deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Calgary based founders Jacques Tremblay and Daniel Plenzik bonded in 2016 at a distilling workshop in the Okanagan. Using their combined knowledge of viticulture, winemaking and brewing, and drawing on their own cultural backgrounds, they set about bringing locally crafted Brandy, Whisky, and Eau de Vie’s and Bridgeland Distillery was thus borned.

Fast forward to 2025, Bridgeland Distillery swept up major national recognition including:
Gold and Silver medals at the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards, including standout finishes for their Taber Corn and Wheat whiskies – praised for their exceptional grain-forward clarity and balance.

In addition, there were multiple wins at the 2025 Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition, where their unique craft releases were applauded for both innovation and precision.

Their products, specifically their two “Berbons” has taken over the market as alternatives for American Bourbons during the Trump tariff/backlash period.

For Christmas, they have come out with a few gift packs perfect as stocking stuffers.

Pictured from left to right:

Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $59.99
Bridgeland Distillery Best Gift Pack (Alberta, Canada) – 2x375mL – $84.99
Bridgeland Distillery Cocktail Gift Pack (Alberta, Canada) – 3x200mL – $68.99
Bridgeland Distillery Whisky Gift Pack (Alberta, Canada) – 3x200mL – $89.99

Other Bridgeland products not pictured:

Bridgeland Distillery Glenbow Whisky Double Barrel Aged New & Ex Porta Rossa Cask (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $89.99
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon Whisky 101 (Alberta, Canada) -500mL – $72.99
Bridgeland Distillery Single Cask Wheat Whisky (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $77.99
Bridgeland Distillery Old Fashioned Cocktail (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $47.99
Bridgeland Distillery Old Fashioned Cocktail (Alberta, Canada) – 100mL – $11.99

Prost everyone!

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $24.99, regularly $30.99.

Montes Wines (started in 1987) is one of Chile’s most important wineries. Led by Aurelio Montes, their wines are recognized for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and for producing wines of fine quality that reflect the unique terroir of Chile. The company produces a wide range of wines from classic grape varieties including Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay.

Sold in more than 100 countries, the winery is based in the estate’s prestigious Apalta vineyards, in the Colchagua Valley, but Montes also has vineyards across the Aconcagua, Curicó, Itata and Maule Valleys, producing wines of varying styles and price points.

Our weekly special this week is their Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, deeply ruby-red in colour, with a complex nose of ripe red and black fruits like strawberry, prune, and blueberry. There are also well-balanced notes of tobacco, leather, and toast, thanks to the 12 months of barrel ageing. These are followed by dairy notes of dulce de leche and toffee. The tannins are silky on the palate, with fine body and elegance. With medium balance and a long finish, the wine’s palate repeats the aromas perceived on the nose. This is a solid Cabernet that has been around a long time, enjoy with a grilled steak. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot.

Prost!

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $24.99, regularly $30.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

deVine Days, our annual Customer Appreciation Weekend is set for Friday, Dec 12th through Sunday, Dec 14th. Our annual “Thank You!” for your ongoing support and patronage will once again be giving a 10% discount* on all in-store items (yes, including wine, beer, spirits and vintage keeper and vintage room products). No rain-checks and does not apply to products already discounted (cases of the month, bin-ends, tastings and weekly online offer).

There will be several items that will be on offer IN-STORE shopping only that feature a 20-40% discount on a first come first serve basis. We will be having free agent drop-in pours on Friday and Saturday – enjoy wine samples while you shop.

For your shopping convenience, you can also shop online during that weekend as our entire inventory is available via our website that is available to you 24 hours a day. Enjoy shopping in the comforts of your own home. Note you won’t see the 10% discount when you order online in the system generated confirmation but rather it will be applied by us in the backend and you will see it on our second email confirmation when your order has been processed.

In addition to the sale, do take advantage of our free delivery within Edmonton city limits option with a minimum $75 purchase – we deliver monday through fridays in the afternoons.

This is our biggest sale of the year to give everybody some much needed cheer! Shop early for best selection. Don’t miss out, its a great opportunity to do all your Xmas and New Year needs.

At this time of year, please remember those in need. Please bring a package for the Edmonton Food Bank or drop some money into the cash box by our till if you’re coming into to the store. For those taking advantage of our free delivery within Edmonton city limits, you can hand over a care package to our driver. Thank you in advance.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Journey’s End Chenin Blanc-Viognier (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $15.49, regularly $18.99.

The Journey’s End Vineyards was purchased In 1996 by the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, UK, who fell in love with this picturesque wine farm, restoring it to what it is today, now surrounded by 40 hectares of beautiful vineyards.

Nestled in the Schapenberg hills, beneath which lay 350 million year old decomposed granite soils. This creates one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa, and is where ther vines are planted. As well as fantastic views, our vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known locally as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Our feature wine this week is their Chenin Blanc-Viognier – pale yellow straw colour with a light green tint, this unique blend of two varieties unites perfectly in the glass with fresh apricots, white peach and lovely floral notes. The palette entry is creamy with citrus, lime, passion fruit and banana. There is fresh crisp acidity, pineapple, soft mouthfeel on the grapefruit finish. The grapes are grown and sourced from the Breederiver wine region which were identified as excellent growingareas for Chenin Blanc and Viognier. This has been a consistent seller at deVine’s for the last two years.

Journey’s End Chenin Blanc-Viognier (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $15.49, regularly $18.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our annual deVine Staff Picks for Wines of the Year is in for 2025. Many of you identify closely with one of us when it comes to recommendations and preferences. Diversity is a good thing as we all have different palates and tastes so without further ado, here are our picks for your consideration (and entertainment)…

Pictured left to right:

Mark’s Pick – 2023 Paltrinieri Lambrusco di Sorbara Piria (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) – $25.99