Step into the warmth of Beaufort’s beautiful barrel room for an afternoon of cozy holiday fun, great wine, and delicious melted cheese. Anyssa from Natural Pastures will be serving a raclette-style experience — not a traditional raclette setup, but our own Island take on the joy of warm cheese poured over tasty bites.
We’ll be melting four favourites: Smoked Boerenkaas, Amsterdammer, King’s Peak, and Garlic & Chives, ready to drizzle over chips, roasted veggies, cured meats, and more from As You Like It Catering.
To make each savoury bite even better, Beaufort has selected six of their top wines to pair with our cheeses — a beautiful mix of crisp whites, sparkling surprises, and cool-climate reds crafted for perfect sipping.
Gather, melt, sip, and celebrate the season with us — Island style.
When you browse the cheese case at Calgary Co-op, you might not see Leonard Conlin behind the counter — but you’ll certainly see his influence. As Calgary Co-op’s Deli Cheese Merchandising Coordinator and Alberta’s few active ACS Certified Cheese Professional®, Leonard is shaping how cheese is presented, understood, and enjoyed across all the Calgary Co-op locations.
Leonard has dedicated over 11 years to the art of cheesemongering. He began in a boutique cheese shop, spending eight years developing a deep understanding of artisan producers, before joining Calgary Co-op three years ago. His role today is both hands-on and educational. As an ACS Certified Cheese Professional®, he belongs to a select group in Western Canada recognized for mastery of cheese science, handling, and sensory evaluation. Beyond technical expertise, Leonard is a mentor and educator. He trains and inspires Calgary Co-op staff, building a stronger knowledge base so that customers can trust the advice they receive in-store. Our Master Cheese Maker Paul Sutter visited recently to present on one of their staff training days and was very impress on the training that has been put into place.
Leonard also oversees how cheese is sourced, displayed, and recommended, ensuring that Calgary Co-op members discover new flavours and pairings. With more than a decade of experience in pairing wine, beer, and spirits with cheese, his influence extends beyond the counter to the way customers experience food at home.
Leonard’s path to cheese is informed by a life full of eclectic experiences. A former national endurance cyclist, he also worked in fashion retail and pediatric orthotic care, careers that honed his eye for detail, kindness, and his commitment to improving people’s lives. This Renaissance perspective shapes how he approaches cheese. Just as he once curated clothing with style and precision, currently curates his own photography, he also curates food experiences with craftsmanship and individuality. His background makes him uniquely suited to bring depth and personality to Calgary Co-op’s cheese program.
Calgary Co-op has been a community-driven grocer since 1956, built on the principles of local ownership, sourcing, and reinvestment in Alberta. It is an organization that values quality, local partnerships, and member experience — exactly the values that guide Leonard’s work. With his leadership, Calgary Co-op customers encounter cheese cases that highlight artisan producers, showcase Canadian excellence, and encourage exploration. His influence ensures that cheeses like those from Natural Pastures are not just placed on shelves, but given context, pairing ideas, and the spotlight they deserve.
At Natural Pastures Cheese Company, we are proud to have Leonard championing our cheeses within Calgary Co-op. His training programs, merchandising vision, and educational leadership mean that when you pick up our cheese at Calgary Co-op, you are also benefiting from his expertise — whether through a staff recommendation, a pairing tip, or the thoughtful way the cheese is presented. Thanks to Leonard, Calgary Co-op shoppers don’t just buy cheese. They discover it.
Thank you to our Calgary Sales Co-Ordinator Danielle Smith for attending a members event and being a great photographer! If you are in Alberta and looking for our cheese just contact our us on our wholesale page: https://naturalpastures.com/wholesale/
Elevate your Fridays with the enchanting experience of Fondue at 40 Knots Winery! Picture yourself surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of our vineyard, nestled in the warmth of their glass-enclosed Aurora Vineyard Terrace. Immerse yourself in the indulgence of Fondue Fridays as they proudly showcase a delectable spread featuring the finest local ingredients.
Owners Layne and Brenda Craig are dedicated to producing clean, ethical wines that reflect the terroir of Vancouver Island. Their commitment to sustainability and quality has made 40 Knots a beloved destination for both locals and visitors, offering a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy exceptional wines and the serene vineyard setting.
Dip into our exquisite Natural Pastures Fondue cheese blend, accompanied by a selection of local delights:
Honey Grove Bakery baguette
The Pretzel Guyz pretzels
Conscious Crackers (GF/Vegan)
Tart Granny Smith apples
Sweet bell peppers
40 Knots pickled grapes
The Butcher’s Block cured meats
At 40 Knots, they embrace the philosophy that “what grows together goes together.” This approach highlights the harmony between our locally crafted cheeses and the bounty of Vancouver Island’s produce. The fondue night features Natural Pastures Cheese Company’s artisan fondue, made right here in the Comox Valley using milk from Vancouver Island cows. This commitment to local sourcing ensures a fresh and flavorful experience that truly embodies the essence of our region.
Here are some HELLO’s and intro’s from the staff! Photos to come I hope! Check back!
Edna is our Event and Decor Specialist at 40 Knots. She is your go to person for booking and helping with your celebration here at our Vineyard. She can be found decorating our beautiful venues or assisting with a wedding in progress and always with a smile on her face.
Hey I’m Kelem, I am the winemaker here at 40 Knots. The synergies of working at 40 Knots Winery and being located where we are on Vancouver Island coincides with my personal beliefs of living a pure life symbiotically with nature and all the beauty it has to offer, including grapes of course.
Hi! I’m Tara. I’m a chef and have had several opportunities to make meals at 40 Knots Winery. Successful wine pairing will enhance the dining experience- potentially enhance the dining experience- potentially heightening flavours, textures and qualities in the food. I like to encourage our customers to be more adventurous with their meal planning by providing confidence that their selections will work well together, creating a more memorable experience. Our wines will change how you perceive the taste of your food and your food will change how you perceive the wine!
Hey, I’m Kat. You will find me in the tasting room conversing with our guests, doing lot’s of tastings,and eating lots of Natural Pastures cheeses. I am lucky to be able to work in such a beautiful place and I am grateful for the opportunities to interact and meet new people.
Join 40 Knots Winery for Fondue Fridays and savor the perfect pairing of local flavors in a setting that celebrates the beauty and bounty of our community.
2024 prices are as follows – click to book! Seats are limited.
This Thanksgiving, savor the exquisite flavors of Natural Pastures Cheese products, knowing that your holiday feast would lack its essential touch without a sumptuous platter showcasing the likes of Bourenkaas, Aged Farmhouse, Courtenay Cheddar, Amsterdammer, and Cracked Pepper cheeses and Brie!
Its our pleasure is to curate an opulent selection of artisanal cheeses and complementary condiments for you, your beloved family, and cherished friends.
Our cheese selection encompasses a delightful diversity of options, but do note that some, such as Cracked Pepper, are available in limited quantities. Therefore, we recommend making your choice promptly to ensure you secure these rare treasures.
When your Thanksgiving day arrives, all that remains is for you to plate up your delightful cheese assortment on a beautiful board. Display them elegantly at your holiday table, and let the festivities begin!
This Thanksgiving, let the star of your feast be a captivating cheese platter that brings family and friends together. Secure your order today, and we have it ready for pick up in Courtenay for you Thanksgiving celebration.
Your Thanksgiving Sampler promises an extraordinary culinary journey: $145 – pick up price ( shipping is extra )
A generous selection of 5 cheeses, featuring the rich flavors of Bourenkaas, the rustic charm of Aged Farmhouse, the bold character of Courtenay Cheddar, the nuanced sophistication of Amsterdammer, and, if you’re lucky, the limited edition delight of Cracked Pepper. -+200 grams
2 Jars of Saltspring Kitchen Co. Candied Jalapeno Relish and Apple Fig & Fennel.
As YOU Like It – Mango Chutney 125 ml
Ladjager bites from Grimm’s 125G
2 bags of Jenny Marie’s Crackers 100 g each
1 tin of Wild Spring Salmon 160 g
1 Bulb of Garston’s Garlic ( we recommend roasting to have with Brie on crackers)
Big D’s 50 grams of charcuterie honey
Cheese Knife
Additionally, you’ll receive a fact sheet detailing the cheese descriptions and suggested pairings with 40 Knots Wine.
You may upgrade and add on as needed recommended addon’s 200 G Natural Pastures Butter , Natural Pastures Fondue, Cheese Flight 6 mixed cheese rolls
Please bear in mind that we dispatch wedges of cheese approx 200g and while the exact cheese selections in your Sampler sizes may vary, rest assured that we will make every effort to include Bourenkaas, Aged Farmhouse, Courtenay Cheddar, Amsterdammer, and, Cracked Pepper. In the event of limited availability, we reserve the right to substitute any item with a product of equal or greater value. Your Thanksgiving celebration is our priority, and we want it to be a cheese-filled success! This offer expires November 1, 2023 call for updates.
