Esquimalt Vermouth & Apéritifs, makers of apéritif wines, won the World’s Best Dry Vermouth and World’s Best Semi-Sweet Vermouth during a blind tasting competition at the 2023 World Vermouth Awards in London.
The designation of World’s Best comes with gold medals for the company’s Rosso (semi-sweet) and dry vermouth, and a silver medal for its Bianco vermouth (also in the semi-sweet category). The local company is the first non-European vermouth producer to win world’s best in the history of the competition.
“We are over the moon with this recognition and are so excited to put Vancouver Island on the map as the home of the world’s best vermouth,” said Michela Palmer, who owns the company with her husband, Quinn.
The Esquimalt-made vermouths and apéritifs can be found at bars, restaurants and hotels and private liquor stores across the province. See esquimaltwine.ca.
Art gallery adds marketing director
Ellen Manning has joined the senior management team at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria as director of development and marketing. Manning has made significant contributions to the growth and strategy of the art gallery since joining the organization in 2016 as marketing specialist.
Her career spans the management of a major Chinese contemporary art gallery in Shanghai, Art Scene China (2006-2008), small business management, digital strategy at a social media marketing firm, and marketing and communications planning for wellness institutions. Manning succeeds long-time art gallery staff member Janyce Ronson, who retired this year.
Nanaimo Zipline opens Sunday
The adventure of ziplining over the picturesque Swy’A’Lana Lagoon in downtown Nanaimo is set to resume on Sunday with the reopening of WildPlay’s Maffeo Sutton Park Zipline. The first Zipline ride will be free on opening day thanks to the support of two key sponsors, Tourism Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Hospitality Association. The 300-foot zipline will be open on major event days throughout the summer.
Nanaimo wins planning award
The City of Nanaimo’s Official Community Plan has been awarded the top prize for policy planning from the Planning Institute of British Columbia.
Adopted by council last July, City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined provides strategic direction for the coming 25 years on land use, truth and reconciliation, climate adaptation, health and wellness, diversity, accessibility, economic prosperity and sustainable living. — Times Colonist
