– by Doreen Marion Gee –
This is part of a rotating series of articles on members of Sidney Meet Up, featuring people in business on the Saanich Peninsula.
Peninsula U-Brew Winery staff always knew that the product from their kits was a wine-lover’s dream. With recent changes to liquor regulations, they are delighted that a wider audience will enjoy the wondrous and luscious liquid created by their wine kits. They could be part of a new wave of respect for their profession.
The owners of Peninsula U-Brew Winery, Maureen Bifford and Stan Roberts, believe that the wines from their kits are comparable to the finest retail products. Their secret is premium quality juice from Winexpert, their parent company. According to winexpert.com, they “source high quality grape juice and concentrate from the world’s best wine regions.” Maureen is over the moon about new liquor licensing policies where wine from her kits will please a larger number of palates.
As of June 2014, updated policies in the “Special Occasion Licence Policy Manual” of B.C.’s Liquor Control and Licensing Branch regarding “Sources of Liquor” state that: “All liquor used at an event under a special occasion licence must be either purchased by the SOL holder from an LDB approved outlet or donated by a manufacturer or agent. The exception is that the host of a family special occasion may serve beer, cider or wine manufactured in a residence or at a licensed Ubrew” but they cannot sell it. A “family special occasion” is defined as a “private event that is attended by family and friends only (not open to the public) and which celebrates an aspect of family life.” The host of the event must obtain a “Family Event – Special Occasion Licence.” Examples of family events are weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Before the policy update, the wine made from kits could not be poured at any large event. The new development expands the Biffords’ business in many ways. When large numbers of guests at a wedding enjoy the exquisite high-end wine made with Peninsula U-Brew Winery kits, their elation will spread the message far and wide. Before the new rules, only customers who bought wine kits at the winery – and perhaps a few friends and family – were witness to the beautiful final wine. But now non-customers may be converted as large gatherings of people taste succulent elixirs produced through wine kits from Peninsula U-Brew Winery. Could wine kits finally be getting their day in the sun?
The delectable results from Peninsula U-Brew’s wine-making kits are already gracing wedding tables. The Biffords will be showcasing their fare at Bridal Exhibition 2016, January 17th at Pearkes Rec Centre. With more wines from kits available to larger numbers of consumers, will the industry finally get the respect it deserves? Stay tuned to find out.
Contact: www.peninsulaubrewwinery.com.
