In a move to expand Prince George’s fruit wine market, Northern Lights Estate Winery has purchased the 35-year-old locally owned business Hobby Brews.
Hobby Brews founder and previous owner Jim Currie is retiring and decided to sell the business.
“When the Bell family approached me about acquiring the business, I was very excited. I’ve seen what they have done at Northern Lights and I know this business is in good hands,” Currie said in a press release.
Currie plans to spend his retirement continuing to make local honey, which is a popular item at Hobby Brews.
Northern Lights Estate Winery owners, Pat and Brenda Bell began making fruit wine at Hobby Brews in 2008.
That experience had a significant impact on their decision to build the winery, which opened its doors three years ago.
“I have always had an interest in Hobby Brews and when I found out that Jim was wanting to retire, I immediately contacted him. This is a natural fit for our business as we will be able to lever our professional winemaking team and digital marketing expertise to ensure our customers get the best possible experience,” Pat said in the release.
Hobby Brews will now be operated by Diana Bell and her husband Dale Rees who have moved back to Prince George to run the business.
“Prince George has been great to our family and I’m excited to be back home,” said Diana, who will lead the sales side of things while Rees will lead production.
“My time in Prince George supporting the construction of Northern Lights was great. I’m very excited about the Hobby Brews business and look forward to supporting customers in their effort to make high-quality craft beverages,” added Rees.
The Bells plan to update the business while supporting Hobby Brew's existing customer base.
