Q&A with Tsawwassen's Bay Wineworks

What are some of the advantages of operating your business in a small, close-knit community such as Ladner and Tsawwassen?

Bay Wineworks relies heavily on word of mouth to bring in new customers. Provincial Liquor laws prevent us from giving out samples of the product, so we rely on customers to have friends over to try their wine. In a close knit community I can count on word of mouth to help grow my business.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

The customers. I really enjoy meeting new people and keeping up with my long term customers. Many of them have been making wine here for over 17 years. I have come to think of them as part of the Bay Wineworks “family."

What are some of the unique aspects of your business and how do they best serve your clientele?

We have had a very good response to being open until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This allows people to get home, have dinner, and come in to order or bottle their wine without having to rush around at the end of the work day.

I have also had a lot of positive comments with regards to my Online Appointment System. People can make an appointment any time of day or night without having to contact the store by phone during business hours.

What is your favourite South Delta community activity or event?

I think the Summer Outdoor Movie nights that are put on by the BIA (Business Improvement Association of Tsawwassen) are a great idea. It’s a nice family oriented series of events.

Describe your perfect day in South Delta.

Any day you can be outdoors. We live in such a beautiful place. Just a simple walk on the dyke allows us to experience the natural wonder all around us. I wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else.

What community service organizations or projects does your business support, and why?

Kinsmen, Rotary, The Little House on 12th Ave., South Delta Secondary school's Dry Grad. We like to support local groups that are doing what they can to make this community a better place.