Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island

$15 for 750ml bottle

Even though the weather of late would seem otherwise, it is still winter. Apples are one of the few local fruits that are available through February in BC.  Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse knows all about apples, growing organic heritage apples for their traditional, English-style ciders.  The apples in this (very coolly named!) cider however are not all grown on their oceanfront site, but from Victoria’s backyards, in partnership with LifeCycles (see below).  

Local Kings and Northern Spies make up the bulk of the blend in this gently effervescent cider.  A muted sweet pear nose leads to creamy apple, crisp pear and nutty flavours and mellow acidity. We enjoyed this with grilled pork chop and mashed yams. Bonus points for the hefty glass resealable  bottles. Website

* LifeCycles is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating awareness and initiating action around food, health, and urban sustainability in the Greater Victoria community that promotes food education. They work proactively to promote and create personal, shared and community gardens, research, and educational activities and youth skills development programs.  Every year they organize volunteers to pick unwanted tree fruits from Victoria’s backyards for use in packaged product, or to feed the lesser fortunate. Website

** and a half stars

By Treve Ring – online wine editor

WHAT OUR RATINGS MEAN

*          Basic drinkable, uncomplicated plonk

**       Good example of varietal type.  

***     Very good quality, represents the regional style/terroir, worth seeking out. Recommended

****   Exceptional, above average, top of class. Highly Recommended

***** Among the top wines in the world. Worth traveling for. What are you waiting for? Buy it right now!