Where It All Began

My journey into the world of fermentation started with a part-time job maintaining brewing sections in a dozen grocery stores — and a personal love for making wine from fruit and flowers. That passion led me to open a small homebrewing shop called Brewingcentres on October 17, 1993, in Westmorland Place, East Saint John.

Running a small, independent business was a steep learning curve, but I was determined to earn a reputation for great products and even better service — treating every customer the way I’d want to be treated.

Breaking Barriers

One of my earliest challenges? Overcoming the “old boys’ club” mentality. What could a woman possibly know about brewing beer? (Never mind that women invented brewing in the first place!) I made it my mission to educate, support, and empower anyone who wanted to make their own wine or beer. Their success became my success — and still is.

Growing the Business

Since 1993, we’ve moved through three locations, eventually incorporating as Barley, Malt & Vine Co. Ltd. In 2010, we settled into our permanent home on City Road — or, as locals still call it, “the old Daley’s.”

Buying, gutting, and renovating the building was a much bigger job than expected, but it was worth it. We wanted a bright, open space with modern equipment and a welcoming atmosphere — the kind of place customers would want to visit.

On-Premises Winemaking

We began offering ferment-on-premises wine around 2004–2005 and have proudly partnered with the same supplier ever since. Over the years, they’ve grown from Brew King to Winexpert, continually improving their processes and products.

In our opinion, their wine kits are the best in the world — with an exceptional variety of styles and consistently high quality. We’ve also participated in their Limited Edition program from the very beginning, giving customers access to rare, small-batch wines each year.

More Than Just Wine

While wine is at our core, we’re also passionate about beer, cider, and even spirits. From classic lagers to hop-forward IPAs, we stock beer kits, yeasts, hops, malts, and brewing equipment for every taste. Want to keg your beer? We’ve got you covered. Prefer cider? Absolutely.

The In-Store Experience

Step inside and you’ll find a bright, organized, and welcoming space — the opposite of the cramped, cluttered shops many expect in this industry. Our shelves are fully stocked, and our knowledgeable staff are ready to help you every step of the way.

Our ferment-on-premises facility features modern bottling stations that make bottling day quick and easy. For homebrewers, we carry everything from sanitizers and chemicals to rental equipment — plus self-serve bottle washers that clean and sanitize your bottles in under four minutes.

And because presentation matters, we offer a wide range of custom labels and shrink tops to give your bottles the perfect finishing touch.

Our Commitment to You

A lot has changed in 30+ years, but our dedication to our customers never has.

Due to a yeast sensitivity (oh, the irony), I’m not in the shop every day anymore — but this business was never just about me. It’s about you. Our amazing team shares the same values that built Barley, Malt & Vine: honesty, passion, quality, and genuine care.

Whether you’re making wine, beer, cider, or spirits, we’re here to guide you before, during, and after the sale. If you need help, have questions, or are searching for something special, we’re only a call or visit away.

Welcome to Barley, Malt & Vine. We’re so glad you found us.

Cheers,
Bonnie Adams