TWO AWARDS FOR BLUE GROUSE WINERY

Cowichan Valley, British Columbia CANADA – Blue Grouse Estate Winery is enjoying accolades for excellence, winning awards for both the quality of its wines, and the redesign of its packaging. Blue Grouse has been undergoing a transformation recently under the leadership of new owners, and the awards serve as confirmation that their efforts are paying off.

Last week, Blue Grouse’s 2009 Pinot Noir was hand-selected by chef Rob Harrison of Rushton’s Catering to feature with his dish at the Gold Medal Plates’ Canadian Culinary Awards in Regina, Saskatchewan. The wine was named 1st Runner Up for Best of Show by the panel of judges. National wine advisor and competition judge David Lawrason described the Pinot Noir as ‘surprisingly deep yet piquant’.

Blue Grouse has also been attracting attention for its newly revamped packaging. Its ‘Quill’ label design won an American Graphic Design Award in the 2013 Graphic Design USA’s annual awards competition. The design was created by Joe Chauncey of Boxwood Design Studio as part of the Blue Grouse rebranding process.

Both awards come as Blue Grouse implements plans to reinvigorate the winery. A fresh brand image, a new team and a redesigned website are just the beginning. A new winery and tasting room is designed and will be open in the fall of 2014.

Owner Paul Brunner explains: “We have some of the oldest vines in BC, which allow us to make nuanced and rich tasting wines. Combined with our new brand vision and the awards we have been winning, we feel that Blue Grouse has a very exciting future”.

Members of the public can find Blue Grouse wines at select liquor stores or at the Blue Grouse tasting room in the Cowichan Valley. Winter hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 11.00am - 5.00pm or by appointment.