iN WINE: 4 new breweries tapping into Kelowna's craft beer scene
KELOWNA - Once there was only Tree Brewing: Now there are more craft breweries than you can hit up in a single night.
And it's great news for hops and barley lovers alike.
Tree Brewing was Kelowna's craft beer pioneer, opening its doors in 1996. Freddy's Brew Pub followed not long after, opening in 2000. And for more than ten years, they were the only local breweries in town.
Now, with a craft beer explosion in Kelowna, and eight new craft breweries opening their doors in the past four years it's clear this trend isn't slowing down.
Here are four more craft breweries opening soon in Kelowna.
Copper Brewing | opening late August 2019
Copper Brewing will be opening in the Landmark district and will be the only brewery in the area. Something unique that you wouldn't expect from a craft brewery is their homemade spent grain dog biscuits, which Copper Brewing has created for all their four-legged customers. Their patio is dog-friendly, so bring your pup when you drop by for a cold one. Plus, brewery mascot Porter (pictured above) will be there to welcome you. The space at 1851 Kirschner Rd used to be a yoga studio, but over the past several months it has undergone a complete transformation, including a new acid stained floor.
Rustic Reel | opening early August 2019
Rustic Reel will be opening at 760 Vaughn Avenue, right around the corner from Red Bird Brewing and Vice and Virtue. This past week, owner Susi Foerg has been hiring staff and brewery equipment is being shipped in regularly. What sets Rustic Reel apart from the rest of the craft brewery community is their incorporation of an artisan market called The Tackle Box, which will feature local hand-made jewelery and art.
Jackknife Brewing was started by Brad Tomlinson, who was previously a brewer at Kettle River Brewing. Jackknife is seeking City Council's approval to open their brewery with an outdoor patio at 727 Baillie Avenue. It's a great location, because it's not only right next door to Kettle River, but just around the corner from what is rapidly becoming Kelowna's craft beer district in the North End.
Shoreline Brewing | opening fall 2019
The Shore by Rise Commercial Developments is being built in the Lower Mission across from Gyro Beach at 3461 Lakeshore Rd. This is where Shoreline Brewing is set to open its doors. Not only will Shoreline be walking distance from Okanagan College, but it will be literally steps away from Okanagan Lake. The Shore itself is 150,000 square feet of student apartments, offices and retail space. Just imagine if you lived above a local craft brewery — talk about living the dream. Shoreline posted on Instagram that they recieved their building permit from the city of Kelowna July 6. The exact opening date is unclear, but the process is well underway.
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