I set out planning a summer, ladies’ getaway that focused on experiencing Alberta’s handcrafted artisan community, or at least as much of it as we could squeeze into a three day road trip. My research led me to the Riverside Chateau in Bragg Creek. Located along the Elbow River, it seemed like the perfect space for us to relax and became the central travel point for the rest of our adventure.

Millarville

A short 28 minute and scenic drive from the bed and breakfast in Bragg Creek is a hidden gem; the community of Millarville Alberta. We were on route to the Spirit Hills Flower winery, when we happened upon the Millarville General Store and decided to stretch our legs and take a peek. The store is also the community post office, which gave me opportunity to send the post cards I had been collecting along our journey.

Amidst the pristine private properties in the hamlet, the Millarville General Store boasts a quaint atmosphere, a few staple groceries, post office and many foothill artisan crafted products like jewelry, alcohol and Alchemist Vinegar. Alchemist Vinegar is handcrafted in Okotoks, Alberta. I did not purchase the vinegar, because I make vinegar myself, but it was interesting to read about the interesting flavor combinations. They all looked delicious and wonderful!

Spirit Hills Flower Winery

A twisty, curvy backroad took us off the highway and up to the hilltop home of the Spirit Hills Flower Winery. Located a short 11 scenic minutes from Millarville, this was a noteworthy stop during our girls’ road trip. Upon arrival, I took a moment to enjoy the beautiful view that the elevation provided of the surrounding landscape.

Spirit Hills serves a taste of seven delicious honey, flower wines created using naturally occurring, local botanicals that are hand harvested. Hand-harvesting and wildcrafting wild botanicals is one of my hobbies, so I was really looking forward to experiencing the wineries offerings and learning about some of their wine making processes. In the rustic, and beautifully appointed tasting room, it was explained how the dandelion harvest is time sensitive, and labor intensive. Many people are hired when it is time to harvest the dandelions. To keep the flowers as fresh as possible, pickers are required to hand in the foraged flowers every half hour. The sommelier was very knowledgeable and interesting to learn from.

I was most looking forward to the Wild Rose wine. Interestingly enough, this was my least favorite of their wine selections. My palate just did not pick up the distinct wild rose flavor I was expecting. There were many other selections that I did enjoy, such as the flavors of the dry white, Dandy (dandelion wine), and mulled wine. I purchased a bottle of the Dandy wine which is a mid range wine; not really dry or sweet. Spirit Hills Flower wine is easily accessible from many locations. I look forward to enjoying the multi-layered spicy notes of the mulled wine during the cooler months, maybe as a Christmastime treat.

Noteworthy Public Washroom

Who doesn’t appreciate a clean public washroom? Happening upon one on a road-trip that is clean and interestingly designed is definitely a nice surprise! The copper sink and barn wood trims added to the overall ambience and design of the winery. If you do happen to have opportunity to visit Spirit Hills Flower Winery, be sure to check out the public washroom, even if you don’t think you need to. Believe me, you will be happy that you did. We all agreed the bathroom was a highlight!

Onward Ho!

From Millarville, our epic girls’ road trip continued on down the highway to Longview Alberta, where we continued our exploration of locally hand-crafted products.

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Be well!