What’s new in the world of lifestyle

The latest developments in retail, wineries, travel (and more!)

Retail

Since launching in November 2015, Respect Your Universe (RYU) has won design awards for its store, backpack and garments but most notably was chosen by Gwyneth Paltrow to be displayed at her Goop Market pop-up shop in San Francisco.

Spirits

The first made-in-Canada vermouth, Odd Society’s new Bittersweet Vermouth combines 25 botanicals and fine B.C. wine fortified with Odd Society malted barley spirit. Also new to store shelves: Central City Distillers’ Queensborough Gin, flavoured with spruce tips and mountain juniper berries from B.C.

Winery

In an interesting bit of theatre, Harry McWatters’s Encore Vineyards is transforming Penticton’s PenMar theatre complex into the South Okanagan’s first urban winery, retaining one of the theatres for films, performances and events.

Sustainability

Green beer takes on a whole new meaning with the partnership of Granville Island Brewing and Bullfrog Power. Using sustainably produced electricity and natural gas supplied by Bullfrog, the brewery will be the first one in B.C. to rely solely on renewable energy.

Travel

Watermark Beach Resort’s new Levia Wellness Spa takes a “farm to treatment table” approach using fresh homegrown herbs. The eco-friendly spa will break down its organic waste into an odour-free mulch using the Japanese method of bokashi.