We know that the leaves haven’t even started to change colour, yet here we are, talking about harvest dinners coming up in the fall. We just really didn’t want to you miss out on any of these experiences.
Harvest dinners are a special thing. They are about coming together with friends, chefs, farmers, makers, and storytellers to celebrate the bounty of the harvest in Ontario. While you sit together at one long table, often under the stars, it’s hard not to share in the sense of pride that can be found in the communities that host these events.
Here are some of our favourite dinners happening throughout the province.
1. Meet the Makers: A Winery Long Table Dinner
September 9th, Blue Mountains
Set in the middle of Georgian Hills Vineyards, this intimate gathering will have you sipping on cold-climate vintages while you talk to the winemakers themselves about their craft.
2. Langdon Hall Harvest Dinner
September 14th, Cambridge
Begin your evening with a signature cocktail while you stroll through the vegetable garden and enjoy canapés amongst the harvest. Join the long harvest table under the Summer House as Chef Jason Bangerter presents an elegant meal inspired by the local bounty and exquisite wines handpicked for the evening.
3. Pelee Island Harvest Dinner
September 15th, Pelee Island
An end of season banquet held at Pelee Island Winery, with Island Pie for dessert. What exactly is Island Pie you ask? You’ll just have to find out for yourself at this harvest dinner.
4. Joel Gray Harvest Dinner
September 16th, Grey County
We love everything about this event. We love the 4 courses showcasing the Ontario Harvest. We love that you pay what you can afford. We especially love that you bring your own wine.
Upcoming events are posted on his Instagram page, so if you can’t make it to this one be sure to check out @joelgray6 for the next harvest dinner.
5. Durham College Harvest Dinner
September 20th, Durham Region
Treat yourself to a night at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food’s (CFF) exclusive Harvest Dinner with a menu featuring fresh food grown and harvested by students in Durham College’s (DC) food and farming programs, cooked by students in the college’s culinary programs, and served by students studying in hospitality and events programs.
6. Brew Master Dinner
September 21st, Algonquin
Bartlett Lodge will be partnering with Sam Corbeil, Head Brewer and co-founder of Sawdust City Brewery for an evening of local plates paired with a wide variety of brews.
7. Harvest Table Dinner
September 22nd, Peterborough & The Kawarthas
This is an event that is not to be missed as The Tres Hombres Chefs will be the ones preparing your dinner while you enjoy live music and sip on cold beverages provided by local breweries, Smithhaven, Publican House as well as featured wineries Rosehall Run and Rolling Grape.
8. Harvest Noir, Farm-to-Table Picnic
September 22nd, Ottawa
This pop-up event happens in three parts; first you show up to the farm-to-table chic picnic, then you enjoy the epic Celebration of Light, finally you bring the night to a close with a dance party at a secret location.
Throughout the evening you will also find beatboxing cellists, a fashion show, a swing dance floor, 2 DJ dance floors, and a bike ride fundraiser… there is literally something for everyone.
HINT: The dress code is: All black. Be bold.
9. Full Harvest Moon Supper
September 24th, Kawartha Lakes
South Pond Farms will host a magical evening while you enjoy dinner served al fresco, under the stars with a bonfire. The menu is inspired by the seasonal abundance familiar to the Kawartha Lakes region.
10. Fanshawe Harvest Dinner
October 20th, London
Celebrate International Chefs Day at Fanshawe College, while students enrolled in their one-of-a-kind Artisinal Culinary Arts graduate program prepare several courses for you to enjoy.