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We were live!
Leave a CommentMission Accomplished!
The orchard is such a spectacular place to see during blossom time. There are quite a range of colours ranging from pure white to various shades of pink, depending on the apple varieties. The amount of bloom gives us an indication of potential crop. However, we need bees to pollinate. So, bee hives are scheduled to come into the orchard when we are approaching full bloom on most varieties. AND we hope for warm weather so that the bees can work.
Everything fell together this year – lots of bloom, warm dry weather, beehives arrived in good time. There was just one problem. We couldn’t invite people out for our Annual Honey Bee Orchard Blossom Walk! What could we do? Well, we did what we thought was the next best thing. We went live on facebook! It was definitely a learning curve but we had our daughter Jess leading & pushing us along. And even though it rained during the video, the show went on. Check it out & let us know what you think!
https://www.facebook.com/sandy.archibald.1/posts/10158562298158169
If you check out our facebook you’ll also see videos from our good friends at 3Beez.buzz, as well as our niece Melanie Archibald. You’ll also see a bunch of posts with recipes & kid crafts. All in all, it was great fun sharing all things honey. Hope that you enjoy the bee & blossom connection too! Stay tuned to hear just how well the bees worked to turn those blossoms into apples.
Virtual Bee Orchard Walk
Leave a CommentThis Saturday, May 30th at 1 p.m. join Fred & his partner Billy Bumble Bee on the Honey Bee Orchard Blossom Tour live streaming on Facebook. You’ll see bee hives & blossoms. And you’ll learn why it’s so important to have bees in the orchard during blossom time.
Videos from local beekeepers, honey recipes, how to build your own bumble bee house… will also be posted.
AND we’re hosting a contest! The prize is our Honey of a Bundle which includes our Honey Crisp Wine, Sparkling Non-alcoholic Cider, 3Beez.Buzz Creamed Honey, Let it Grow Seeded Paper and Chocolate Bites from Tanouye Treats. The bonus in this bundle is a $5 coupon for Pick Your Own apples this fall. You’ll be able to see just how many apple blossoms became apples thanks to the bees.
This Honey of a Bundle is also available to purchase for $40 including tax. Just call or email to order!
Mother’s Day
Leave a CommentWe’ve been saluting and thanking all of the amazing front line workers lately who really are everyday heroes. Next week it is time to salute another form of hero – our mothers! Because… they are the front line workers on the “home front” every day!
I love this quote: “Mothers are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.” – Susan Gale. How many times has your life been torn apart only for your Mom to piece it back together? To all the Moms out there – may you know that you are loved & appreciated not just on May 6th but every day.
So, show Mom you are thinking of her by sending her one of our special Mother’s Day Treat Bundles. Choose from the ‘Bubbly’, ‘Crisp’ or ‘Fruity’ collection. Contents are locally made. See details below. Each bundle is $45.00 including tax, wrapping and free local delivery. Call us at (905)263-2396 or email to: archibalds@idirect.com to place your order!
Bubbly:
Archibald’s Hard Cider, Sprucewood’s Original Cheddar Shortbread Cookies, Milk Chocolate Heart from Tanouye Treats, Empire Cheese – triple pack – onion, garlic & caraway, Ladybug mug. Hard Cider is light & bubbly. It’s a real crowd pleaser. Pairs well with appetizers, bbq’d foods, watching a movie, sitting on the patio, down by the dock…
Crisp:
Archibald’s Honey Crisp Wine, Sprucewood’s Rosemary Cheddar Shortbread Cookies, Milk Chocolate Heart from Tanouye Treats, Empire Cheese – triple pack – onion, garlic & caraway, Archibald’s Jalapeno Peach Wine Jam
Fruity:
Archibald’s Apple Raspberry Wine, Sprucewood’s Raspberry Shortbread Cookies, Milk Chocolate Heart from Tanouye Treats, Spring themed Napkins, Empire Cheese – Archibald’s Spiced Winter Apple
Tree planting
Leave a CommentWe’re planting more trees this spring! 500 McIntosh went into the ground yesterday, just in time for Earth Day today.
There’s a reason for planting more of this apple varietal. Many of our wines & ciders are made using McIntosh juice. Our dry McIntosh Wine & all of the Hard Ciders have some McIntosh in them. For blends like Apple Raspberry, Apple Black Currant & Apple Cranberry the “Apple” part of the name is referring to McIntosh. The juice has a distinct, fresh flavour with a nice acidity. It stands well on its own. It also enhances any other fruit that its paired with. We’re proud of our Ontario McIntosh!
The other reason that we are planting more of this variety is that the “Old Macs” are on their last leg. They were planted some 52 years ago! The trees have served us well but their time is coming to an end.
To gain a little insight into planting apple trees & viewing the old trees, check out our video. Fyi, every hole is dug by hand, either by Fred or Jess. Ever since Fred was a kid, he loved to dig holes. Somethings never change!
Free shipping
Leave a CommentFREE SHIPPING!
Yes, you read right. For a limited time, we’re offering Free Shipping when you order 4 bottles of Wine and/or Hard Cider online It’s really easy. Just go to the Archibalds web site and choose your selection. The coupon for free shipping will pop up automatically after you choose 4 bottles or more. Once you complete the form and payment, we will process your order & get it to you as quickly as possible.
Depending on where you are located, your order may be delivered directly to your door by one of the Archibald Staff – wearing gloves of course! Alternatively, your order may be delivered by one of our local couriers.
Thank you for your continued support & keep well!
Curb Side Service Only
Leave a CommentI hope that this post finds you well. We will get through this!
I don’t know about you but I’m realizing just how much I liked & miss my daily routines right now. We are such creatures of habit! I’ve also noticed that the opportunities to be spontaneous are so limiting.
We are also such social creatures! In place of face to face, I’m sending more emails… making more phone calls (remember when we used to do that!)… spending more time on social media like face book, instagram, news articles.. All of these help us to stay connected with our community. And what a great community/country we live in. So much to be thankful for!
We’re definitely thankful that wines & ciders are considered “essential”! So, we continue to be open Friday to Sunday from 10 – 5. However, to keep our social distance we currently only offering Curb Side Service.
It’s really easy! Just call us at (905)263-2396 before or when you arrive in our parking lot. Once you tell us your order, we will package & bring it right to your car. Our wireless POS allows you to tap anything up to $100. Please no cash.
We are also offering FREE SHIPPING when you order a case (12 bottles of any kind). Simply choose your selection on our web site & type “casesale” in the coupon box. We’ll have your order delivered right to your door within a few days.
That’s what’s happening at Archibald’s right now. Sure look forward to seeing you all in person real soon!
Time to reflect
Leave a CommentWhat’s happening is the #1 question right now, isn’t it. The latest virus has put life into a chaotic tail spin. We may feel everything from fear & anxiety to anger & annoyance. But perhaps we could also feel grateful. Grateful for having the time to reflect on just what’s most important in life – time with loved ones. Time for simple pleasures like watching a movie together… making a special dinner… looking over family photos…
Ok. This is not exactly how many families pictured spending their March Break. However, once we let go of the illusion that we really do have control over our lives, there is a feeling of calm/peace. The quote “This too will pass” comes to mind. According to Wikipedia the phrase “reflects on the temporary nature, or ephemerality, of the human condition.”
March Open for tasting
Here at Archibald’s, we continue to be open Friday to Sunday from 10 – 5. And yes, we still offer wine & cider tasting. Precautions to keep everyone safe are always followed. Sorry but no handshakes or hugs for now. Maybe an elbow? Come see us if you are one of the lucky ones who is feeling well.
One more quote “Keep Calm and Carry On”. Thanks Erin O’Toole for sharing this great quote from the British during WWII.
Cheers to better days ahead everyone! Fred, Sandy & Jess
Christmas Wrap up
Leave a CommentAre you ready? Just in case you’re still working down your list, we’ll be open 10 – 5 until Christmas Eve when we close at 4 p.m. Still lots of baskets & wine for your holiday gift giving & entertaining!
Come December 25th, we take “a long winter’s nap” & will be closed January & February. The winery re-opens on March 6 with business hours of Friday to Sunday from 10 – 5. If you happen to run out during this time, not to worry. We have on-line shopping to help!
2019 was a good year over all. We want to thank you for all your support & encouragement throughout the year. And we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas with family & friends. May 2020 bring us peace, love, joy & hope!
A Country Path Christmas
Leave a CommentImagine 8 stops and 25+ “Makers to Meet”! Local farmers, artisans and specialty producers invite you to travel the path to Christmas Treasures November 29th, 30th & December 1st from 10 – 4.
What’s happening at Archibald’s this weekend? Our Christmas Market Room will be filled with everything from hand-crafted local art and sweet treats to gourmet preserves and gift baskets.
Some of our local artists will be on hand displaying & selling their wares.
Joanne & Sharon will be here all weekend. Their work includes bears & friends, aprons, dish cloths, hand dyed silk scarves & tree ornaments.
Anja will be here Saturday with her handcrafted mosaic ornaments, wall art pieces and pillows.
Rtsy-girl will also be here Saturday with ornaments, earrings & beautiful belt buckles.
And of course, we will be offering samples of our wines & ciders.
We are just one stop on this Christmas road trip. Be sure to visit Tyrone Mills, Timeless Essentials, Rosemary Jenkins Pottery, 3Beez.buzz/Our Valley View B & B, Gallery on the Farm, Geissberger Farmhouse Cider & Knox Farm.
We also invite you to take a break for coffee, tea, goodies… at the Eldad United Church on Friday & the Enniskillen Tyrone United Church on Saturday from 10 – 4. Lunch is also available from 11 – 2. These quaint, country churches offer a unique & memorable dining experience.
Mark November 29th, 30th & December 1st on your calendar for A Country Path Christmas. Embrace the Magic of the Season!
Fall Apple Harvest Driving Tour
Leave a CommentSeptember 28th & 29th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We invite you to savour the sights, sounds and smells of the apple season on this special weekend. 7 locations to visit. Bring your family & friends out for apple picking. Let the kids enjoy our play area created with recycled wine tanks. Grab a bite to eat from our Apple Core Cafe. Visit our Winery for complimentary wine tasting. Browse our market for shopping.
Other locations on this tour include: Tyrone Mills, Timeless Essentials, Rosemary Jenkins Pottery, 3Beez.buzz, Knox’s Pumpkin Farm & Geissberger Farmhouse Cider. Here’s the brochure!
