Staff Picks

Jason MacPhee

Wine Category Manager

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Bunker behind the green on #8 at Lost Creek

It probably won’t shock you, given my lack of pigment and soul, that beach is not my job, and it’s definitely not a hobby I partake in. That said, I’ve spent a tremendous amount of time in the sand this summer… just not the kind with waves.

My most visited “beach”? The bunker behind the green on #8 at Lost Creek. I didn’t choose it, it chose me.

The reason? Triple Bogey Azalea. A take on the unofficial Masters drink: vodka, pineapple, and lemon in one dangerously refreshing mix. It’s perfect for staying “hydrated” while you hunt for your golf ball, or one you can claim is yours. 

Wine lovers, fear not, I’ll be back on my Lambrusco soapbox next month.

Lucas Mader

Category Manager for Beer and Spirits, Cicerone

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Rissers Beach

Growing up in the South Shore, there are many great beaches to choose from, but the one that my family always took me to was Rissers Beach in Petite Riviere (honourable mention to Crescent beach). While I don’t often get the time to go back to Rissers, when I do I’m bringing the Willibald Gin & Tonic canned cocktail. It’s perfectly balanced, not very sweet, and bursting with refreshing notes of citrus and juniper – perfect to sip on while watching the waves.

Kathryn Harding

Director of Customer Experience, Sommelier

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Crescent Beach

The beaches on the south shore are my favourite and most cherished in the province. My family used to rent a cottage right off of Crescent from the year I was born until I turned 10. So all my memories of jumping in waves, looking for sand dollars and sandy snacks are rooted between Crescent & Rissers! 

Now my ideal day at the beach consists of a cold glass of rose (in a thermal mug, of course), a good book and a dip in the ocean.

Alanna McIntyre

Product Specialist, Sommelier

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Gaby McCotter

Retail Manager

🚣‍♂️ Cottage Jams and Drinks

Cottage Jam: It’s a Beautiful Day by U2

The unofficial start of summer has arrived! I do drink Guinness often but for me, a perfectly poured Guinness, sitting on a patio is heaven. That delicious creamy head defying gravity like a tiny, edible cloud. And what’s on the soundtrack? None other than U2’s “It’s a Beautiful Day.” Some might call it cliché; I call it tradition. The sun’s shining, the birds are singing, and Bono’s voice is soaring, making me almost believe my tan lines will finally match. This isn’t just a drink and a song; it’s my annual ritual to declare summer officially open. If I spill any, it’s just me giving the patio stones a celebratory rinse.

Ryan Almeida

eCommerce Manager

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Clam Harbour Beach

Settling on one beach to rule them all is tough, especially when you consider all of the coastline found here in Nova Scotia. If we’re packing up and getting ready to spend the day on the sand, Clam Harbour Beach is hard to beat. And to pair with it? Well, a sneaky Gin Sonic cocktail with Scilly Island Gin of course. Equal parts tonic and club soda and 1 1/2 oz of Scilly Island Gin makes the perfect thirst quencher, especially after getting in and out of the water. Adding the club soda cuts the sweetness and bitterness of the tonic, making the gin really pop; try this next time you’re in the mood for some gin.

Kate Fraser

Retail Supervisor, Spirits Specialist

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Undisclosed beach location

You won’t catch me lounging on a beach—too much sand, too many people, and the water’s never quite warm enough to be inviting. Instead, I’ll be at the lake every chance I get this summer (no, I’m not revealing the location of my swimming hole—see earlier note about people).

What’s in my thermos? El Coto Rosado. I’m usually not one for a delicate rosé; I like mine with a bit of oomph. And Spanish rosés? They never let me down. El Coto delivers with bold, juicy red berry flavours and just the right zip of acidity to keep things crisp and refreshing.

Pair that with lakeside snacks—chips and dip—and I’m living my best aquatic life.

Stefan Nielsen

Retail Supervisor, Sommelier

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Oat Hill Lake Beach

Oat Hill Lake is one of Dartmouth’s best kept secrets; it’s often one of the first lakes in the city to warm up and it’s rarely crowded (don’t ruin this for me!). If you’re looking for something refreshing and low-octane to drink in the sun, I cannot recommend Casa Mariol Vermut Blanco enough. Pour a couple ounces on ice and top with soda, a slice of lemon if you’re feeling fancy and you, my friend, are good to go. Keep the ratio of vermouth to soda water reasonable and you’ll be properly hydrated all day with your thirst deliciously quenched. Please swim responsibly!!

Matt Hodgson

Retail Supervisor

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Greenwich Beach, PEI

Picture it: you’re on a gorgeous white sand beach, where the water isn’t just tolerable—it’s downright delightful. You’re feeling a little parched. If only you had a nice, ice-cold beer…

Well, now that daydream can be a reality.

The beer? Ice Cold Beer from Left Field Brewing. Once only found in Ontario, this ultra-crisp and crushable ale is now conveniently available at Bishop’s.

The beach? Greenwich Beach, PEI. A little less busy and touristy than most other beaches on the Island, but just as beautiful—if not more so. Plus, the floating boardwalk is very cool.

…Wait, I was supposed to make this about a beach in Nova Scotia? 😬

Fernando

Customer Service Sales Associate, Sommelier

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Kejimkujik

I had the pleasure of working with Piping Plovers at Kejimkujik Seaside for part of my summer several years ago. I would make my way to the beach for 6 am to survey their habitats and behavior while watching for coyotes. The morning fog gave me a 15 ft radius of visibility. It felt like I was on my own private beach. If and when I go back, I would enjoy the 2 Crows AC Light Lager. Wine would be nice, but if I’m on a beach I want to be conscientious of the glass. Instead, I’ll opt for one of my favourite local beers. Light, easy drinking, and portable!

Daniela

Customer Service Sales Associate

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Playa Blanca, Cartagena, Colombia

Dreaming of white sand, turquoise waves, and zero responsibilities? Let me introduce you to Playa Blanca, a slice of Caribbean paradise on Colombia’s coast, and your perfect beach buddy: Moulin Camus La Muse. This French crémant brings crisp orchard fruit, tiny elegant bubbles, and just a hint of fancy (without being too serious). It’s like a vacation in a bottle! Pop it by the sea, pair it with grilled fish or mango, and pretend you’re in a TV commercial. Even if you don’t know Colombia, trust me- sun, sand, and sparkling wine is a universal language.

David

Customer Service Sales Associate

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Your favourite beach

I grew up in Alberta, sometimes the beach feels like a far away concept. But you know what makes it easy? Il Blue Padrino – a brand new rose spritz of my creation – half a can of blue lobster lemon lime and a glass of our new Il Padrino Rosato – it’s really good, and it’s perfect for whichever beach is your favourite.

Erica Priolo

Customer Service Sales Associate

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Crystal Crescent Beach

Peach purée and Prosecco, pre-made in a tiny portable bottle sounds like an excellent drink for a day at the beach. Even better, Giuseppe Cipriani Sr created this cocktail himself so you’re tasting it right from the source! With my drink, I would keep busy making sand castles and playing in the water. Nonetheless, a little Bellini pairs excellently with hot fresh air and cool breezy waves.

Michael Kamras

Customer Service Sales Associate

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Queensland Beach

Picture this if you will: you are driving the picturesque coast line of the South Shore, passing idyllic properties and quaint small towns. When suddenly the coastline just opens up and this tiny strip of sand stretches along the winding road. You get out of your car, your bring your best fur friends and dip your toes in the water. Surely the beach is too close to the road to truly find peace. Nay, my friend. Nay. The world just melts away as your toes dig into the sand. Life can’t get any better, unless…? Yes! There is a can of of Willibald’s Cherry Spritz buried (yet somehow perfectly cold) in the bottom of your beach bag! As you pull the tab and hear the *spritz* of the can. Of course I can’t endorse drinking in public… But it sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?

Damir Sancevic

Customer Service Sales Associate

🏖️ Beach Picks and Drinks

Beach Pick: Conrad’s Beach

For me, sand, waves and a summer breeze can only be elevated by beer. Not any beer, something light, crisp, refreshing. Nothing hits the spot like Modelo Special.  Floral and herbal hops and aromas. Crystal clear gold on the glass, and add a lime to maximize their thirst quenching powers. It comes in a six pack, perfect for sharing with a couple of friends, laying down on a towel, basking in the sun and no longer having to dream about the ocean. You can just jump right in!