Watershed is on the road … In this issue, it’s all about celebrating the harvest, supporting the businesses that are working hard to create the food we savour, sourcing special ingredients and being out in the fresh air at the markets and the shops we love.
Traynor Vineyard1774 Danforth Road, Hillier
traynorvineyard.comSustainability is the foundation of Mike Traynor’s family vineyard, located on a stunning 5.5-acre property in Hillier, one of PEC’s smallest communities but considered ground-zero for the County’s wine scene. The boutique natural wine producer is all about low-intervention methods, organic management that protects the local ecology, and a collection of vegan sippers like orange wine and vermouth. Mike started out as a labourer, but by age 22 he had become a winemaker. He bought the land back in 2008 when it was a frozen cornfield; now he produces some of the best bottles going.
Dune Hopper Brewing1613 County Road 12, West Lake
dunehopper.caThis dog- and family-friendly farm brewery next to Sandbanks Provincial Park has a laid-back vibe that’s hard to resist. It’s one of the newest craft breweries in the area, where you can hang out among the hops with a pint of Tent Pitcher lager or Birdsong IPA and admire the fields and sky. They often have live music and amazing food truck grub for all the salty, carby goodness you crave to go with the beer. Bonus: their spent grain byproduct goes to feed the cows at nearby farms like Walt’s Sugar Shack.
Leigh’s Home Grown Greens105 Mount Pleasant Road, Castleton
leighshomegrowngreens.comLast year, Deanna Leigh invested in a greenhouse and six soil-based garden towers on her Castleton farm, planning to grow various lettuces and herbs. When she saw a social media ad about microgreens, she took a training course and changed her business plan. Microgreens are an early stage of a vegetable’s development, after sprouting, and they’re known for their nutrient density, which is considered superior to mature greens like broccoli. They’re quicker to harvest and health boosting for salads and sandwiches. Choose from tasty sunflower, pea, arugula, broccoli or radish for a pop of pink.
North Docks Restaurant153 Main Street, Wellington
northdocksrestaurant.comA secluded waterfront patio on Wellington’s main street is just the place to relax in the lingering warmth of early fall. Add a glass of local wine and housemade jalapeño pickle poppers with creamy ranch dressing and life is good! The building has been through a number of transformations, but this small gem of a pub has got it right. Owner couples Megan and Nic Robinson and Kyle and Christine DenOuden relaunched the business in summer 2023 to showcase big flavours, brunch on Sundays and amazing live music events. photograph by Christine Reid
The Green Root5529 C Highway 62 South, Belleville
thegreenroot.caWellness is front and centre these days, so it’s great to have a dedicated local store where you can get expert advice and recommendations – and a wealth of product choices. The Green Root is a family-owned business (Shruti and Vishesh Malhotra also run the Green Root Refillery in Kingston) with a passion for zero-waste and sustainable goods, and organic produce from area farmers. And this is where you’ll find items to suit special dietary needs and everyone who’d like to include more plant-based foods in their meal plan.
Cube Coffee Bar301 Victoria Street North, Tweed
cubecoffeebartwd.comThe original Cube Coffee Bar is in a tiny cube-shaped space in Budapest. The second is across the world in the little town of Tweed. Aniko Fenyvesi, who owns Cube in both locations, left Hungary to follow her brother Peter to Tweed after he moved from Toronto almost two years ago. He helped launch the elegant café this July as an investment in the community, bringing unique offerings inspired by their Hungarian family roots. The changing menu includes a hearty goulash and a focus on local producers. The coffee comes from a micro-roastery located in Prince Edward County.
Lady B’s Bistro
3 Bridge Street South, Hastings
IG: @ladybsbistro
Longtime restaurateurs Bambina Giannitti and her husband Tommaso Conti, former owners of Villa Conti Oak Heights Estate Winery, have a wonderful new venture underway in Hastings. Lady B’s Bistro serves up family dinner style Italian Nights and incredible homemade lasagna, manicotti, fettuccine and gnocchi. (Just try the decadent alfredo sauce!) The bold robust flavours of Italy are a sure thing, even in a small Ontario village. They’re open for breakfast, for eggs and omelettes, through dinner in the inviting spot by the river, or stop in for yummy dessert and cappuccino.
