A delicious day to visit Prince Edward County

TASTE all this culinary hotbed has to offer!

Early September’s gorgeous weather has me in complete denial that autumn is coming. I’m still cooking summery foods, basking in warm sunshiney afternoons and enjoying dinners on the deck. I’m also busy looking for new ways to prolong that relaxed, happy summertime feeling….and I think I’ve found a great one. It’s an ideal opportunity to visit one of my favourite places in the world – Ontario’s Prince Edward County. One of the top wine producing regions in Canada, The County, as it’s affectionately known, is also a culinary hotbed, with farms, chefs and vintners collaborating to deliver some seriously tasty food. All that’s delightful about The County will be at your fingertips on September 27 during a wonderful event called simply TASTE community grown.

The thirteenth edition of TASTE community grown will be held at Picton’s historic Crystal Palace, just a few hours’ drive from the National Capital Region. The event is an annual showcase of the best that Prince Edward County offers in terms of food, farm products, restaurants, wineries and craft breweries. At only 30 dollars’ admission, which includes ten sampling tickets (more can be purchased at the event) and seminars throughout the day, it’s a delicious bargain. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting The County’s food banks.

Presented by the Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association, TASTE community grown will also feature the County Chopped event, based on the popular TV program. Celebrity judges will assess the efforts of local chefs who will  be cooking their way through a mystery basket of ingredients.

TASTE community grown will be a jam-packed day, with over 75 participating wineries, restaurants, farmers and food trucks. It will also be a very family-friendly event; kids are admitted free! I suggest making a weekend of it so you have time to check out some of the other sights of The County.