My friends and I had an unforgettable weekend in Maple Creek! We had heard so much from the locals about Cypress Hills Winery and Rafter R Brewery, and we were excited to finally visit. We camped in the Cypress Hills center block and began our day with an early breakfast and coffee, surrounded by the fresh morning air, a gentle summer breeze, and the delightful sound of birds singing. The park was so peaceful in the early hours when most people were still asleep, making it feel truly enchanting.

After breakfast, we packed up and headed to Cypress Hills Winery. We had the most wonderful conversation with the owner about their winemaking process and the unique flavors of their wines. We learned that the wines are made from fruits grown in Saskatchewan, local honey, and water from the Reesor Ranch in Cypress Hills. We had the opportunity to taste four different wines: Black Currant & Honey, Rhubarb, Haskap, and Mead. Each had its own distinct taste, and we discovered that Rhubarb wine pairs well with Thai food, making it one of our favorites for its subtle sweetness and balanced flavor. After the tasting, we took a short tour of the winery and even met a friendly puppy who added to the joy of our visit.

Next, we made our way to Rafter R Brewing, where we had an absolute blast chatting with the owner, Ryan. He is incredibly passionate about his craft beer, and we spent hours enjoying great conversation, trying out different beers, and learning about the brewing process. Ryan even invited us to tour his brewery, which was an incredible experience. By the end of the day, we were a bit tipsy but incredibly happy!

If you ever find yourself in Maple Creek, I highly recommend trying something new from the winery and brewery. And make sure to have a chat with the fantastic people who pour so much love into what they do! Cheers!