[Duncan, BC] Blue Grouse Estate Winery, located in the Cowichan Valley sub-GI, is working with the community in many ways, to celebrate the bounty of the harvest and the fall season.
The winery team is currently in the midst of celebrating its 30th commercial harvest, helping celebrate National Seafood Month and wild Pacific halibut, and setting out plans for a range of onsite activities where the community can gather.
Celebrating Harvest
Blue Grouse Winery celebrated the kick-off to its 30th commercial harvest on its 65-acre property on Lakeside Road in early October.
Since October is National Seafood Month, the team at Blue Grouse carried out a fun collaboration with the Pacific Halibut Management Association (PHMA) where a commercial fisherman visited the winery and helped Blue Grouse workers harvest grapes. Added to this, Blue Grouse winemaker Bailey Williamson, who has a previous career as a chef, then went into the kitchen to cook alongside guest Tiare Boyes, a 2nd generation wild Pacific halibut fisherman and Marine Stewardship Council Ambassador based in Comox.
Williamson cooked some wine-paired dishes: Wild Pacific Halibut Cheek Green Curry Soup paired to the Quill Frizzante; Pan Seared Wild Pacific Halibut Filets with Tomatoes and Garlic paired to Blue Grouse Pinot Gris and Roasted Wild Pacific Halibut Collars paired to Quill Q White.
See this link for the recipes to try at home: Blue Grouse Wild Pacific Halibut Recipe Collection.
“The wine pairs so well with wild Pacific halibut,” said Boyes. “I also learned today that there are a lot of similarities between farming and fishing. I loved sharing stories, experiences, and our overall passion for sustainability with Bailey and his team during our visit.”
Wild Pacific halibut is in season and fished commercially along the coast of British Columbia from March until December. BC’s commercial halibut fishery was established in the 1880s and Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards on Vancouver Island. Each operation is a family-run small business and a way of life for each family. They share the ethos of being proud stewards of the merroir and terroir, with 100% commitment to sustainability to ensure this bounty can be shared for generations to come.
More Seasonal Celebrations at Blue Grouse
Chardonnay Release – November 1
Cheers to our first release of 100% Cowichan Valley Chardonnay. This cool climate-grown grape presents complex notes of minerality, tension from the acidity, and creaminess from barrel aging. Available for tasting during November and December or until it sells out.
Sip & Shop – November 12
From 2-5 pm, grab a glass of wine and shop at the Blue Grouse tasting room. Stock up for all your entertaining and gifting needs by supporting local this year. Check the Blue Grouse website for more details
The Trail of Lights Returns to the Cowichan – November 26-27
Local wineries and farms are lighting up to celebrate the holidays. From 3pm -7pm each day enjoy wines and shop local farms on this self-guided tour of twinkling lights and tasty delights. At Blue Grouse you can enjoy mulled wine, winetasting and check out the local artisan products in stock for the holiday season.
Anticipated New Releases To Scoop Up – December 1st
For the wine lover in your life (or yourself) save the date for when the Blue Grouse Pinot Noir and Black Muscat Fortified return.
The Blue Grouse Estate Pinot Noir, with its flavours of raspberry and black cherry, that marry to a layer of spice and a long warm finish, is a critic favourite – with the last vintage landing 91 points. Only 300 cases are made, and they sell quickly.
As the only known producer of Black Muscat in Canada, the team at Blue Grouse was looking for ways to better expose its unique characteristics. The winemaking team felt the aromatics would lend themselves nicely to a rich, warm, Port-style wine that would be the perfect finish to a meal and pair nicely with ripe cheese and nuts. This is a very special and rare wine, with only 35 cases made. Don’t miss out.
Bring the Team for a Tasting
As the Cowichan community looks ahead to the holiday season and the ability to gather in groups, the team at Blue Grouse suggests that corporate teams book a group tasting at the winery. Enjoy the cozy surroundings of the season and sip local… a great way to celebrate the holidays. Book today with Pamela at tastingroom@bluegrouse.ca
Give the Gift of Local Wine
Valued clients, colleagues and friends will appreciate Blue Grouse and Quill wines from the Cowichan Valley.
The Blue Grouse winery team offers free local delivery, complimentary gift wrapping, case discounts and free shipping on 12+ bottles within BC. Place your orders today.
Holiday Hours
Plan your visit! The tasting room is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Book your visit up to December 24 before the holiday closure from December 25 to Jan 2.
About Blue Grouse Estate Winery
Blue Grouse is a family-owned winery in the Cowichan Valley Sub-GI on Vancouver Island, with a commitment to stewardship. The idea is that the team leaves everything we touch better than it was when they found it.
The lineup of wines is offered under the Blue Grouse and Quill labels from sustainably farmed estate-grown vines, as well as from partner grape growers. Quill wines, part of the Blue Grouse family, are fresh, approachable, and made to be enjoyed with friends.
Varietal wines include Ortega, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, as well as a traditional method sparkling wine, “Paula” named after the owners’ daughter, and on occasion small lot of experimental wines. The wines are bright, crisp, and well-balanced, showcasing where they are grown.
The winery and surrounding vineyard are an awarded, sought-after destination. Visit this celebrated winery by booking your appointment to enjoy cool climate wines or tasting flights with cheese or charcuterie, and take in the surrounding views of nature and vines. Book online here.
For information on Blue Grouse wines see – Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Quill new releases