Summer has officially hit, and it hit with a bang. Our tractor broke down, and unfortunately we are still waiting on the parts, but we do what it takes to get the job done, and that’s where our 1948 Willy’s jeep came in. It’s loud, sounds like a fire truck, and not so environmental friendly, however it’s what had to be done.
There is lots of work in the vineyard to do. We are pulling out some hefty weeds after the rainy spring we had, and getting ready to put the first wire up. The chickens are loving all of the bugs that come along with the weeds. We have 12 new hens that have joined the family. The first couple of weeks, they watched the elders and didn’t leave the coop much. Now they are as happy as can be, free ranging and following the others into the vineyard.
Lots of landscaping has been done around the grounds to host the busy season ahead.
In May we released our first Rose vintage. 100% Merlot. It’s a dry style, super refreshing, and perfect for the patio days. We hope to see you here……

Happy Tasting!

Next week on August 8th we are releasing our 2015 Bastion Blanc white blend, our 2015 Ortega, as well as the release of the long awaited Cabernet Sauvignon 2014.
Stop by the tasting room next week and pick some up!

Ingredients:

2 heaping cups of spinach
1 large bunch of cilantro
1/2 cup walnuts
1 cup olive oil(approx)
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano, grated
1-2 tsp salt
grated pepper-a few really good cracks

Blend ingredients together roughly, and serve as a spread for crackers, or on a nice slice of rustic bread. Also great on pizza! Enjoy!

The Ultimate warm your belly!

1 bottle Millstone Merlot
4 half sticks of cinnamon
1 orange cut into 4 quarters
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3 all spice(whole)
7 cloves(whole)
6 tsp brown sugar. Add more sugar to your liking. Maple Syrup is a really nice addition. Add to taste.
Optional: Star Anise, ginger.
Add all ingredients to a saucepan on low heat. Heat slowly to 80 degrees Celsius.
SERVE HOT.
GARNISH WITH A SPRIG OF ROSEMARY, CRANBERRIES, OR POMEGRANATES.
Enjoy!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!!

1.) Decanter
The best advice is to buy something that is easy to clean, if your using it often.

2.) A good set of Burgundy glasses
If you’re into reds, then Reidel makes a good set to really get your swirl on.

3.) The world atlas of wine 7th Edition
Every wine lover’s bible

4.) Bicycle wine rack
If you like both wine and biking then this is the perfect gift.

5.) Bottle shock movie
This is an all-time favorite of mine, and I am sure you’ll love it as well.

6.) 2 awesome wines for $40
Millstone 2014 Pinot Gris, Millstone 2013 Merlot- a good red for the first use in the decanter

7.) A good sturdy wine tote

And if your looking for one of these made locally, Helen from Reclothe Nanaimo makes some really great tote bags made from recycled materials.
Check out some of her stuff…
http://reclothe.me/

-The winery is available for corporate or casual functions accommodating 10 to 100 people. Book the entire space or a few tables.

-If you would like to include a wine tasting reception in the Millstone tasting room, please let us know ahead of time.

-Parties of 20 or more receive 10% off bottled wine purchases.

-Parties of at least 50 people may rent the entire Winery at a cost of $300. Hours are limited

-Catering is available through a private caterer. Simply let us know what you’re looking for.

-Millstone also does custom house made Charcuterie plates.

-Additional beverage options are available. Please call to discuss.

-There is $50 cleanup fee charged to parties of 20 or more.

-We also offer off-site wine tasting, whether it be at your business, private home, or wherever you’re planning to host your event.

Let us help you get into the Christmas Spirit!

If you are anything like me, then you likely have lots of wine corks hanging around. Don’t throw those guys out
Here are 5 fun ways to re-use them…..

1. Cork Magnets

http://blog.lot18.com/2013/05/how-to-make-cork-magnets/

2. Cork Knives

http://yarnigras.blogspot.ca/2011/07/ironcraft-28-and-recipe.html

3. Cork Key chain

http://www.morningcreativity.com/diy-cork-key/

4. Cork stamps

http://blog.freepeople.com/2013/06/diy-3-ways-reuse-wine-corks/

5. Cork Succulents

http://dutchplum.blogspot.ca/2013/08/succulent-cork-starts.html

Find us this year at Island Roots Market! A Year-round Indoor Farmers & Artisans Market
Every Wednesday 3 to 6 PM at Pleasant Valley Hall,
6100 Doumont Road Nanaimo.

We celebrated our Thanksgiving early this year, with our family, friends,and staff, so on whichever day you are celebrating with your family or friends, we wish you Happy Thanksgiving!
Our turkey was roasted in the Wood-Fired oven (this is the new Millstone Winery tradition) and everyone brought a dish. Potatoes, brussel sprouts,stuffing, my new favorite cream corn, cranberry sauce,pumpkin pie etc. We paired this with the 2014 Pinot Gris, and it was unreal!
We are Thankful for our great harvest this year, and everyone that worked hard to get us there. A big thanks goes to all of our volunteers.