Sip, Sip Hooray – The Holidays are Almost Here in Simcoe County!
ARTICLE BY CULINARY TOURISM ALLIANCE WRITTEN BY GABRIELLE MUELLER
Gift Ideas & Holiday Fun
Stuck on what to gift this season? Looking for a short getaway experience? From intimate wine tastings to exclusive limited-edition spirits to tasting new and exciting brews, our region has it all—beer, wine, cider, spirits, and more! With over 27 craft beverage producers, there’s a perfect sip for every festive occasion. This year, stuff your stockings with care, check your list twice, and cheers to craft beers.
For the Wine Lover:
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.
To note: This spot is by appointment only so you must call ahead.
For the Spirits Fan:
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!
6673 13th Line, Alliston, ON (View Map)
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 their festive Peppermint Vanilla Vodka – only available during the holiday season. The benefits to 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.
For the Craft Beer Buff:
139 Mill St, Creemore, ON (View Map)
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 if you can’t make it to Creemore, but the entire village is decorated and ready for Santa – so we highly recommend a special visit!
476 Hugel Ave, Midland, ON (View Map)
Test Batches has 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! Or book yourself a table for their New Years Eve Beer & Cheese Tasting.
40 Simcoe St, Collingwood, ON (View Map)
Oh, and stop by Black Bellows Brewing Company to pick up their newest Festive Cheer Box (aka. Craft Beverage Advent Calendar). 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.
200 Mountain Road, Collingwood (View Map)
Join in on some Santa Claus Olympics at Side Launch on December 21st! Like they always say, “’tis the season to be jolly”!
4567 Line 12 N, Coldwater, ON (View Map)
Make it a hoppy holidays with a gift from Quayle’s Brewery. From brewery gift cards, to swag apparel (including for furry friends!), to a memorable night out to one of the brewery’s awesome events!
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:
3079 Simcoe County Rd 124, Duntroon, ON (View Map)
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.
1151 Warminster Sideroad, Coldwater, ON (View Map)
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.
For the full list of seasonal events happening in the craft space in Simcoe County, head over and read the full blog by our friends at the Culinary Tourism Alliance, here.
