Virtual Roots Agency

The LCBO is on STRIKE!

While it might seem like a bummer for grabbing your usual drinks, it’s actually a fantastic opportunity to support our local wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Let’s dive into how this little shake-up can benefit our amazing local producers and why it’s the perfect time for you to explore the Niagara beverage scene!

1. Direct Sales: From Vineyard to Glass

With the LCBO on pause, more people will be looking for alternative ways to get their favorite drinks. This is a golden chance for Niagara’s wineries, distilleries, and breweries to shine. Buying directly from the source means you get the freshest products available and support local businesses. Many places offer online sales with direct shipping or curbside pickup. Imagine enjoying a bottle of wine that was just bottled a few days ago—talk about fresh!

2. Discover Hidden Gems

We all have our go-to picks from the LCBO shelves, but now’s the perfect time to broaden your horizons and find new favorites. Niagara is home to an incredible variety of producers, each with unique offerings. From small-batch craft beers to artisanal spirits and award-winning wines, there’s a treasure trove of tastes waiting for you. Check out local listings and see who’s offering tours and tastings.

3. Boosting the Local Economy

Supporting local businesses means directly contributing to the Niagara economy. Every purchase from a local winery, distillery, or brewery helps sustain jobs and keep these businesses thriving. Many of these establishments are family-owned and deeply rooted in our community. When you buy local, you’re not just getting a great product; you’re supporting your neighbors.

4. Unique Experiences and Events

Many Niagara producers offer more than just a bottle of their best. From vineyard tours and tasting events to brewery visits and distillery tours, there are plenty of unique experiences to enjoy. Some places even have special events lined up to attract visitors during this time. So why not make a day of it? Grab some friends, plan a tour, and enjoy the beautiful Niagara landscape while you sip on some local flavors.

5. Personalized Service and Expert Knowledge

When you visit a local winery, distillery, or brewery, you often get to meet the makers themselves. These passionate individuals love to share their stories and knowledge about their products. It’s a much more personal and enriching experience than grabbing a bottle off a shelf. Plus, they can offer recommendations tailored to your tastes and preferences, helping you discover new favorites you might have otherwise overlooked.

6. Sustainability and Quality

Local producers often focus on sustainable practices, from organic farming to eco-friendly packaging. By supporting these businesses, you’re also supporting environmentally responsible production methods. Plus, the quality and care that goes into each bottle are often higher, as smaller producers can focus more on craftsmanship than mass production.

7. Strengthening Community Bonds

There’s something special about knowing your community and the people who produce your favorite drinks. It fosters a sense of pride and connection that’s hard to beat. By shopping locally, you’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient community that supports each other through thick and thin.

My Favorite Spots in Niagara

To help you get started on your local beverage adventure, here are some of my personal favorite spots in Niagara:

Breweries:

• Silversmith Brewing Company – Nestled in a church, their PINEAPPLE MANGO HOP WATER is a must-try!
• The Exchange Brewery – Their craft beers are always a treat. I cannot get enough of their Amber Ale.
• Niagara Brewing Company – Located in the heart of Niagara Falls, and winner of numerous awards. You havent truly experienced Niagara until you have tried their Niagara Premium Lager

Distilleries:

• Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers – Their gin is simply divine and I firmly believe every local bar and home bar should have at least one bottle of their dry gin.
• Forty Creek Distillery – Check out their award-winning whiskies. Not a year goes by that we don’t gift a bottle of Fourty Creek to my dad for his birthday!
• Spirit in Niagara – Located in the heart of Niagara, their over-ripe and fallen fruit-based spirits are a unique and delicious twist. Have you tried thier Plumoncello, yet?
• Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery – I came for the wine, stayed for their raftsmanship Series, Wayne Gretzky Signature Rye. You need to try this, it’s a gam changer!

Wineries:

• Bella Terra Vineyards – If you’re a fan of sparkling wines, you absolutely have to visit Bella Terra Vineyards. Their sparkling rosé is a standout!
• Riverview Cellars – Riverview Cellars offers a unique treat with their White Water Wine Seltzer Peach + Riesling. This refreshing seltzer combines the juicy sweetness of peaches with the aromatic and floral notes of Riesling, resulting in a light, fizzy drink that’s perfect for summer. And the best part? It’s currently on sale, so it’s a great opportunity to try something new at a fantastic price.
• Redstone Winery – If you’re a lover of red wines, Redstone’s Merlot is a must-try. Known for its rich, velvety texture and complex flavors, this Merlot is a testament to the winery’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

So next time you’re planning a get-together or just want to enjoy a nice drink at home, think local. Visit a winery, distillery, or brewery, and see what our wonderful region has to offer. Trust me, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality, variety, and the warm welcome you’ll receive.

Stay tuned for more tips on the best spots to visit, upcoming events, and insider stories from our local producers. And as always, if you have any questions or need recommendations, feel free to reach out. Here’s to discovering the best of Niagara, one sip at a time!

Cheers,
Meg