First the river flowed, then the wine flowed, and now music will flow from the spot on the Nechako where Northern Lights Estate Winery has opened its doors.
B.C.'s newest winery is about to hold its first concert, now that an amphitheatre has been built on the orchard grounds. The first band is one made up especially for the occasion.
"We are called Aurora Lights, and it is Patrick Kilcullen, Curtis Abriel, Justin Gendreau and myself," said bandleader Cindy Marcotte. "We do a bossa nova-style jazz pop, like the old Brazil 66, Sade stuff. We did it once before at a show, got great feedback, so we wanted to keep having fun."
The construction of the amphitheatre has been a labour for the Bell family, owners of the fledgling winery, right alongside the planting of the fruit varieties and erection of the main wine building on the shores of the Nechako. The way the cutbanks tower over the background of the operation lends well, visually and sonically, to having an outdoor music stage imbedded in the landscape.
"The stage is spectacular and really showcases another wood-first thought process, and it has those beautiful natural surroundings of our orchard, the river, the cutbanks, the view of downtown Prince George - it is all incredible. I can't wait to see this first concert," said operating partner Doug Bell.
The night is a ticketed special event, with a heavy emphasis on the music but also on the tapas dinner to be laid out by Hummus Brothers Restaurant.
"There are a few things that go particularly well with wine. One of the very best is music, another is food," said Bell. "So we have Cindy Marcotte's group and we have Hummus Brothers providing great varieties of these two local things, and we provide the wine."
Those who participate will receive a complimentary glass of Northern Lights Estate Winery vino in a commemorative glass. (Shuttle service will also be available.) The winery, believed to be the most northerly in Canada, opened its doors only a few weeks ago. It has released a small number of fruit wine labels in their formative days, and now add special events to its operation. Bell is calling this the inaugural occasion (programmed by Royle Events of Prince George) the first in the winery's Sunset Series.
"It will be a great example of the way we can include the community in the future, and give more reasons to come visit us than just your average tasting day," said Bell. Tours happen each Monday and Thursday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
"We think this amphitheatre and orchard will become a showcase in Prince George for people to come have their special moments, and the music and food will become a semi-regular feature so people can enjoy local arts talent, local cuisine talent and the wine and scenery of Northern Lights Estate Winery."
Tickets for the Aug. 14 Sunset Series night with Aurora Lights and Hummus Brothers tapas dining are $85 available at Northern Lights Estate Winery (745 Prince George Pulpmill Road). The event's doors open at 4:30 with festivities until 8 p.m.
