– by Doreen Marion Gee –
This is part of a rotating series of articles on members of Sidney Meet Up Women’s Networking Group, featuring women in business on the Saanich Peninsula.
Integrity in business is Maureen Bifford’s guiding light as co-owner of her treasured Peninsula U-Brew Winery. This principle underlies everything she does. Maureen even wants to dispel some myths about the ‘you brew’ universe. My interview with her was a learning curve, opening my eyes to a world of high-quality, classy, bubbly happiness.
Maureen Bifford talks lovingly about her wine, cider and beer-making kits. She and hubby Stan Roberts own Peninsula U-Brew Winery, a local oasis for wine and beer fans. My thoughtful host wants to dispel the commonplace stereotype that “you brew” spirits are not quite as “fine” as wines made and sold by professional vintners precisely because they are “homemade” by amateurs. Firstly, not all patrons are die-hard “home-brewers.” Sometimes Peninsula “We” Brew is more applicable. Many customers want the expertise of knowledgeable winery staff who mix the ingredients for them – with patrons adding the yeast. The winery then follows all the necessary steps of fermenting and ageing. The end result is customized magic in a bottle.
We are fortunate on the Peninsula to enjoy extraordinary wines made by local licensed vintners. Maureen just wants to spread the word that her wine-making kits also produce beautiful high-class wines that dazzle the palate. Peninsula U-Brew Winery carries wine-making kits from Winexpert, who “source high quality grape juice and concentrate from the world’s best wine regions”(www.winexpert.com). According to Maureen, Winexpert is “top of the line with huge buying power all over the world.” A smiling groupie beams on the winery’s video: “The wine quality here is excellent.” Peninsula U-Brew Winery is a huge facility, giving them the capacity to make and age wine properly.
Running an ethical business, based on honesty and integrity, is vitally important to Maureen and Stan. They take pride in playing by the rules at Peninsula U-Brew Winery, following all of the proper steps. Customers who want the assistance of staff in making their product sign an affidavit verifying that they still have ownership of the wine and participated in the wine-making process by starting and finishing it – and promising not to sell the final product. This measure protects the interests of the brewery and the customer.
Maureen is excited about a new policy where “our customers can now use (but not sell) wines made with our kits at licensed events.” It’s another option for people who want to offer wine at weddings, parties and celebrations. The wines made from Peninsula U Brew Winery kits have earned multiple awards at the WineMaker magazine international competition in New York and locally at the Saanich Fair.
So try out a wine-making kit from Peninsula U-Brew Winery. The results may astound you! Contact: www.peninsulaubrewwinery.com.
