CONTENT FROM: GREAT TASTE OF ONTARIO REPORT
PUBLISHED DECEMBER 9, 2022
Parsons Brewing Company in Prince Edward County has its own outdoor skating rink.
After a few years spent mostly inside, Ontarians are ready to get outside and socialize this winter. What better way to make the most of the season than sitting with loved ones around a fire pit while sharing some high-quality beers? These five craft breweries offer the best cozy spots on patios and in biergartens to cozy up and make warm memories.
Parsons Brewing, Prince Edward County
Grab your pals, strap on a pair of ice skates and hit the rink at this family-owned brewery. Then, take a break with a pint of the Guv’nor, an ale with notes of toffee, or a Soft Hues lager inspired by long walks on the Sandbanks Outlet Beach at dusk. Stick around for dinnertime – the chef works with local farmers to source fresh ingredients. Warm up with a hearty serving of roasted cauliflower and apple chowder or a 72-hour cooked beef torta and enjoy some tunes as part of Parsons’ live winter music series.
Paris Beer Company, Paris
Located inside the cozy, historic Paris Wincey Mills Co. market, this brewery (the first to open in Paris in over 100 years!) offers up award-winning beers for every palate. Grab a spot on the heated, dog-friendly patio — on Thursdays, there’s live music to enjoy. Or, check out the website to find out about fun weekend events, like holiday markets with mulled wine, or just stop by for a drink and yummy meal. We recommend their holiday special, St. Bartholomew Dark Wheatbock (with notes of caramel, oats and hops), and the Nashville fried chicken or P.E.I. mussels.
Muskoka Brewery, Bracebridge
Head out to cottage country and take a load off in classic Muskoka chairs surrounding fire pits on this dreamy winter patio. Order a charcuterie board featuring local cured meats, and some warm pretzels with three-cheese cream ale beer dip to share and snack on. Toast the occasion with a can of Winter Beard (a brew with notes of chocolate and cranberry that’s perfect for the season) or the brewery’s classic Cream Ale, the first beer they brewed upon opening in 1996. There are plenty of alcohol-free drinks (like the Mindful Wandr, infused with lemon, lemongrass and orange peel) and kid-friendly food on the menu, too.
Bench Brewing, Beamsville
Spread out across eight acres, this brewery in Niagara Benchlands features a welcoming winter patio complete with fireplaces and heaters. The outdoor space offers a beautiful view overlooking the Twenty Valley vineyards and orchards. Try a Mountainview Stout for a bold, creamy brew with notes of chocolate and roasted coffee, or Appellation No. 6, a golden ale that’s aged in local wine barrels with notes of orange, lime zest and stone fruit. Don’t miss out on the patatas bravas, which are potatoes fried in duck fat with salsa, chilli sauce and roasted garlic.
Customers at Trestle Brewing in Parry Sound can enjoy their beer in a heated yurt or geodesic dome.
Trestle Brewing, Parry Sound
Gather with friends inside a heated yurt or book a geodesic dome for a romantic date at this brewery that overlooks Parry Sound’s waterfront with a view of the historic CPR Trestle Bridge. Once tucked inside, enjoy a Trestle Golden Ale, modelled after European Pilsners with a blend of malts and hops, or An Ocean In Front Of You, A Fire Behind You, a wild ale aged in French Oak barrels that once held Cabernet Sauvignon for a unique fruity taste. Share a poutine (made with cheese curds from St. Albert) or the Georgian Bay trout board, which features Milford Bay trout pate and smoked filet, gravlax, mustard and more.
Fall in love with the Great Taste of Ontario again and again.
Visit ontarioculinary.com/great-taste to download curated passports to our province’s most delicious destinations.
