Master Butcher in Kimberley

Originally from Germany, Uwe Gwinner produces quality preservative-free meat products made from scratch.

Uwe Gwinner and his partner, Ulrika, enjoy life in the Kootenays. — Lisa Crane photo

Picture a country lane, the tantalizing aroma of spices and welcoming smiling faces. This pretty much describes a Gwinner's Country Butcher experience in Kimberley, British Columbia. Uwe Gwinner, who hails from the Black Forest in Germany, is a German Master Butcher, the greatest designation for a butcher possible in the world.

Gwinner specializes in quality European meats and offers fresh, preservative-free products.

“I always wanted to be a butcher,” he said. “On school holidays I would always help in the butcher (shop) in town.”

Why the Kootenays?

Gwinner moved to the Kootenays in 2010 for the lifestyle, for the natural environment and for the people. In May 2011, he opened his store. He started out at farmers markets, and now, Gwinner said, he barely has time to do anything but work.

His sausages are a specialty, and are hugely popular with both his Canadian customers and Europeans who have settled in the area. Gwinner offers almost 20 varieties; he makes small, fresh batches and uses his own secret ground-spice recipes. The products are made from scratch and are free of fillers, preservatives and chemicals. He said his customers favour his pâté, as well as the cold cuts and cured, dried and smoked meats. Biltong, a dried-meat product that is popular with South Africans, is another specialty offered by Gwinner's.

“We only make what we love to eat,” said Gwinner. “This is my craft.”

Gwinner said that business for him means doing what he loves to do, and the customers, or lack of, will tell you if you are up to par.

“If they don't come back, your product isn't good," said Gwinner.

Evidently, judging by the delicious smell and the customers who keep dropping in for a chat, all is well at Gwinner's.