
I scream, you scream, we all scream for…
If you make this for a Halloween party, there are lots of ways to set it up.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
If you don’t already listen to podcasts, this post will hopefully encourage you to give them a try. I feel like I’m a little late to the game on this one, but over the Summer I discovered and fell in love with them. Looking for something I could listen to while getting things done after the kids go to bed, I came across a few that I’ve been enjoying for the past few months. I’ve always loved reading but some days picking up a book just isn’t in the cards and podcasts have been a great way to help me unwind at the end of the day.
The first podcast I checked out was Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert after a friend recommended an episode to me, and after that I was hooked. Not knowing where to go from there I looked up ones for a positive mindset and had Jay Shetty pop up in my search results. His podcast, On Purpose, has become one of my favourites- it gets me thinking and reflecting, sometimes leading me to grab a pen to scribble down some of the wisdom shared in an episode. Since first digging in over the Summer I’ve only just scratched the surface (again, I know I’m a latecomer to the world of podcasts!), but I’m really enjoying them and always on the hunt to discover new ones to love.
If podcasts are one of those things you’ve been unsure of or haven’t made the time to check out, there are a few reasons you might want to give them a try, see below!
A little while ago I asked for reader’s favourites on Facebook (you can see that post here) and have since added a few more to my list to check out. Just like my ever-growing reading list, it’s going to take a while to go through all the ones I want to listen to, but with cozy days ahead I think the timing is perfect.
–Young House Love (‘HGTV for podcasts’ according to the reader who suggested it)
I’m looking forward to checking these out and hopefully finding some new podcasts to listen to. Which brings me to the question…
Whether you’re new to the world of podcasts like me or a seasoned listener, I’d love to hear what podcasts you love and would recommend. Comment with yours below!
Photo credit: Melanie Pongratz via Unsplash
I’m going to start this post by saying that photos are not enough to convey how beautiful Blue Grouse Estate Winery is. Wine lover or not, it is somewhere that deserves a place on your bucket list. To visit Blue Grouse Estate Winery is to enjoy a piece of Vancouver Island that appeals to all senses, and whether you prefer a glass of white or red, you won’t leave disappointed. Thanks to my friend Janette of Ava to Zoe, we recently enjoyed a 2-night girls trip to Vancouver Island, which included a night at the property and I’m sharing about our experience below.
When you first arrive at Blue Grouse Estate Winery– located in Duncan on Vancouver Island- you enter a large door that leads to an open space tasting room that overlooks the vines. Inside and out, it’s a breathtaking location that makes the wine-bearing landscape the star of the show. Whether you come for the afternoon to enjoy a wine tasting or spend a night at the aptly named Grouse House, you’ll find it impossible to ignore the beauty of the location.
I’m still a novice when it comes to wine and my knowledge can at best be described as ground-level, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy learning about wine, the different varieties, and how where it’s grown-the terroir– influences the wines themselves. And of course it’s important not to overlook the winemakers, the individuals who shape each variety produced, and in the case of Blue Grass Estate Winery, that would be the affable Bailey Williamson, whose passion and knowledge are contagious.
After arriving, Janette and I were introduced to Bailey who gave us a tour of the main property, the large building which houses the tasting room, gift shop area, and production area + wine cellars. Outside of the beauty of the location, this was a highlight for me and having the opportunity to speak with Bailey about his winemaking journey and methodology was fascinating. As a former chef, Bailey’s attention to the quality of what he produces is palpable and I enjoyed hearing him speak about the different varieties grown on the property and how they differ from those found in the Okanagan.
If you have a basic knowledge of wine, you’ll know that different grape varieties thrive in different climates. Since Vancouver Island has cooler temperatures than central BC, this influences the wines that are produced on the property. With the grapes grown on location, Bailey’s method is to let the terroir of the location influence the wines he produces, rather than trying to manipulate the grapes into a wine they’re not.
I enjoyed hearing Bailey speak about how he envisions the future of the winery and the wines it produces and learning about the varieties grown on the property was an engaging lesson in winemaking. Having him walk us through a variety of the wines he produces was an enjoyable way to taste the wines themselves while gaining a deeper appreciation for them. I can’t express my gratitude enough to Bailey for taking the time to show us around the property and invite us to share in his knowledge and passion.
Following the wine tasting, Janette and I got to enjoy a night in the Grouse House, a beautiful two-bedroom suite located on the property among the vines. We only stayed for one night and I think it’s safe to say we wish we could have stayed longer; nothing about this beautiful location disappoints. As a ‘bed and bottle’ retreat, this space is perfect for couples or friends looking for a scenic and tranquil getaway.
Complete with a full kitchen and eating area, this suite is modern rustic right out of your Pinterest dreams. Stay cozy inside, tucked away in one of the luxurious beds, or take a bottle of wine out onto the patio to enjoy a breathtaking view of the vineyard and surrounding landscape. It’s hard to say which is more beautiful from the patio: ending the day with a glass of wine as the sun sets, or enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the bright morning sun.
And if a little adventure is something you seek, the winery is just a short drive away from shops, restaurants, and other local attractions. Come for a tasting, or stay for a night (or two!), Blue Grouse Winery embodies everything that is beautiful about Vancouver Island. If you’re a wine lover, this place definitely deserves a place on your bucket list!
For more info about Blue Grouse Winery and the wine varieties they offer, visit their website and find them on social media: Facebook | Instagram
Looking for other travel ideas on Vancouver Island? Check out this post!
Photo credit: Janette Shearer, Ava to Zoe
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