This holiday season, many of us are looking close to home to find more ways to support local businesses. Fortunately for St. Catharines residents, when it comes to local wines, craft beers, and spirits, we’re spoiled for choice! Whether you’re looking for great drinks to serve your bubble at small holiday gatherings or thoughtful gifts to give to those near and far, here are some great options to keep in mind for the festive season.
Wineries
Local wineries are standing by to serve all your wine-related needs for the holiday season. Many are offering free delivery when you buy a certain number of bottles, so it’s a great time to stock up for the months ahead. Many also offer online shopping and curbside pickup.
Henry of Pelham Family Estate
Choose from long-time Henry of Pelham favourites like the Estate’s Baco Noir and Cuvée Catharine sparkling wine, or try something new from the Speck brothers’ latest line up of exciting new label additions. For the wine lover with everything, a Club Henry membership makes a great gift.
Rockway Vineyards
The wine lover who also enjoys golf will adore Rockway’s 9 Hole Wine Club Membership. On top of quarterly wine shipments, the membership includes discounts at Rockway’s Pro Shop, a two-for-one green fees pass and plenty of other great perks.
King’s Court Winery
Orange wine is having a moment, so a bottle of King’s Court Estate Winery’s unique 2016 Pinot Grigio is a perfect gift for curious wine lovers. With notes of golden plums, pears and lemons and a refreshing acidity, it will also pair perfectly with your turkey dinner!
13th Street Winery
In addition to a fantastic selection of critically acclaimed wines, 13th Street Winery has become a go-to destination for gourmet gifts. Their Taste of 13th Street kits include a featured bottle of wine packaged up with a wonderful selection of goodies that complement the wine, including jams, jellies, salsas and spice mixtures. These kits make a wonderful gift at a great price point of just $57.
Hernder Estate Wines
While Hernder’s beloved holiday craft show had to be postponed this year, the winery is showcasing a small selection of different craft vendors at the winery on select weekends in November and December. For those who prefer to shop at home, Hernder also offers a great selection of their wines available through their online store.
Craft Breweries
A carefully curated collection of beers from a variety of local breweries makes a wonderful holiday gift for craft brew enthusiasts.
Merchant Ale House
Seasonal additions to the Merchant Ale House retail fridge that the beer lovers in your life will love include In The Pines Pale Ale, Harvest Party Concord Grape Sour and Mr. T’s Grodziskie Smoked Wheat Ale.
Cold Break Brewing
Skip the cookies and milk this year and treat Santa to a nicely chilled can of one of Cold Break Brewing’s creative takes on craft beer. Krispy Cream Ale’s hint of sweetness makes it a perfect pairing for holiday treats!
Lock Street Brewing Company
Lock Street Brewing Company’s beautifully decorated cans make these brews perfect little stocking stuffers. Their $50 Growler Club Card is another excellent gift idea and comes with a complimentary four-pack of beer for the gift giver to enjoy!
Spirits
You may not have heard that there’s a new kid on the St. Catharines spirit block! Polonée Distillery is proudly producing spirits using only natural ingredients based on traditional Polish recipes. Their online shop offers a selection of gins, vodkas and liqueurs, including Krupnik. This honey spiced liqueur with nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peels can be served warm and makes for cozy holiday sipping.
Perfect Local Food Pairings For Your Wine, Beer or Spirit Gift
Make your wine, craft beer or spirit gift mean that little bit more with a sweet or savoury food addition to create the perfect pairing. Some sure-to-please favourites include:
- A beautiful selection of cheeses sourced from the vendors at the St. Catharines Farmers Market
- A chef-made pantry creation from Dispatch or Bolete
- Wellington Court’s famous paté
- A gift card to a local restaurant that offers pickup or delivery to allow the recipient to order in a great meal to enjoy alongside the gifted wine, beer or spirit. PickUp St. Catharines offers a fantastic directory of local restaurants with links to their websites and menus
- A carefully curated charcuterie box from Chz Plz
- A box of sweet treats from a beloved local bakery like Itty Bitty Pie Company, 13th Street Bakery, Caffé Gatti, Con Gusto or Edible Options
