Supporting Local
There have been countless posts, stories and suggestions about supporting local companies to help them stay open. Since we call BC our ‘home’ but are staying in Winnipeg, our original ‘home’, we have been interested in finding ways that we can shop local to support both.

BC Wineries
It is no surprise that we like BC wine. One of our Okanagan favourites sent out an email last week offering free Canadian shipping. Bingo. We get a case of wine that we like delivered direct to Winnipeg and get to support a small family owned and managed winery built on family land in West Kelowna. We had no problem selecting 12 bottles. We ordered on a Friday night and the case arrived at 9am Thursday morning.

Volcanic Hills Winery
Our case consisted of 4 Gamay Noir, 2 Magma Red, 2 Pinot Noir, 1 Eruption, 1 Cabernet Franc, 1 Merlot and 1 Rose, all of which we have had in the past. We actually have not had a wine from Volcanic Hills that we would not have again and when compared to other local wineries their pricing is very reasonable. We did not purchase any white this time, but we have tired all the whites before as well. It’s just that when you are stuck in 2 feet of snow and locked inside, a case of red seems more appropriate. 🍷 😊

We will write some specific wine blogs as we open each bottle but for now here are the two that we have posted previously.
Volcanic Hills Eruption (Red)
Volcanic Hills Magma White

No Walmart Please
The point of this blog is not about wine reviews but about how to support smaller, local businesses and not rely on Walmart and Amazon (unless absolutely needed). Please don’t go to the government liquor store and buy wine from the US or other countries. Firstly, you should not be going out anyway. Secondly, there are all kinds of terrific local wineries you can support.

BC Local
If you don’t have a favorite winery to order from already Drinks List liquor agency is partnering with several wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries in BC to help support them. For every case of wine, beer, and cider sold to restaurants, the program partners will donate funds to organizations that support hospitality workers in need. A $12 donation will be made for each case of wine shipped to restaurants, as well as a $6 donation for each case of cider or beer. Read the full story here.

While this program is not available for individuals to support the hospitality industry as of yet, we hope that a program like it will be soon. Either way the wineries on the list are good choices for your support.

Winnipeg Local
Wine is not made in Winnipeg (at least as far as we know), but Tourism Winnipeg is keeping an up to date list of restaurants that are offering take-out and delivery options. We suggest delivery so you don’t have to go out in the snow! With the changes to liquor laws in most provinces, you can also get wine, beer, spirits and lattes to accompany your meal. We will be ordering from this list next week.

Click here for the Winnipeg listing.

If you must stay inside, which you must, you might as well find a few ways to enjoy it! And at the same time support some smaller businesses while you are at it.

We, Jeff and Tara Ciecko of CK Golf write two blogs, one is our 19th Hole Blog where we share personal experiences and the other an Industry Blog where we comment on general business and internet marketing best practices, sales strategies and give golf industry related opinions. We have owned CK Golf  for 11 years and provide business services to the golf and other industries. As of July 31, 2016 our life and our business became ‘location independent’. Our 19th Hole Blog is about the places we visit and the things we do. If you have any questions or comments, or happen to be in the same location as us please reach out and contact us anytime.