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Smoky Cashew Cheddar paired with a nice, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Sparkling or rose wine and Almond Chevre is a match made in heaven.
Or, how about Vegan Pepper Jack accompanied by a smooth Merlot?
We're making these vegan cheese and wine pairing suggestions because Pulse Kitchen of Penticton, which makes these plant-based, gluten-free cheeses from nuts, seeds and pulses (chickpeas and beans), is in the news.
Pulse has been purchased by Boosh Plant-Based Brands of Vancouver for an undisclosed amount.
While Boosh founder and president Connie Marples may now be based in Vancouver, she has big ties to the Okanagan.
Penticton is her hometown and she used to own and operate Vintropolis Wine Bar in Kelowna.
As such, she's an advocate of enjoying vegan options with the Okanagan's most famous commodity -- quality, fruit-forward and beautifully balanced wines.
"Going forward, Boosh will have an entire line of foods that pair naturally with wine, which happens to be a passion of mine," said Marples.
"Having an earlier career in the food and beverage industry and owning a wine store and two wine bars, this is of special interest to me."
Boosh was attracted to Pulse Kitchen, not just because it's Penticton-based and the cheeses are wine-friendly.
Pulse Kitchen is well-run, makes superior products and meshes nicely with Boosh's plant-based comfort foods credo.
Pulse's vegan cheese are also an inspired adjunct to another of Boosh's recent acquisitions -- Salt Spring Harvest, which makes vegan pates and dips.
In fact, a collection of these cheeses, pates and dips will make any charcuterie and cheese board look and taste great.
The cheeses are also touted as working well in recipes.
Boosh will keep the Pulse brand intact, retain cheese production in Penticton and Pulse founder and chef, Stephanos Liapis, is staying on as an advisor.
"I think joining the Boosh family is a perfect fit for us," said Liapis.
"They strive to differentiate themselves in the plant-based sector, as do we."
Pulse also makes Sharp Cashew Cheddar, Dill Havarti, Almond Swiss and Cashew Kind of Blue vegan cheeses.
Its cheeses are sold in 250 grocery stores across Canada, including IGA, Choices, Nesters, Urban Fare, Whole Foods, Fresh St. market and Healthy Planet.
Boosh's core business is frozen plant-based comfort food entrees such as veggie bolognese, coconut curry cauliflower, mac & cheese & peas, Mexican fiesta, rustic veggie pot pie and shepherd's pie and heat-and-eat deli items such as mushroom gravy, chili and sloppy joe.
Boosh products are sold in grocery store chains coast to coast, including Safeway, Thrifty, Whole Foods, Nesters, Nature's Fare, Metro, IGA, Fresh St. Market, Choice, Buy Low, Fairway and Foodland.
There are plans to start sales in the US later this year.
Boosh is a publicly traded company.
Stock closed Tuesday at $1.24.
Over the past year, it's been as high as $1.73 and as low as 87 cents.
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