For the YP who loves trying new things, take a day trip to Fallentimber Meadery, the latest addition to Alberta’s cottage winery industry. This family owned and operated company opened its doors to the public in the fall of 2010 and since then has developed a great reputation. Their offering is unique, as mead is not wine in the traditional sense; rather than using grapes, honey is used to make this delicious beverage.
Located about 50 minutes northwest of Calgary in Water Valley, Fallentimber is one of two meaderies in Alberta. They are open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, making it an ideal destination on a weekend afternoon.
When you arrive, it’s not unusual to be welcomed by the owners (brothers Nathan, Colin and Dustin Ryan). On weekends, they offer tours of the facility, giving you an opportunity to learn first-hand how the mead is produced including the honey collection process, fermentation, aging, and bottling.
Of course no tour of this sort is complete without a tasting. Stick around and partake in a tasting of their different styles of meads. You’ll learn that great mead starts with great honey and all of Fallentimber meads are fermented solely from Ryan’s Honey, their parent company. A leader in the industry, Ryan’s Honey consistently exceeds the highest grades of colour, clarity and moisture.
Their mead flavours change with the seasons and they offer a variety of indulgences, ranging from sweet to dry, of which you can choose. Pick your favourite and purchase a case to take home with you – it is bound to be a crowd pleaser for your next dinner party.
