Story and Photographs by Andrew Redden, Economic & Tourism Development Manager
Looking for a tasty road trip for a day or longer? You’ve come to the right place.
Here in Hastings we have award-winning wine, cider, beer and cheese. They are all made by wildly creative businesses that make unique destinations across our County. Here below I’ve put together a list of places that you will enjoy visiting. For more information, visit hastings.ca.
Longtooth Beverage Company
Longtooth Beverage Company is the newest craft brewery in Hastings County. While they have been contract brewing with another brewery for some time now, they have made the Township of Stirling-Rawdon their new home. You can find them, and their patio, at 429 W Front Street, Stirling, right next to the Stirling arena and fairgrounds.
Kings Mill Cider
Just up the road from Longtooth is Kings Mill Cider. They are a small family-run craft cider producer nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Stirling-Rawdon Township. Stop in and sample their award-winning ciders. Try their Strawberry Rhubarb, Arrested Development or MOJITO Carbonated among many more. They are now making pizza on site so ask them about that when you’re there.
Ontario Water Buffalo Co.
Your next stop is not far away at the Ontario Water Buffalo Co. on Highway 14. Visit their “Buff Stuff Store” and try the variety of cheeses sourced from water buffalo milk. Purchase some of their meats if you’ve packed a cooler to take home for the BBQ.
Ivanhoe Cheese
Head North East over to the Village of Ivanhoe where you’ll find Ivanhoe Cheese. This factory has been making cheese since 1870. Try some of their cheddar and be sure to purchase some tasty cheese curd. Cheese and beer go well together for the next stop.
7/62 Craft Brewers
This is the newest business on this tour. 7/62 Craft Brewers opened in 2019 and are working away at making many tasty craft brews including their Madoc Dark.
Bancroft Brewing Co.
Bancroft Brewing Company has been making excellent beer as well for a few short years now. Situated on Bancroft’s main street, stop in to try one of their many brews that they say is made with water sourced deep from within the Canadian Shield.
The Barn Chefs
Next get ready to try some awesome wildly authentic Italian pizza! Make your way to Coe Hill in Wollaston Township to visit The Barn Chefs. Say hello to Sarah and Luca and their boy Matayo who believe in good food, handcrafted with natural ingredients. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, call ahead and order one of their wood oven baked pizzas which are amazing!
Potter Settlement Artisan Winery
After enjoying some pizza, head about an hour south (you’ll need time to digest) and visit Hastings’ only and first winery. Potter Settlement Artisan Winery is situated just North of the Village of Tweed on the end of the Canadian Shield. Potter Settlement is making award winning wines that you need to sample (if you haven’t yet) made from their organically-grown grapes.
Maple Dale Cheese
Next, and for our final stop, head South from Tweed on Highway 37 until you see Maple Dale Cheese. Treat yourself to their aged cheddars and squeaky curd. Cheese pairs well with wine, and good Hastings craft beer as well.
I HOPE THAT YOU ENJOY THIS TRIP, AND HERE’S A MAP TO HELP GUIDE YOU TO EACH LOCATION.
