A-Life BC Travel Blog

By Holly Rose

Dear readers,

I want to thank you for the emails and feedback you send. I always enjoy your notes and questions; so much, in fact, that we have decided to create a running feature where I answer some of your questions. I invite you to ask any questions you may have related to living your best: from travel and leisure, to cuisine, lifestyle, and even a little beauty. In return, I will address your questions and hunt down professional chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, and more to bring you the best kept secrets in British Columbia.

Question:
Recently, Darlene emailed and asked me:

"I am interested in finding a kind of massage I can treat my mother to, and enjoy myself as well. My Mom always complains about feeling too sleepy after a massage and dislikes the oil used in most typical massages. I would like this to be something we can go to together as a bonding experience. Any ideas?"

By Holly Rose

A mere fortnight ago, the sun was strong and shining down with an intensity that had many of us wondering if fall would be warned off this year. And while leaves have yet to turn the brilliant shades of auburn that mark fall's glory, many of her other charms have arrived almost overnight. Upon my waking each morning I see the sun peaking up over the ocean and the islands; now they sleep with a downy comforter of fog.

The changes in temperature, in light and in weather have a very real effect on how we experience our day. Many people report feeling drained by the lack of sun. Others report feeling sleepy and less productive and connect it to the grey sky. People oversleep, crave carbohydrates and experience a lack of energy – just a few symptoms that can pop up. Of course, this isn't something everyone experiences. However, an ounce of prevention still trumps a pound of cure.

With this in mind, I have put together a Top Five list of the Best Ways to Beat Fall. You may find adding a little something to your routine now makes the span till spring much more enjoyable.  

By Holly Rose

It's one of the summer's last truly hot days. I drive down the winding back roads of Duncan's heartland, filled with rolling green pastures, fruit trees and open sky. Music spills into my window with the passing of each car. I don't think anyone can bear to have their windows up on a day like today.

It's right about then that I pull up to Alderlea Estate Vineyard. In meeting owners Roger and Nancy Dosman, I find that there is much reason in their rhyme.

Prior to 1911, the town of Duncan was known to its residents as Alderlea. The name honours both the heritage of Duncan and the place where all the grapes are harvested.

I am always intrigued to find where a person's passion rests. Even in winemakers this varies greatly; some folks have a passion for interacting with their clients and talking about their wines, others have a genuine joy for the harvesting and growing of the grapes, while others still love the little intricacies of running a vineyard.

By Holly Rose

Saison Market Vineyard is a unique concept I have never seen before. Monday to Friday, owners Ingrid and Frédéric work the vines, and on weekends, they open the bakery to the public.

The bakery is humble and heartwarming. The ingredients are local whenever possible and often organic. They have never advertised and relied solely on word of mouth. This is how I stumbled upon Saison and their fabulous baked goods and jarred jams; a rave recommendation from a friend.

By Holly Rose

During this busy time, our focus shifts from lazy summer days to circling the wagons to ready our kids for going back to school.

Some of us are readying ourselves for university or college while others are returning to a normal schedule after summer holidays. Regardless of what is on your calendar, it is likely you are busy transitioning. So with this in mind, I bring you:

My Top 5 Ways to Relax

By Holly Rose

There are few ways to get as familiar with a beverage as when we pair food with drink then savour. I think that this creates an intimacy, an understanding, and even creates the space for us to fall (just a little) in love.

It also allows for us to get a greater sense of what our palate prefers, without attaching an idea of right or wrong to it. Our taste buds are always innately accurate. When it comes to pairing cider with food, the world is your oyster.

So saddle up, and pour yourself a few glasses of Sea Cider alongside me, partner, and we can have an adventure of apple proportions (my father's sense of humour raises its head again).

Wild English - Perfect for pairing with a ploughman's lunch or aged cheddar, this bold earthy cider will please the palate with a clean, crisp finish. I find this to be a palate pleaser, with enough bite to let you know you are sipping on the bounty of the earth without being tart.(Wonderfully dry).

By Holly Rose

Located on a picturesque hillside in Saanichton, the Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse is a thing of beauty. Not only is the view from the Ciderhouse a spectacular panoramic ocean view, but the orchard trees stretch out in front, heavy with the burden of growing apples.

Some might even speculate that it is the beautiful ocean view that sweetens these apples. But one sip of cider hints at the many secrets stored in the flesh of this, the original fruit.  

By Holly Rose

I am seated in a beautiful space, feeling a little reverent. While it is true that I am one to feel a great sense of reverence for culinary delights or an excellent glass of wine, I have only arrived at Steeples Restaurant and it is the space itself that inspires these feelings.

For the last 10 years, Steeples has been satisfying its patrons with an elegant ever-changing menu and its enticing selection of local (and global) wines, ciders and beers.

Prior to being the culinary prize of Shawnigan Lake, this space was once a place of worship. One glance around Steeples Restaurant and its history is evident. Proprietor Darren Cole ensured with his renovations that the beauty of the building was showcased.

Rich exposed beams shine in the afternoon light on my visit. Most of the brunch clientele has already moved on but a few linger on the protected patio with its lovely view of Steeples' manicured grounds. In the evening the patio is often full with the breeze of BC's summer nights, never bothering those under the shelter of heat lamps.

By Holly Rose

Today is as beautiful a Saturday as I can recall. I went in search of a wine tasting from the cellars of Divino Estate Winery and found instead something a little different. More than a wine tasting, I can only describe this as a wine experience.

In years past I have found myself in the most elaborate tasting rooms, with people sniffing very carefully and swirling with great abandon. Grand rooms with interesting wines and stories to accompany them—indeed I have loved it all.

However, there is something terribly charming about this understated tasting room, with its four small walls and intimate interaction with owner Joe Busnardo.

By Holly Rose

Brilliant white light streams in from the glass ceiling at the Crystal Ballroom.

Perfect illumination for a sea of enthusiasts, arms outstretched swirling, inspecting and sipping over one hundred different British Columbia wines at Taste: Victoria's Festival of Food and Wine.

To look around is to see people immersed in their senses, tuning in to find the faintest hint of black pepper or looking for a note of raspberry. What I notice on the faces of many vintners pouring wine is akin to a proud parent, whose child has grown and matured.

In many ways British Columbia’s wines are indeed finding maturity. Ice wine was once British Columbia’s claim to wine fame, but as more vineyards have put down roots and expanded their knowledge, our province has taken its place at the table and has happily brought its own award-winning wine, cider and champagne.