History
Although there's been conflicting reports of FSJ's first UBrew beginnings, a gentleman named Klaus took out the first recorded city business license. There has been much talk about whether or not Klaus was selling his beer years before. Some people we've talked to said he could of started the Brewhaus as early as 1984. First just brewing beer, then finally wines, the location at Skyway Plaza on the Airport Road was the place to make your own beverages for decades. The business evolved over the years, going through different owners and names: The Brewhaus (1987), FSJ Brewhaus (1990), Spirits of the North Brewhaus (2003) and Paddison's Brewing (2007).
In September of 2015, the business was purchased by born and raised locals, Annamari and Tom Miles, and the name changed again (see below). The business moved from the Skyway Plaza to a new location in the summer of 2019, closer to the retail section of town and the gift/gourmet food shop was expanded. The shop remained open until December 2024 when the tough decision to close was made.
Origins of Our Company Name
HARVEST - Because fruit wines are a huge part of our business and a lot of that fruit is harvested in the Peace River region. The owners also come from farm families and it’s always an important time of the year.
WINE - Well, this is what we do!
OUTFITTERS - The definition of this word is “a company or individual who provides or deals in equipment, supplies, knowledge and services for the pursuit of certain activities.” It also seemed fitting as the Miles family loves the outdoors, camping, hiking, hunting and fishing.
***Small change happened late 2022 as we removed "Outfitters" and added "& Gifts" to our name
WINE - Well, this is what we do!
OUTFITTERS - The definition of this word is “a company or individual who provides or deals in equipment, supplies, knowledge and services for the pursuit of certain activities.” It also seemed fitting as the Miles family loves the outdoors, camping, hiking, hunting and fishing.
***Small change happened late 2022 as we removed "Outfitters" and added "& Gifts" to our name
About Us
If you do an online search for “Outfitters Fort Saint John”, you get a mix of local outfitting guides, our local outdoor sporting business and us. I understand if some people are confused as to what we do.
We do: help you make wine, beer and cider at home; sell supplies to make the same; provide knowledge where we can
We don’t: organize hunting trips; keep horses or use them in our business; take in guests overnight. However, just ask and we can point you in the right direction!
We do: help you make wine, beer and cider at home; sell supplies to make the same; provide knowledge where we can
We don’t: organize hunting trips; keep horses or use them in our business; take in guests overnight. However, just ask and we can point you in the right direction!