tarragon, hay, sweet tangerine and honey. Dry, of course, with medium body. Try it with a Moroccan tagine or some juicy prawn tails. Comox Valley grown Ortega and Epicure.

1 x 2018 Epic

Our current vintage Epic is a little brighter and perhaps more familiar than the 2017; pear, honey and citrus. Dry, zippy, fresh. Pairs well with artichoke dishes.

1 x 2018 Ortega

A very classic vintage; mango, tropical fruit, some green apple. Dry and fresh, but perfectly balanced. Always a winner with west coast cuisine; halibut and scallops certainly.

1 x 2018 Borealis

Off dry, delicate and soft; honeysuckle, lychee, and just a hint of muscat. Borealis is a favourite with spicy dishes; try it with a Goan curry, or chana masala.

1 x 2018 Petite Milo

Have we told you how much we love Petite Milo? I’m sure we have! Beaufort’s single varietal Petite Milo is defined by captivating green aromatics; nettle, rhubarb and gooseberry. Grassy and fresh. This medium-bodied wine is dry, although it maintains just a hint of natural sweetness. We recommend serving it alongside some cauliflower floret fritters, topped with a gochujang and tofu drizzle.

1 x 2018 Vintner’s Reserve Ortega

100% Ortega fermented and aged in French oak for a little more texture (and a slightly softer mouthfeel) than the stainless steel version above. Classic Ortega aromas prevail, with a little roasted pineapple to boot. Dry. Ideal with butternut squash ravioli.

1 x 2018 Zephra

Bubbles! A traditional method sparkler made with estate grown Ortega. Enjoy the subtle stone fruit and almond aromas in this crisp, dry, Champagne-style wine. Zephra is a great sipper all by itself, but you should really try pairing it with french fries and mushroom gravy.

1 x Vermouth

A special addition to the Beaufort line up; this off-dry Italian-style white vermouth is perfect for cocktails, but ideal as an aperitif all by itself. Serve over ice (perhaps with a splash of tonic or soda), and a lemon twist. This is NOT your granny’s vermouth. Wormwood for structure and moderate bitterness, with resinous herbs and lemon lending lively citrus notes.

1 x 2019 Ortega

Our current vintage Ortega is a wine perfectly suited to the coast. Expect delicate flavours of mango and melon, and a captivating aromatic profile of tropical fruits and citrus. Our cool ocean climate provides a twist of minerality and a beautifully balanced acidity in this dry white wine. Fermented in stainless steel. An ideal partner to most west coast dishes.

1 x 2016 Franc Merlot

This classic blend of Cab Franc and Merlot, grown in Oliver and Naramata, is a robust, dry wine with aromas of cinnamon, coffee and ripe red currants. Aged in French and American oak barrels. Kirsch on the palate, with an almost savoury finish suggesting marjoram and cedar. Medium tannins. Pairs with hearty dishes.

1 x 2018 Pinot Noir

A brand new release! We used 100% Vancouver Island grown fruit for our first ever single varietal red Pinot. In the glass, it’s more deep pink than red. The nose is all cherry cola, and cranberries, and those red toffee-dipped apples at Halloween. On the palate, Island acidity is a jovial counterpart to huckleberry, cranberry and clove. Some fine silky tannins add texture & just a little weight on the finish, balancing an otherwise bright mouthfeel. Aged in premium French oak barrels for 16 months. This is a Pinot to pair; try it with wild mushrooms or cedar plank salmon.

1 x 2018 Ça Beautage

Ça Beautage is a blend of 100% Beaufort-grown varieties; Marechal Foch & Leon Millot. An expressive and fresh wine with aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant. Black fruit on the palate too, finishing with smoky plum. Intense garnet in colour, with soft tannins and an acidity that does not belie our cool coastal climate. Aged in neutral American oak barrels. Enjoy Ça Beautage in its youth, alongside mushroom risotto.

October 5, 2020 By Katie Phelan in tasting room events, things to do in courtenay, winery news, wine education Comments Off

Private Virtual Tastings in December 2020

We are very excited to offer virtual wine tastings in December 2020. Enjoy a private guided tasting in the comfort of your own home over Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual tastings are possible in all provinces that allow direct to consumer wine shipments from BC. We can also host a tasting for multiple households simultaneously; if you are unable to get together with your friends and family in real life this holiday season, we can help… all for the love of Vancouver Island wine!

Here’s how it works:

Head to our online store to preorder your wine selection for delivery (6 bottles minimum). If you have friends and family in other houses/provinces who want in on the action, let them know what bottles to order and we’ll ship tout suite. Live locally? You can also pick up from our store on our open days in December.
Once you’ve purchased your bottles, contact Katie (katie@beaufortwines.ca) to secure your preferred date and time for your virtual tasting. Katie will then send you a Zoom or Google Meet invite.
On the day of your tasting, the choice of what to open is yours! A winery representative will host your tasting, guiding you through 1-5 wines (again, the choice of how many bottles to open is entirely up to you). Assemble your family (or your friend bubble) in the comfort of your own home with bottles, glassware, and your favourite wine snacks. At the elected time, we’ll call in and guide you merrily through your chosen tasting bottles.

While our wine store WILL be open on three weekends in December, we will NOT be hosting tastings on-site. Virtual tastings will last a maximum of 1 hour (depending on the number of wines tasted). Please ensure you have downloaded (and tested!) the appropriate meeting app. A good internet connection, that is capable of supporting video, is essential. Virtual tastings are FREE – all wine orders placed between October 15th & December 20th (6 bottle minimum shipment) can opt to add-on a virtual tasting. Virtual tasting appointments are limited. T&Cs apply.

July 17, 2020 By Katie Phelan in tasting room events, things to do in courtenay Comments Off

The Farmer’s Kitchen Food Truck

The Farmer’s Kitchen Food Truck will be at the winery on August 1st and 2nd. This is a first foray into food truckery at Beaufort and we are so lucky to have Chef James and his team showcase the very best local produce from farms and market gardens in the Comox Valley. With a focus on fresh and vibrant vegetable-based dishes, The Farmer’s Kitchen Food Truck is just that––a celebratory seasonal kitchen that seeks to support small scale growers, makers and farmers in our region. Hurrah!

The Food truck will be on site from noon until 8pm on Saturday August 1st; and from noon until 5pm on Sunday August 2nd. If you have a tasting booked for either day, we invite you to stay a little longer in the picnic area after your tasting, grab a bite from the truck and purchase a bottle from our store to enjoy on the lawn. If you don’t have a tasting booked, you are welcome to visit nonetheless! The picnic area is available for you too!

This is a rain or shine event so come prepared for all weather. Bring a picnic blanket or your own favourite camping chair. We will be carefully watching our capacity limits to ensure all physical distancing rules are met––it may be necessary to limit numbers in our picnic area.

WHAT: The Farmer’s Kitchen Food Truck
WHEN: Saturday August 1st, from noon until 8pm (YES! A late night opening for this special event!)
AND
Sunday August 2nd, from noon until 5pm

SOME NOTES: Whether you have a tasting booked or not, The Farmer’s Kitchen Food Truck is open to serve you some fresh and tasty dishes in take-out format. Tuck in on the lawn at Beaufort, or take some goodies home with you. Either way, we’ll have chilled bottles for you to purchase from our winery store. No outside alcohol is permitted.

COVID PRECAUTIONS
We are still physically distancing. We have lots of room at Beaufort so please keep 2m from staff and other guests. We will have a greeter onsite both days to ensure staff and guest safety. This is an outdoor event, but we will be keeping an eye on capacity numbers to ensure adherence to the provincial health order governing gatherings. You can view our full COVID safety plan on our here.

June 11, 2020 By Katie Phelan in tasting room events, things to do in courtenay Comments Off

Getting our groove back

We know you have missed being able to enjoy a picnic at Beaufort, so we are delighted to tell you that our picnic area will be open again from Friday June 12th. We are so grateful to our guests for helping us navigate recent challenges; with your help we have swiftly and safely adjusted to a tasting by appointment model. Thank you!

Our guests are once again welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn after a tasting. We can sell wine by the bottle, and provide all glasses and an ice bucket (if necessary). Feel free to bring a picnic blanket and/or your own camping chair as we may not always have enough garden furniture, especially during busier times. Please note that our picnic area is entirely en plein air––there is no covered area in the event of rain (or very hot sun!).

May 8, 2020 By Katie Phelan in tasting room events, things to do in courtenay, winery news Comments Off

NEW VINTAGE RELEASE

Our new vintage wines! It’s a pretty good looking line up don’t you think?

We’re having to do things a little differently this year. But we are still going to make it fun! Pre-order your selection for pick up during our DRIVE-THRU VINTAGE RELEASE. You can access a pre-order form here.

Our brand new vintage (and brand new labels!) will be released on Saturday May 16th 2020. Pre-order and prepay for your selection, then swing by the winery between noon and 5pm on May 16th for pick up. No need to leave your vehicle! Delivery is also possible. See order form for details.

We know that you love having a wee taste on vintage release day, but that isn’t possible right now. Tasting rooms, as with bars and restaurants in BC, remain closed due to COVID-19. We truly cannot wait to see you at the bar again soon—we will let you know as soon as we are able to pour.

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