It’s June and that means two things on the Saanich Peninsula: the Peninsula Country Market opens and June strawberries have arrived – the long wait for REAL strawberries is finally over! The large, red, juicy Peninsula berries are a seasonal favourite throughout the capital region at farm gates and farmers’ markets, and we’re happy to welcome you to our market to buy this early summer delight. Did you know that strawberries were once known as “strewberries” because the berries appear to be strewn among the plant’s leaves? Then farmers started bringing them to market on beds of straw…
The market is also a stop on the Victoria Wine Trail as local wineries and cideries visit us throughout the market season. Come by the market and sample local wines and purchase a bottle (or two) to take home for dinner. Does a morning market seem an odd time to taste wine? Not so! Many tasting rooms open up in the morning because your palate is fresher early in the day. And while you’re here, buy fresh ingredients for a special summer weekend dinner featuring local wines plus just-picked veggies and locally-raised meats, like beef from Duncan Reimer of Boughneath Farm, lamb from Lorea Tomsin of Olde Country Registered Sheep, or maybe salmon from Captain Pete.
On Saturday June 20 you can combine the best of both at the Market, a partner in the Strawberries and Wine Festival (www.flavourtrails.com). Buy fresh-picked strawberries, enjoy special strawberry treats prepared by our awesome bakers and sample local wines paired with strawberry delights. For a complete description of activities, hours and locations, visit the festival webpage.
The 2015 Peninsula Country Market season opens Saturday, June 6 in Pioneer Park in Brentwood Bay, part of the Brentwood Bay Festival. The market returns to its regular location at the Saanich Fairgrounds the following Saturday (June 13) with music from Chick Wagon. And a reminder that the market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through to Thanksgiving, rain or shine, except for the weekend of the historic Saanich Fair. For more information about what’s happening, visit the market website at www.peninusacountrymarket.ca.
