With Valentine’s Day just a couple weeks away, we’ve partnered with some phenomenal B.C.-based businesses to share some ideas for special surprises to send to your special someone.
Here are some locally-produced gifts that your Valentine will love to receive (and that you’ll love to give).
WINE VIKINGS
Photo: Wine Vikings.
For a gift that keeps on giving all year long, treat your sweetie with a membership to Vancouver’s brand new wine club!
Wine Vikings is a wine subscription club that delivers the greatest B.C. and international wines right to your doorstep. Each quarter, members will receive a box of six exclusive sommelier-approved wines — including local gems and hard-to-find bottles — handpicked by some of the top wine experts from Vancouver’s restaurant scene.
The first box — to be released this March — has been vetted (and sipped) by Chambar's Kelcie Jones and includes a Semillon wine from the Okanagan Valley, a red blend from the Dolomites in Italy, and more.
Those who sign up for a Wine Vikings Wine Club quarterly subscription at winevikings.com will be automatically entered for a chance to win a curated appy and wine pairing experience for two with the acclaimed Sommelier Kelcie Jones at Chambar, valued at $250.
To learn more and subscribe, visit winevikings.com.
FLEURS D'EPARGNE
Photo: Fleurs D'epargne.
When you want to give a gift that lasts, flowers may wilt to the bottom of your list. But what if we told you there’s a local floral company that specializes in flowers that will survive for not only a couple of weeks, but a couple of YEARS?
Fleurs D’epargne, which translates into “the saving flowers”, specializes in real preserved floral arrangements that require no water, sunlight, or maintenance. Having undergone a special treatment process, these flowers will keep their natural and vibrant form for up to three years. These arrangements make perfect gifts throughout the seasons and for any occasion!
Their team of florists encourage customization when it comes to creating floral arrangements and other gifts. Whether it’s an eternity or fresh arrangement, the florists can put together something special whilst allowing you to have full reign in selecting between options such as rose colours, customized design, and packaging.
Through their newly launched company, Fleur Fiore Supply — teamed with fresh floral company, House of Fiori — you will be able to find contemporary floral and craft supplies, including an array of fresh or dried floral products, luxury home decor pieces, and more.
Fleurs D’epargne offers delivery along with free pick-up from their three retail locations, located at:
- Metrotown Mall in Burnaby
- Guildford Town Centre in Surrey
- 108-8410 Ontario St. in Vancouver
Fleurs D’epargne is currently offering a 15-25% sitewide sale for a limited time only. For more info, visit fleursdepargne.com.
MARQUIS WINE CELLARS
Photo: Getty Images.
Located on Davie Street, Marquis Wine Cellars carries special, unique, and impressive wines — from red to white, to sparkling and fine — along with other spirits that your Valentine will love to sip and savour.
As Vancouver’s premiere wine store, Marquis specializes in seeking out and sourcing premium wines in all price ranges. Their collection of wines that are 100% exclusive to Marquis, with bottles hailing from Châteaus, Domaines, and Bodegas, are not found anywhere else in B.C. — such as the Weingut Stadt Krems 2019 Riesling Steinterrassen from the vineyards of Austria and the versatile Ettore Germano 2019 Dolcetto d'Alba "Lorenzino" from Piedmont, Italy.
With a generous stock of organic and biodynamic wines, Marquis has the whole market of unique wine selections covered. One of the top sellers — the Cono Sur 2018 Pinot Noir — is an organic, full-bodied wine that combines the best of a red wine and a white wine. Aromatically intense and flavourful, yet silky and seductive, this Pinot Noir will set a romantic tone for your Valentine’s Day.
For an exquisite treat, gift your sweetheart with a bottle of the delicate, nuanced and polished Dom Ruinart 2007 Rosé. Laced with sweet floral notes, mint, spice, and red berries, this rosé is airy and gracious in feel, with sublime aromatic intensity and exceptional balance.
Shipping is available throughout B.C. For more info, visit their online wine store at marquis-wines.com.
TERMINAL CITY BREWING
Photo: Terminal City Brewing.
For an activity both you and your Valentine will enjoy, try making your own wine, cider, or beer with Terminal City Brewing!
TCB's U-Brew license allows you to be hands-on in bottling your perfect batch together. You don't need to have any prior experience or knowledge about home brewing, as the experts at Terminal City Brewing will be there to help guide you through the steps to handcraft your personal batch.
And since your individual brew will be for your own use, you'll also avoid commercial liquor taxes saving you a bundle.
Not only will you have a memorable bonding opportunity with your partner, you'll also have a personalized treat to commemorate your experience together!
For more info, visit tcbrewing.com/via.
