Simcoe County is calling, and its craft beverage producers are bringing all the holiday cheer (with a splash of beer, wine, cider, and spirits)!
Whether you’re looking for festive events, cozy atmospheres, unique gift ideas, or new brews to try, this region is the ultimate destination for holiday sips and seasonal vibes. With over 27 craft beverage producers in the area (and county) you’ll find holiday tipples to tease any palette. So let’s dive into a little magic!
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Festive Events to Raise Your Glass To
Simcoe County knows how to throw a holiday party, and the craft beverage scene has a packed schedule to keep you entertained! Ready to make the most of your holiday season and sip on some amazing wines and craft beers? Check out these events.
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- Dec 1-24: Christmas Walk at Quayle’s Brewery (View Map)
- Dec 7-8 & 12: Grinch Minis at The Collingwood Brewery (View Map)
- Dec 11: Holiday Punch – A Festive Party for Entrepreneurs at Side Launch Brewing Co. (View Map)
- Dec 11: Ho Ho Holiday Trivia Night at Couchiching Brewery (View Map)
- Dec 16: Paint & Sip with The Paint Bar at Side Launch Brewing Co. (View Map)
- Dec 19: Trivia by Ross at Black Bellows Brewing Co. (View Map)
- Dec 21: Santa Claus Olympics at Side Launch Brewing Co. (View Map)
- Dec 27: Rebel Sound Dance Party at Black Bellows Brewing Co. (View Map)
- Dec 31: Beer & Cheese Pairings at Test Batches Brewery (View Map)
- Jan 1: Après Ski Social Club at Side Launch Brewing Co. (View Map)
Gift Ideas for Your Favourite Beverage Enthusiasts
Stuck on what to gift this season? Simcoe County’s craft producers have you covered. Stuff stockings with care, help your giftee unwind with wine and cheers to craft beers.
For the Wine Lover: A Private Tasting + Vineyard Walk
Where: HERITAGE ESTATES WINERY, 421 Penetanguishene Road, Oro-Medonte, ON (View Map)
Book a private tasting at Heritage Estates Winery. The one on your list will get to enjoy a vineyard walk, stunning views, and delicious wine—it’s the gift of experience. This behind-the-scenes look is a great gift for all wine lovers.
NOTE: This spot is by appointment only so you must call ahead.
For the Spirits Fan:
Where: Georgian Bay Spirits Co., 395 Raglan St Unit 2-D, Collingwood, ON (View Map)
Pick up an exclusive sip for the one on your list (or yourself, we won’t tell)! Georgian Bay Spirits Co. is offering three limited-edition holiday liqueurs including Spiked Eggnog Liqueur, Caramel Coffee Cream Liqueur (hello, Christmas morning) and Maple Canadian Whisky Liqueur in collaboration with the folks at The Roost. Only available at the retail store, these little numbers aren’t just perfect for gifting, they’re great for spicing up any holiday party! Only available while quantities last. Want another tried and true holiday flavour? Pick up a can or two of the cranberry gin smash!
Where: Heretic Spirits, 395 Raglan Street, Unit 1A, Collingwood, ON (View Map)
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Gin to the world! Bringing home the gold medal in San Fransico’s World Spirits Competition and made in Collingwood, you’re definitely going to want a couple bottles for under the tree. A heretic is someone who thinks differently from the crowd, so this would be the perfect gift for those explorers and creatives on your list this year!
Where: Beattie’s Distillers, 6673 13 th Line, Alliston, ON (View Map)
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Field to glass, this fifth-generation farm-crafted potato vodka homegrown and produced in Alliston, Simcoe County, is the perfect gift for anyone—if you want to add a little twist to your hot chocolate, try adding a splash of their festive Peppermint Vanilla Vodka – only available during the holiday season. The benefits of potato vodka are amazing too. It’s gluten-free and contains less sugar than other vodkas. The coolest part? While at the distillery you can look outside onto the actual field where the potatoes are grown. It doesn’t get much more local than that.
Where: Freshwater Distillery (shop online)
Sweetwater Vodka is back! You will be buzzing over the hint of honey that this vodka is made with. The perfect gift for any Georgian Bay enthusiast. And even cooler? A portion of every bottle sold will go toward a local pollinator activity helping our native plants and biodiversity. #Savethebees
For the Craft Beer Buff:
For those wanting a little variety, Creemore Springs’ Holiday Six Pack is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It also happens to be available at the LCBO for those unable to make it to Simcoe County (though that would be a shame).
Test Batches as a variety of gifts perfect for the foodie on your list including holiday cookies, gift and treat baskets and of course, gift cards to the brewery!
Oh, and stop by Black Bellows Brewing Company to pick up their newest Advent Calendar Box. You can fill it there or take it to go and fill it with other local brews. The perfect gift for any craft beer or cider buff.
Gift the beer and animal buff the new Paws & Effect brew from Northwinds Brewery. This limited-edition brew is al about supporting local animals in need. Proceeds from every single can go to provide essential care for animals in the Blue Mountain community- pretty cool, eh?
Give your entire family or crew the best experience of their life! Imagine a private tour of Simcoe County’s best craft beverage producers as the folks on the Brew Bus take you from stop to stop. You’ll get to experience the magic of the region while sipping on a true taste of place. Or purchase the Shoe & Brew experience with Free Spirit Tours (snowshoes provided) for your loved one.
For the Cider Sipper
For those who want more than just a drink, Simcoe County offers unforgettable craft beverage adventures. Snowshoeing paired with craft cyder at Duntroon Cyder House (BYO snowshoes!) would be the perfect experiential gift.
Lastly, if you want to try out our newest craft beverage in the County, be sure to stop by Woodfolk Cider in Oro-Medonte for a little tasting of their new Small Batch Series. Visit their farm Friday – Sunday 12 pm-5 pm.
Wrap It Up with Holiday Cheer
Whether you’re sipping mulled cider by a fire, exploring a magical beer garden, or hunting for the perfect craft gift, Simcoe County is the place to soak up the holiday spirit this season. Bring your friends, your family, or just yourself—and toast to a festive, flavourful, and fun-filled holiday season.
Cheers to that!
