Shop Local Series: Ontario Food, Wine & Drink Pairings

Ontario’s local farmers, food producers, makers, vintners, brewers and bakers have got your back this holiday season with everything you need to keep the seasonal spirit alive – safely, at home.

From wine and cheese appetizers to farm fresh main course menus, followed by plenty of dessert, we’ve rounded up an essential list of festive local foods and drink pairings made complete with contactless pickup and delivery options.

While we’re staying close to home, we can show our support for local businesses by buying local safely. Learn more COVID-19-related health and safety measures at Ontario.ca/coronavirus.

APPETIZER COURSE: CHEESE PLEASE

Cheese platters and charcuteries are guaranteed to bring cheer to every home.

Fifth Town, Picton + Rosehall Run, Wellington
Handmade cheeses produced at Fifth Town reflect the flavour and bounty of Prince Edward County. We recommend the Cheese Care Package, a curated selection of their best sellers, including a revolving selection of cow, goat or buffalo cheeses, plus a local cured meat and condiment.
Curbside pickup available from their outdoor fridge and delivery can also be arranged.

Pairs well with: a lovely Sauvignon Blanc, like the 2016 Hungry Point from Rosehall Run in Prince Edward County, compliments most chèvre and buffalo mozzarella.
Free shipping on orders of six or more bottles in Ontario only.

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, Woodstock + Upper Thames Brewery, Woodstock & Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co., Vankleek Hill
Artisanal cheese maker Gunn’s Hill is located in Oxford County, a picturesque rural region with a rich dairy history. Dark Side of the Moo is a mild, creamy Swiss soaked in Dark Side Chocolate Stout from Upper Thames Brewery, while Beau’s is a semi-soft that is washed with a seasonal beer from Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co.
Place your order by phone and arrange curbside pick-up or trunk delivery.

Monforte Dairy, Stratford + Making Spirits Bright or Distinctly Tea, Stratford
One of Ontario’s favourite artisanal cheese makers, Monforte uses only seasonal milk from humanely treated animals. Try an assortment of six to eight pieces of their best cheeses in the home delivery boxes. Got questions?
Orders placed by 8pm Wednesday eligible for local delivery will be delivered on Friday and Saturday. Purolator shipping available for other locations. Call their Door-to-Door Dairy Hotline at (519) 301-0198. 

Pairs well with: Assorted cheeses, meet assorted drinks. EPIC is an exclusive curated box featuring 14 EPIC wineries along the north shore of Lake Erie.
Free Ontario-wide shipping, each purchase will include $25 donation to the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation Gift Drive.

Alternatively, pair with artisanal tea. Distinctly Tea offers over 300 high quality loose teas, including special holiday flavours and blends.
Free shipping for orders over $50 within Ontario.

Stonetown Artisan Cheese, St. Marys + Peller Estates, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Following in the tradition of the cheese producing process of mountain dairies in the Swiss Alps, Stonetown is a proud 1^st place winner from the 2019 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Free shipping with every purchase of $100 or more.

Pairs well with: If you asked the Swiss, they’d recommend Fendant, an alpine white wine. However, the more recognized German variety of Riesling makes a perfect pair. Luckily Ontario’s cool-climate conditions allows for some of the world’s finest Riesling, like Peller Estates’ 2016 Andrew Peller Signature Series Riesling.
Free shipping on all orders within Ontario.

Glengarry Fine Cheese, Lancaster + Calabogie Brewing Company, Calabogie or Reif Estate Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Glengarry is an Eastern Ontario cheese maker that specializes in artisan hard and soft style cow and goat milk cheese, including the tasty Celtic Blue, a soft creamy blue cheese.
Order by phone, shipping within Ontario on orders $30 and more by Canada Post, expedited for a $10 fee.

Pairs well with: Blue cheese and stout are a winning duo. Get your hands on a seasonal Black Donald stout from Calabogie Brewing Company, a gold winner at the 2019 Canadian Brewing Awards or their Milk Stout Brown Cow.

Another odd couple that just seems to work is blue cheese and Icewine. Look to Reif Estate Winery, Ice Wine pioneers for the perfect Riesling Ice Wine.
Shipping charges in Canada range from $20 to $11, case orders in Ontario are free. 

Perth Cheese Shop, Perth + Perth Brewery
Perth Cheese Shop is known for its exquisite and ethical Charcuterie Board selections including our favourite: the ‘Local Local Local’.
Delivery within Perth and store pickup available.

Pairs well with: Staying super local, sample six packs from Perth Brewery.
Free home delivery to Perth, Ottawa and Kingston areas.

St-Albert Cheese Factory Co-op, St-Albert + Flying Canoe Hard Cider, Spencerville
Just east of Ottawa, St-Albert is one of Canada’s oldest cooperatives and has been mastering high quality cheddar since the late 19^th century.
Order online, home deliveries available within a 30 km radium of the factory.

Pairs well with: Cheddar and apple make the perfect flavour marriage. Try the refreshing, hand-crafted Flying Canoe Hard Cider.
Available for social distanced pick up at the MacKintosh Cider House in Spencerville.

Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, Thunder Bay + Kacaba Vineyards, Vineland
The first in Ontario to specialize in creamy Dutch style Gouda. It’s great-ah.
Order by phone or online and shipping will be arranged.

Pairs well with: Full bodied reds, such as the 2016 Signature Series reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Vineland’s Kacaba Vineyards, a gold winner at the 2019 Ontario Wine Awards. Free shipping on orders of six bottles or more within Ontario.

MAIN COURSE: FRESH FARM TO TABLE

From direct shipping to delivery services, get locally produced food transported to your doorstep.

On the Move Organics, London
Delivering high quality, organic and sustainable food to the community, On the Move connects local farmers with urban eaters.
Same-day delivery for orders placed before 9am for London, Sarnia, Woodstock, and St. Thomas Routes. Kitchener/Waterloo orders must be in before 9am on Friday for Saturday deliveries.

Butcher Box, Ontario wide
Butcher Box works with local Ontario Farmers to deliver locally sourced, naturally raised, chemical free beef, pork and poultry.
Free shipping on all orders within Ontario.

Papa Earth, Ontario wide
Customize your order online with AAA beef, grass fed & grass finished beef, pasture raised pork, Ontario lamb and free run chicken.
Free delivery in Ontario, get two free grass-fed rib eye steaks with code: FREESTEAKS.

Dalew Farms, Lavigne 
Northern grass-fed beef, lamb and goat meat.
Shop online with Click Fork, Northeastern Ontario’s online farmer’s market.

The Healthy Butcher, Toronto
Toronto’s go-to for local, organic meat.
Free delivery throughout the city.

Farm2Door, North Simcoe and Orillia
Fruits, veggies, meats, cheese, baked goods, prepared food, preserves, and treats direct from local farms to local residents in North Simcoe and Orillia.
Free delivery on orders of $85 or more.

Farm 2 Fork, Ottawa
Distribute natural raised premium meat directly to your door.
Free delivery on minimum orders of $249 in Ottawa area.

Fresh City Farms, Toronto
Fresh City Farms delivers everything from produce and meat to prepared meals, and is FeastOn Certified.
Free delivery in the GTA.

Nutrafarms, Barrie
Nutrafarms supports local farmers and provides Ontarians with healthy and convenient locally raised port, beef and chicken.
Free delivery.

Penokean Hills Farms, Bruce Mines
Created by a small group of Northern Ontario farmers, Penokean Hills offers a number of bulk beef packages designed to support the Algoma farming industry and to provide the community with premium local beef.
Free no-contact home delivery on Fridays to Sault Ste. Marie.

Farmway Foods, Burlington
Get local Ontario meats delivered to your door direct from local, family-owned farms throughout Ontario that support natural farming.
Free home delivery.

Whispering Meadows, Milverton
Whispering Meadows specializes in naturally raised organic beef, chicken, pork, lamb and eggs.
Order online for farm-to-door delivery in Perth County.

The Fish Shop, Thunder Bay
This family-owned local gem specializes in traditional Finnish-style smoked Lake Superior and Lake Nipigon fish.
Shipping is available within Canada.

Metis Fish Market, Midland
Get a taste of Georgian Bay from owner Shawn Goulding Zurawski’s, whose grandfather Henry LePage, opened the world famous Henry’s Fish Restaurant at Sans Souci.
Online order available.

Springhills Trout Farm, Hanover
This small-scale, second generation family farm raises rainbow trout, arctic char and Lake Erie pickerel using humane methods.
Free door-to-door drop off within seven regional zones around Grey County.

DINNER & DRINK PAIRINGS

Beef + Trius Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Most grilled or roasted beef dishes pair well with a confident, full-bodied and flavourful red, such as the Trius Showcase Red Shale Cabernet Franc 2017, Ontario Wine Awards red wine of the year in 2019.
Direct to home delivery offered within Ontario.

Roast Pork + Flat Rock Cellars, Jordan
Pork is a bit of a chameleon when it comes to pairing, as it depends on the dish. Roast pork ribs pair well with light bodied reds like the Flat Rock Cellars 2015 Gravity, the gold winner for Pinot Noir at the 2019 Ontario Wine Awards.
Ontario wide shipping available.

Pork Tenderloin + Colio Estate Winery, Harrow
Pork tenderloin pairs well with dry whites such as the aromatic 2017 Bricklayer’s Reward Herringbone white from Colio Estate Winery.
Ship anywhere in Ontario for $9.99 (minimum $70 order), free shipping for $150+ purchases.

Pulled Pork + Collingwood Brewery
Pulled Pork pairs well with a tasty India Pale Ale, like Collingwood Brewery’s White’s Bay IPA.
Spend $100+ and shipping direct to your door is free within Ontario.

Poultry + 13th Street Winery, St. Catharines
Most poultry, including a traditional turkey dinner, pairs well with just about anything. We suggest the award-winning 13^th Street 2017 Gamay, a refreshing, medium-bodied wine.

Fish + Tawse Winery, Vineland
Fish pairs well with a classic Chardonnay. Try the award-winning 2013 Lenko Vineyard Oaked Chardonnay from Tawse Winery, a family-owned organic and biodynamic winery.
Free shipping in Ontario for orders over $100.

Vegan + Karlo Estates, Prince Edward County or Southbrook Organic Vineyards, Niagara-on-the-Lake or Lake of Bays Brewing, Muskoka
Vegan pairs well with, well, vegan! Karlo Estates is the world’s first vegan certified winery,  while Lake of Bays Brewing outlines their totally vegan brewing process online.

Southbrook Organic Vineyards is a biodynamic, organic winery that produces several vegan options.
Direct to your door delivery is available in Niagara, Hamilton, Oakville, Toronto, Mississagua, Richmond Hill, Guelph, Kitchener/Waterloo, Stratford and London.

DESSERT: TOASTABLE SWEET TREATS

Local dessert ideas and treats worth toasting as you count down the New Year.

Donut Monster, Hamilton + Monarch Tea Co., Hamilton
Leaders in the donut revolution with their delightful creations, including both vegan and traditional options.
Pre-order for contactless pick-up at their walk-thru window.

Pairs well with: Monarch Tea Co. offers virtual tea pairing classes with a certified tea sommelier.
Free shipping within Ontario with promo code: FREESHIP.

Doo Doo’s Bakery & Café, Bailieboro + Muskoka Roaster Coffee Co.
Handcrafted bursts of sweet or savoury, Doo Doo’s award-winning butter tarts are renowned for their flakey crusts and creamy fillings.
Order online, shipping available for a minimum order of two dozen through Purolator.

Pairs well with: Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co.’s handcrafted, 100% certified sustainably sourced coffee, including small batch limited edition samplers such as the Butter Tart Brew, can be found at purveyors of fine coffee all over Ontario.
Free shipping for orders over $40 within Ontario.

The Pie Plate Bakery and Cafe, Virgil + Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery, Bala
The Pie Plate serves the Niagara area with home baked fruit pies, including apple, cherry, pumpkin and more.
Curbside pick-up for pre-paid orders.

Pairs well with: Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery‘s Cranberry Wines or Red Maple Dessert Wine.
Shop online, shipping via Canada Post.

Finnia Chocolate and Cacao, Gore Bay + Boreal Berry Farm and Winery, Warren
Finnia hand crafts its artisanal chocolate and gourmet confections on Manitoulin Island.
Order online for curbside pick-up or direct delivery.

Pairs well with: Manitoulin Maple Apple Ice Cider from Boreal Berry Farm and Winery, North America’s only certified organic haskap orchard.

Hummingbird Chocolate, Almonte + Megalomaniac Winery, Vineland
Choose from an assortment of award-winning, hand-crafted chocolate, including a small batch holiday selection. You can visit Hummingbird’s charming workshop and retail space just 40 minutes west of Ottawa.
Free shipping on orders over $75 within Ontario.

Pairs well with: Award-winning chocolate deserves award-winning sparkling wine. Megalomaniac Winery snagged two gold Ontario Wine Awards in 2019 for their 2018 Sparkling (Riesling) Personality and Bubblehead Sparkling Rosé.
Online store offers free shipping on orders over $75 within Ontario.

SOMA Chocolate Maker, Toronto + Henry Of Pelham, St. Catharines
Visit one of SOMA’s locations in Toronto’s King West or Distillery District neighbourhoods to sample its bean-to-bar chocolates, cookies and truffles.
Free shipping within Canada for a minimum of $50 orders, Toronto porch drop available.

Pairs well with: Artisanal chocolate and a sparkling rosé is a palate-pleasing combination. Henry Of Pelham‘s Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut fits the bill.
Free door to door delivery on orders of 12 bottles or more, select ’12 bottles+’ at checkout.

Centre & Main, Warkworth +  Hinterland Wine Company, Hillier
A Northumberland County gem, Centre & Main whips up innovative, artisanal chocolate inspired by pride of place.
Flat rate shipping fee of $14, free shipping for orders of $60 or more within Ontario.

Pairs well with: Chocolate that celebrates local pride demands a wine that does the same. Hinterland Wine Company produces premium sparkling wine in Prince Edward County.
For free shipping on orders of four or more bottles, choose Quarantine Club at checkout.

For more food and drink pairing tips: Check out the LCBO’s Pair It Forward initiative that celebrates Ontario’s food and beverage makers.

Connect with more amazing food and beverage growers, makers and producers across Ontario:
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Beef Farmers of Ontario
Ontario Pork Producers
Chicken Farmers of Ontario
Turkey Farmers of Ontario
Organic Council of Ontario
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Wine Country Ontario
Ontario Craft Brewers
Ontario Craft Cider Association

Note: Wherever your taste buds lead you, you’ll want to first confirm delivery details with each business before ordering as options may change. You’ll need to show proof of age of majority at the time of delivery of all alcoholic orders. Please drink responsibly.

Main image photo credit: On the Move Organics