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Brews, Bites and Barns Route

Duration:
Multi-Day

Quench your thirst and feed your soul at one of these stops on the Brews, Bites and Barns Route.

Brews, Bites, and Barns is your go-to guide for exploring the best of local flavour and rural charm in the region. Originally built around craft breweries, delicious local bites, and farmyard fun, the route has evolved to showcase even more of what makes this area unique. Today, it highlights not only breweries and wineries, but also hands-on animal experiences, charming antique shops, and other hidden gems that invite you to slow down, savour, and explore.

Brews

Rolling Grape Vineyard

On the family farm in the middle of their vineyard is where you will find their winery. There you can enjoy their estate wines and learn about the vineyard.

Belmont Lake Brewery

A small craft brewery located on the shores of the beautiful Belmont Lake. The owners moved here from England in 2011 with a brewery in our shipping container, our rescue dog Jack and a vision of brewing traditional English beer with a Canadian twist.

Kawartha Country Wines

Kawartha Country Wines is a picturesque, family-owned winery located in Buckhorn, Ontario that specializes in innovative fruit wines, cider, vinegars, and gourmet preserves. Their creations are all made using locally grown, farm-fresh fruits that are processed with the highest standards to produce premium award-winning wines.

The Cheeky Duck Vineyard

Sustainability is woven into every part of their business from the Miniature South Down
sheep and runner ducks who assist with grazing and pest control, to making their 5-acre
vineyard, home to Vidal, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Baco Noir, and Marquette varietals, a
haven for butterflies and bees.

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Bites

Elmhirst’s Resort

Elmhirst’s Resort is an all season, cottage resort and conference facility. It offers a spa and a host of activities for the whole family. There is a large working farm with animals raised and produce grown on site. These foods, known as Elmhirst’s Own, are solely for consumption by their FeastON Certified restaurant. They also maintain partnerships with local suppliers to round out their menu offerings and reflect their commitment to sustainability. When visiting keep an eye out for, Angus Beef, turkeys and Pekin ducks, Fiddleheads, Greenhouse herbs and harvested vegetables featured seasonally.

Leahy’s Farm & Market

For over 45 years, the Leahy family has run a landmark farmstand on their farm right outside the bustling village of Lakefield. Take your time to enjoy all the wonderful colours and smells of local produce and baked treats. Have a seat in their picnic area to nibble on a butter tart and enjoy live music al fresca. In the autumn, traverse their corn maze and pick your perfect pumpkin right from the field.

Doo Doo’s Bakery

Just down the road from Rolling Grape Winery, tucked into the hills of Bailieboro, sits an award-winning butter tarts bakery. These handcrafted bursts of sweet and savoury are lovingly baked for those who enjoy both flakey crusts and creamy fillings. This little bakery has stolen hearts across the nation, being invited to the Canadian Food Championships in Alberta and being the proud winner of dozens of awards (including 14 first place wins) at the Royal Winter Fair.

Barns

Craftworks At The Barn

Craftworks at the Barn is a must-stop destination for handcrafted charm and hidden treasures. Explore beautiful Mennonite furniture, irresistible butter tarts, stylish apparel, and The Kawarthas’ largest collection of unique giftware and home décor. Don’t miss the Antiques Market downstairs – home to over 40 vendors offering vintage finds, retro gems, and one-of-a-kind pieces from the past.

4th Line Theatre

Since 1992, 4th Line Theatre has been bringing history to life on the barnyard stages of a rustic 5th generation farm in Millbrook Ontario. Founded by Robert Winslow, this outdoor theatre company is committed to preserving our Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of environmentally-staged, regionally-based historical dramas.

Wanderlight Alpaca Experience

Meet the 12 Wanderlight alpacas and take them for a private, sixty-minute guided trail walk
through the rolling hills of the Wanderlight Farm. The experience begins with introductions,
an education session on these gentle animals, and spending some time getting acquainted
with the herd. With patience and kindness, you will gain the trust of your chosen alpaca and
be ready to set off on the guided walk in the company of your new friend, with many
opportunities for photos along the way.

Harley Farms

Throughout the year, Harley Farms offers seasonal farm experiences and sustainability workshops. Some examples of our offerings include: lamb bottle-feeding, lamb playtime, a quiet moment with the piglets, wildflower planting and seed-collecting, wildlife surveys and “Farmer for a Morning.” Check out their website for the experiences and workshops that are currently available!

The Pearly Acre

Meet the 12 Wanderlight alpacas and take them for a private, sixty-minute guided trail walk
through the rolling hills of the Wanderlight Farm. The experience begins with introductions,
an education session on these gentle animals, and spending some time getting acquainted
with the herd. With patience and kindness, you will gain the trust of your chosen alpaca and
be ready to set off on the guided walk in the company of your new friend, with many
opportunities for photos along the way.

Looking for more to explore?