Sip, Savour, Celebrate: Craft Beverage Delights in Simcoe County
Simcoe County has become a hub for craft beverage producers who are passionate about creating unique and high-quality drinks. From artisanal breweries to boutique cideries, the county offers a diverse range of drinks that reflect the essence of the region. Here are a few of our favourites with some holiday highlights we thought you might like:
Quayle’s Brewery
Enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas gift pack from Quayle’s Brewery, featuring twelve distinct farm-fresh craft beer styles brewed on-site with hops from their farm. Surprise someone special with a unique local gift or give the gift of experience with Quayle’s offering Sunday sleigh rides and brunch starting in January. Explore additional entertainment options like Comedy Nights, Trivia Nights, and Euchre Tournaments – all available for purchase on their website! Cheers to a festive season filled with local delights and memorable experiences.
Duntroon Cyder House
The holiday season is upon us and we have the perfect stocking stuffers for the cider lovers in your life. Purchase their Ice Cyder, the perfect stocking stuffer; like an ice wine, this strawberry infused ice cyder is high on the sweetness scale, boasting notes of sweet apple syrup and baked apple with a strawberry jam-like finish. Another favourite is their Standing Rock. An off-dry, with flavours of baked apple and citrus. Serve well-chilled with squash soup, roast pork, grilled sausages or creamy cheeses. Yum!
The Collingwood Brewery
With four different mixed packs and some sweet lifestyle swag, The Collingwood Brewery is the perfect place to pick up a gift or two for your loved ones. They even have glassware and gift certificates available. Or stop by the Brewery for some live music, events like open mic night or Thirsty Thursdays for $3 pints and $7 snacks! If you’re hitting the slopes, enjoy the weekday après over the holidays from 4-6, Monday – Thursday! Lastly, don’t miss out on their Brewery Brunch every Sunday.
Side Launch Brewing Company
Enjoy a seat in the Side Launch Taproom and choose from 16 taps of their delicious craft beer and seltzers. On the weekends, bring your energy (and dare we say, dancing shoes!) for their Side Launch Saturday parties from 2-6pm! No reservations required, and dogs are welcome! And the one event we’ll so humbly deem as a must-attend: the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the Side Launch Tap Room on December 23rd. Join the Tap Room from 11 am to 9 pm for a day filled with holiday spirit and dig out your most outrageous Christmas sweater – the uglier, the better! Oh, and don’t forget to grab a cool branded t-shirt hat or gift card for the perfect stocking stuffer.
Black Bellows Brewing Company
Forge ahead on a beer and food adventure for the ages at the Black Bellows Craft Brewery + Restaurant + Bottle Shop in Downtown Collingwood. Want to meet some friends for a holiday cheers? Check out their game night every Tuesday at 7pm! Or swing by and grab a limited-edition Festive Cheers Pack! And if you can’t find the time to stop in, they have free Ontario-wide shipping on all orders over $100.
Northwinds Brewery
If you haven’t tried their local favourites: Pretty River Lagered-Ale, or Route 26 Brown Ale, you must! Dine in at the Brewhouse & Kitchen and enjoy their Seafood Raw Bar: Monday – Thursday from 2-5pm. Try oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail and a weekly chef special. Take out and hand-crafted small batches beer delivered right to your door. Free local delivery too!
Heritage Estate Winery and Cidery
Handcrafted with 100% Ontario grown apples, Heritage Estates has a full range of award-winning artisanal ciders, boutique wines and sangrias. No additives or preservatives are used. Dry Dragon’s Gold Cider or Eden’s Apple Cider, two of our favs. Available at the farm or the LCBO for purchase. Or give the gift of a wine and cider tour. Surprise your special someone and book online today!
Creemore Springs
Available this winter only, pick up the Savour Winter Collection pack from Creemore Springs. The collection includes their Citrusy Pale Ale, Premium Lager and Dark Lager urBock. Or check out their new Discovery Series – inspired by brews around the world but crafted in the heart of Creemore with the freshest spring water! Get it all delivered fresh to your door.
Test Batches Brewery
As the newest brewery in Simcoe County, and an artisan confectionary too, this is the perfect place to add to your holiday shopping stops. From tallboys, crewnecks, t-shirts and hoodies all the way to tote bags, beer glasses, and freshly made sweets and treats, you will not be disappointed. Or meet your colleagues, friends, or family out for a pint or two over the holidays and see how they’ve turned an old auto-mechanic shop into the beautiful brewery you’ll see today!
Wasaga Beach Brewing Company
Give the gift of summer in a can with BEACH 1 CERVEZA. It’s the perfect summer beer and it’s pretty darn tasty in fall, winter and spring too. Whatever season you’re celebrating, this crisp and refreshing thirst-quencher is like gifting a vacation. Available at most LCBO and Beer Store locations.
Brew Bus Canada
There is also something very cool about gifting a beer and brew bus tour. Or better yet, grab your friends and loved ones and head out during the holidays. The BrewBus offers a Brews & Lights Christmas Light Tour, among other amazing Brew-Adventures! And The Beer Bus Co. offers a Collingwood Brewery Tour! Public and private tours are available with both companies! Gift certificates also available. This way, you won’t need a designated driver.
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or cider lover, Simcoe County offers a diverse and vibrant selection of beverages that reflect the unique character of this picturesque destination. So, embark on a journey of taste and discovery as you explore the craft beverage scene in Simcoe County, where every sip tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the bountiful beauty of the land.
