It’s the most wonderful (and delicious) time of year. The holidays are a time for celebration and (over) indulgence — that’s why we’ve gathered up our favorite locally procured presents so you have more time at the table with friends. Be warned though, they may prove difficult to give away!
Rebecca’s Pick
That Sweet Heat.. On Everything!
Rebecca says: “You know I’m a County girl through and through. This year, I’m hoping for a bottle or two of County Yum Club’s Hot Honey in my stocking. It’s raw, County honey infused with chilies, horseradish and ginger. SO, so, good. It’s great on a cheese board, and hint hint, you can pick it up at Zest Kitchen Shop in Picton.”
Anna’s Pick
The Oh-So-Perfect Paddle
Anna says: “I made one of these paddles with W. Bruce Smith for my partner last year, and I’ve been dreaming of one for myself ever since. You can get them at Styll Gallery in downtown Elora — or better yet, sign up for a workshop and have the owner teach you to make one yourself!”
Agatha’s Pick
The Morning-After Cure All
Agatha says: “I fell in love with Grey County this year. Deep love. The vistas, the beer, the food — it all gives me the warm and fuzzies. One of my new favorite Grey County people is a woman named Meredith. She’s a local l-e-g-e-n-d. She makes a delicious, perfectly charming line of Ginger products on her farm using local honey, organic ginger and a huge helping of Grey County love. So this year, I’m sharing a little piece of this amazing place with my friends in the form of her Ginger Syrup. It doesn’t hurt that the stuff cures a hang over in a matter of minutes either! Happy Holidays.”
Julia’s Pick
To Keep Those Curds Cold
Julia says: “We bought one of these amazing plates this summer. They’re made from re-purposed carerra marble from the facade of the Bank of Montreal, First Canadian Place. I love them — they’re not messing around. They really do keep your cheese cold… which is important, because eventually it will, one day, so they tell me, be patio season again.”
We’d be remiss if we didn’t share our favorite Ontario bottles. These pretty little numbers make great stocking stuffers and even better hostess gifts!
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[/ezcol_2fifth] [ezcol_3fifth_end]We’re really savouring every drop of Dillon’s Strawberry Gin. Part of a larger family of Niagara fruit infused spirits, the Strawberry Gin tastes like a July afternoon, even though there’s icicles hanging from the eaves as we speak.
Get it at the distillery.
4833 Tufford Road, Beamsville[/ezcol_3fifth_end]
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[/ezcol_2fifth] [ezcol_3fifth_end]Distilled like a whisky, but made with organic sugar beets grown by Zephyr Organics in Durham Region, this is a really unique pour. It tastes earthy and sweet and has us dreaming of stirred cocktails.
Get it at the distillery.
90 Cawthra Avenue, Unit 100, Toronto[/ezcol_3fifth_end]
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[/ezcol_2fifth] [ezcol_3fifth_end]The Genshu Nama-Nama sake really blew us away at this years’ Terroir Symposium. It’s fresh, bold and fruity. Now, because this is freshly pressed, unpasteurized and unfiltered sake — you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t sit getting warm under the tree!
Get it at the distillery.
55 Mill Street, Building 4, Toronto[/ezcol_3fifth_end]
Not really into material things? We feel ya. From tours to tastings, edible experiences make great gifts too! Check out this list for ideas.
Sometimes, one “thing” just isn’t enough. Edible subscriptions are the gifts that keep on giving, literally — and there are dozens of options for even the pickiest eaters in your life. Here a few of our favorites.
[ezcol_3fifth]For just $350 a year, you can give the wine lover in your life a Fielding Estates Wine Club membership. They’ll get two bottles delivered to their door every other month — and an exclusive invite to their Reunion Event come summer. Cheers to that!
Fielding Estates
4020 Locust Lane, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2
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[ezcol_3fifth]Want to make sure you’re breaking bread with friends all year long? Buy them a bread share! It’s the perfect gift for the gluten lover in your life. Our favorite hails from Elora. From seedy sourdoughs to dense ryes — there’s a loaf for all seasons waiting for you on their racks.
Elora Bread Trading Company
73 Metcalfe Street, Elora, Ontario N0B 1S0[/ezcol_3fifth] [ezcol_2fifth_end]
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[ezcol_3fifth]You’ve heard about Beer Clubs, but Kensington Brewery is taking it a step further. By buying into their CSB (get it? Community Supported Beer!) you can give your hop head buds access to exclusive brews, experiences and even the chance to help brew a beer!
Opening soon: Kensington Brewing Company.
299 Augusta Avenue, Toronto[/ezcol_3fifth] [ezcol_2fifth_end]
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For more delicious ideas for the season, visit our holiday headquarters!
