Snow-topped mountain ranges, lush green forests, rolling valleys, and beautiful blue ocean, Vancouver Island really does have it all. Beyond the natural wonder of the island we call home, we're lucky to have so many thriving local businesses bringing unique offerings to our communities. The principles of shop-local and farm-to-table are not only more accessible, but tasty too. One of the foundational values of Mid Island Co-op is supporting the community, and as a member-owned cooperative, we know that choosing to shop local is paramount.

To show some love to a couple of local businesses this Valentine’s Day, we have some tasty pairings featuring Island-made food and drinks.

Nestled between the communities of Qualicum Beach and Parksville is the picturesque and peaceful Little Qualicum Cheeseworks. A dairy farm and fromagerie producing some unique cheeses. With classic red barns and views of Mount Moriarty this farm has become a community mainstay. Established in 2001, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is a family-owned and operated business on a mission to make local, ethical, and sustainable cheese. The farm is open for self-guided tours where you can meet the herd, learn about cheesemaking at the mooseum, and pick up some tasty snacks.

One of my favourites is their Island Brie. This cheese is creamy and rich with a velvety white rind. It’s also a bronze medalist, having placed third in the 2023 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. To celebrate its prestige, it's only right to pair it with a sparkling wine like The Saintly Sparkling Rose (VQA) with its balance of fresh and fruity flavours. Crisp bubbles and notes of strawberries bring a brightness to the wine that balances the decadent richness of the Island Brie. I’ll be enjoying it with crackers and a strawberry preserve to tie everything together!

Visit Little Qualicum Cheeseworks's Website

Head north for a scenic drive up the Island’s Highway 19 and you'll find another wonderful fromagerie, Natural Pastures in the Courtenay area. Also started in 2001, Natural Pastures has almost twenty unique cheeses under their belt. With Swiss Master Cheesemaker Paul Sutter as head of production for the last 23 years, Natural Pastures has made waves in the world of cheese competitions.

The latest unique addition to their roster is cheese made with water buffalo milk, producing true Italian-style Mozzarella di Bufala. Milk from water buffalo is thicker and richer compared to cow’s milk. Natural Pastures lets their herd of water buffalo have free range to forage their property for grass and herbs all resulting in silky smooth and flavourful cheese. A quality mozzarella is like a blank slate, versatile in its uses. I’ll be pairing fellow Islander Phillips' Tilt Lager with bruschetta topped with the Natural Pastures Mozzarella di Bufala. An Island-focused upgrade from the typical pizza and beer, this bruschetta and lager work together with the creaminess of the cheese and herbaceous basil complimenting Tilt’s refreshing and lightly hoppy flavours.

Visit Natural Pastures Cheese Company's Website

Written by our Expert, Laura — Mid Island Liquor, Hammond Bay