Experience the brilliance of our ‘Kootenay Makers’ with invigorating sip & savour experiences, expertly crafted just for you. Elevate your visit to the Kootenays with a visit to our breweries, cideries, distilleries, meadery and wineries. And, make your taste buds dance!
ANGRY HEN BREWING
Shirley Warne is not just an owner and lead brewer at Angry Hen Brewing in Kaslo, she’s a luminary in the BC brewing landscape. From modest beginnings with a passion for homebrewing, she transitioned to a remarkable career fostering start-ups and advising breweries all over Canada. The number of today’s brewers that sprouted laboriously under her instruction before she established her core at Angry Hen Brewing is astounding.
At Angry Hen, excellence and sustainability drive their mission, utilizing only the finest locally produced ingredients for the brewing process. The connection with local farmers ensures them to incorporate native fruits into their specialty brews and sustainably cut down on waste by supplying leftover grains to area farmer’s livestock. They are proud of their dynamic, mostly women team members at Angry Hen leading the charge in brewing, pouring, and operational tasks. Their dedication is what crafts the perfect pint!
BACKROAD BREWING COMPANY
Backroads Brewing Co. champions a robust active lifestyle and high-quality experiences in nature as we genuinely resonate with our consumer base. As part of our commitment to these values, they actively support organizations advocating for conservation and issues that align with the passions and needs of our outdoors-loving audience.
Their powerhouse founding team consists of Brent Malysh, the CEO, who has been instrumental in shaping their direction; Tracey Brown, who bolstered our operations with her financial expertise; and Mike Kelly, the Brew Master, who infuses creativity, knowledge, and spirit into every batch he brews. Together, they are the fearless force behind Backroads Brewing Co., rooted in the mountain community of Nelson and committed to leaving an unforgettable impact.
MONASHEE SPIRITS
At Monashee Spirits in Revelstoke, they are one of very few certified organic distilleries in Canada, harnessing all of our ingredients from within a mere 125 kilometres. They actively foster relationships with local organic farmers, creating a mutually beneficial partnership. Boasting a self-sustained rooftop apiary, they cleverly incorporate their personal honey yield into the distilling process. Monashee’s signature Ethos gin is a testament to local flavours – it’s diligently crafted using locally sourced juniper, huckleberries, spruce tips, and wildflowers. And, their top-selling Big Mountain Creamer showcases their innovation, featuring the local Stoke Roasted Coffee in its delicious blend.
Jennifer and Josh McLafferty (owners) embarked on a new adventure in Revelstoke. Seizing the opportunity in the face of fate, they unearthed a homemade copper still, from Josh’s welding venture, and crafted their first spiced rum. This new venture would be their new journey. Today, they are industry-leading artisans, relentlessly creating bespoke cocktails and award-winning spirits for your indulgence.
RED BIRD ESTATE WINERY
Remi and Shannon Cardinal, the dynamic duo behind Red Bird, embarked on a resourceful six-year scout, covering grounds from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. Their well-guided instincts firmly identified the Creston Valley as the next big thing in the wine community. Mirroring their surname ‘Cardinal’, the insightful name choice, Red Bird, stands testament to their forward-thinking journey.
Creston Valley thrives with a climate that undeniably bolsters the rapidly flourishing winery industry. Their vineyard sprawls across 1.2 hectares (three acres), with the Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer commandeering the largest blocks. And, lesser-known but impressively performing blocks of Schönburger and Kerner – proving their robust versatility and unfailing quality.
Unveiled in 2023 was their extraordinary pear and apple cider! Bolstered by last year’s resounding success with their ‘neighbourhood cider’, they are upping their game this year. Sourcing premium pears and apples from our neighbouring heritage trees, they crafted two uniquely dry and crisply refreshing ciders to quench your thirst!
SOUL MOUNTAIN WINES
Trevor and Lora Miller confidently seized the opportunity to advance their journey at the heart of the Columbia River valley – with the purchase in 2020 of the expansive 8.4 hectare (21-acre) vineyard in Trail. Soul Mountain Wines is the newest addition to the vibrant Kootenays vineyard scene.
Boasting a rich variety of red varietals – the robust Pinot Noir and the vibrant Gamay, their vineyard stands proudly. In terms of white variations, the zesty Riesling and the smooth Chardonnay thrive remarkably on their land. Additionally, they cultivate an exclusive touch of Siegerrebe, the addition of which refined the unique balance of our Piquette.
The vineyard located in the abundant mineral-rich soils of Trail, crafts distinct and truly mouth-watering wines. From the meticulously nurtured four kinds of grapes, they create a variety of wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, a classy Still Rosé, a spectrum of sparkling blend Rosés, and their unique creation – the Piquette blend (Vintner’s Blend).
TAYNTON BAY SPIRITS
In 2019, Taynton Bay Spirits, in Invermere, confidently took to the stage and impressed the business titans on Dragons’ Den, nailing an agreement with elite entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson. This victory only fuels our relentless drive to craft the most exclusive and supreme tasting spirits on the market.
Lead entrepreneurs, Justin Atterbury and Steve Kuffler, boldly redefine the spirits industry with their exquisite creation that prides on no artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners. Their all-natural vodka, a true reflection of superiority, won a gold medal as the ‘best in show by country’ at the prestigious 2023 London Spirits Competition. Proudly standing as one of the finest vodkas from Canada and North America.
From a quartet of adventurous spirits to their innovative, ready-to-pour tea infused cocktails – they stand prepared to heighten your celebration experience.
