A few finds from local shops that food folks on your list will love!

Drinks

Drinks sure to keep you cozy on a snowy winter’s eve.

1. Rootside Soda is made in Esquimalt, BC. One bottle of their Ginger Beer Mix makes 13 drinks; just add sparkling water! It’s made with fresh ginger, organic lemon juice and hardly any sugar. Try with hot water for ginger tea too! Order online or find a store at rootside.ca.

2. Give the gift of health that will last a lifetime. Purchase a gift certificate to attend an in-depth kombucha-making class led by Cultured Kombucha founder Christine Susut where she will share pro tips for success. Class includes a full brew-it-yourself kit! Visit culturedkombucha.ca for details and to shop online.

3. This award-winning coffee blend from French Press Roastery in Coombs will delight even the most discerning connoisseur. Roasted here on Vancouver Island, the Ethiopia Kilenso Moconissa recently won a gold medal at the Golden Bean North America. Shop online or contact them at fpcoffeeroasters.com to ask about their wholesale program.

4. Stonehouse Teas has created the Campbell River Signature Blend Tea to celebrate their community. Blending black and green tea with wild berries and spearmint, they have captured the essence of lush forests and the crisp ocean breeze. A hand-crafted soap using this tea has been added to their tea soap collection. Order online at stonehouseteas.com.

Spirits

Making spirits bright this holiday season.

1. The Canadian Single Malt Whisky 3 Yr by Arbutus Distillery in Nanaimo shines bright this year, with perfectly balanced subtle flavours that really reflect a new tradition in Canada. It is brewed and distilled using 100% B.C. grown malted barley, and aged for 3+ years in bourbon casks. Order online at arbutusdistillery.com.

2. DEVINE Spirits’ Ancient Grains Whisky is a young whisky distilled from ancient grains; British Columbia spelt, emmer, khorosan, Saanich Peninsula-grown einkorn and barley. Aged in new American oak quarter-casks, this whisky reveals warm notes of candied fruit, macadamia nut, spice and vanilla. Awarded 91.5 points in the 2019 Whisky Bible. devinevineyards.ca

3. Weinberg’s, in Buckley Bay and Qualicum Beach, has something for everyone on your list. Visit either location to see their selection of local and imported specialty food & gift items. This collection is perfect for the cocktail connoisseur–beautiful glassware and imported ingredients add a touch of class to any home bar. Weinbergsgoodfood.com

4. Krupnik Spiced Honey Liqueur from Wayward Distillery in Courtenay is an addictive blend of toasted honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, raw vanilla & citrus—“Christmas in a bottle”. It would make a lovely gift but probably won’t make it that far. Perfect in mulled wine or cider. Shop at the distillery, Island liquor stores, or online at waywarddistillery.com.

Hostess Gifts

Delicious hostess gifts for the food-lover.

1. Natural Pastures' award-winning cow or water buffalo cheese is perfect for gifts or to wow your friends at your next get-togeter. Visit their store in Courtenay M-F 9:00 to 4:00 for local products or special items like frozen Ready-to-Bake puff pastry-wrapped Comox Brie. Orders/shipping: cheese@naturalpastures.com, naturalpastures.com

2. Salt Spring Kitchen’s trio boxes are perfect for holiday gift giving. These curated collections—Sweet, Savoury, Spicy, Hot Sauce, and Winter Preserves—each come with pairing notes to elevate your cheese and charcuterie platters this season. Available at fine food and gift stores across the Island, or online at saltspringkitchen.com.

3. Elevate entertaining this season with a gourmet selection of pickled vegetables, pepper jellies and fruit preserves from Caties’s in Qualicum Beach. Caties’ small batch preserves, showcasing Island products, are perfect for holiday gift-giving. Wrapped atop one of their custom hand-crafted boards, these gift packages are truly unique. On Facebook @CatiesHotDilledBeans or call 250.927.5194.

4. Let Signature Oil & Vinegar help you curate the perfect gift with organic extra virgin olive oil + balsamic vinegars, as well as a wide range of local, artisan gourmet food products. Find them in Campbell River at Tyee Plaza, and at Signature Wines in Comox, and at signatureoilandvinegar.ca

Sweets and Reads

Forget about the winter cold; curl up with some tasty treats and good reads.

1. Curate your own custom gift boxes this Christmas with hand-dipped Belgian chocolate truffles from Hot Chocolates in Courtenay. Truffles are the confection for discerning chocolate lovers, and a perfect gift for your sweetheart, teacher or co-worker. The ultimate indulgence! Order online at hotchocolates.ca or call 250.338.8211.

2. For the chef on your list, Cedar + Salt by Islanders DL Acken and Emily Lycopolus (TouchWood Editions) is a stunning tribute to the farmers, fishers, foragers and producers of our region. The homegrown yet modern recipes showcase Vancouver Island’s most treasured ingredients. Find a copy online or at your local bookstore. touchwoodeditions.com

3. Give a gift you know they’ll love all year long. Eat | Drink | Think | Local with a subscription to Edible Vancouver Island – delivered to their mailbox quarterly. ediblevancouverisland.com/subscribe

4. True Grain makes organic butter Stollen the same way it’s made in Germany, with a Canadian twist. Their Red Fife Stollen is made with Canada’s oldest heritage wheat, organically farmed and stone milled in B.C. Find a full selection of handcrafted holiday favourites, from shortbread to authentic Lebkuchen Gingerbread at both Island locations. truegrain.ca

Stocking Stuffers

All the ingredients you need to stuff the perfect stocking.

1. Tofino is an internationally celebrated culinary destination, with award winning restaurants. A unique gift for the traveller on your list, Tofino Food Tours combines food, local stories, and fascinating history. Eat, drink & discover Tofino one delicious bite at a time! tofinofoodtours.com

2. Holiday gift giving is easy with gifts + wearables from Beach Fire Brewing in Campbell River. Hats, socks and shirts are always a hit, but the pop-up gift shop in their tasting room also has steins, growlers, beer preserves, beer nuts and more! Purchase gift certificates online at beachfirebrewing.ca or connect on instagram.

3. A Butchart Gardens 12-Month Pass is the perfect holiday gift for the whole family! Looking for a gift to be enjoyed year ‘round? Give a 5-seasons experience from The Butchart Gardens. Adult (only $61.75), Youth or Child 12-Month Passes available. Butchartgardens.com, 250.652.4422

4. Take the highest quality organic nutrition on your adventures this holiday season. Hornby Organic Energy Bars use simple, natural ingredients and make the perfect stocking stuffer—a grab & go snack with no compromises! Find them at local health food and grocery stores, or online at hornbyorganic.com. Holiday Specials Dec. 7th & 8th!