News and Stories

Hungry for a food adventure? We have just the thing for you! Let us inspire you with this awesome list of seasonal tastes and year-round outings to keep your inner foodie happy. Enjoy exploring Wellington County and Guelph, one bite at a time.

burgers waiting to be picked up in a takeout windowTakeout Favourites

Show your love for local restaurants during this extraordinary time by ordering takeout. We asked local restaurants for their favourite takeout meals and perfect food and beverage pairings to get you inspired. Check out what’s on the menu.

 

wooden shelves with canned mason jarsPreserved Goodness

There are a number of ways to carry the tastes and sunshine of summer into the colder months. Preserving fruit and vegetables must be one of the best ways to spice up the season with some delicious harvest produce. Find locally made preserves.

 

jar of honey and honeycomb on a tableSweet as Honey

Bees are maybe the hardest farm workers in the world. Not only do they pollinate crops they also provide us with the best natural sweetener. Check out our list of local honey and beeswax products.

 

raw steak and butcher knife on tableMeat Your Taste Real Butcher Shops

For excellent selection and quality visit these outstanding Taste RealOM butcher shops and see what they have to offer. We asked each of them for their signature ingredient or 'must taste item' - they are worth a try! Find a local butcher.

 

loaves of artisian bread on displayBakeries

Old fashioned, quaint, or quirky – Wellington County is home to some outstanding bakeries. From pies and butter tarts to sourdough bread, local bakeries stock delicious baked goods, breakfast and lunch options. Follow your taste buds.

 

hands holding plate of foodTime to Celebrate

There can be nothing better than spending time shared with friends and those you love while enjoying local food. Local restaurants and breweries offer wonderful venuse for hosting your next corporate or private event. Get celebrating.

 

two eggs benedict on platesOn Weekends We BRUNCH!

Brunch has become one of our favourite weekend eats. Whether at home or at a local restaurant, it's a lovely way to share a great meal with friends and family. Discover spots where local food's part of the menu! Find your brunch spot.

 

hands holding ice cream conesFrozen Treats

Not just for a hot summer day - ice cream is definitely one of our best loved desserts year-round. There are many flavours and frozen treats to pick from in Guelph and Wellington County. Read our list.

 

two hands with knife cutting red onionCaterers and Personal Chefs

From personalized trays to full size event catering - here are some great local caterers and personal chefs to help with all your catering needs. Be sure to ask for their local food options! Read more.

 

two hands holding ice cream conesFarm Fresh Dairy Products

Ever tried dandelion ice cream or creamy ramenbert? In Wellington County we are fortunate to have some wonderful artisian farm fresh dairies. Visit some of Guelph-Wellington's and taste flavours like never before! Discover your favourite.

 

butcher knife and meat sitting on tableFarm Fresh Meats

Turkey not your thing? Select local traditional meats to flavour your holiday feast. From summer sausage to filet mignon, local suppliers have you covered. Find farm fresh meat at these farm stores.

 

close up of chickens in their coopPoultry

Whether you are looking for a turkey for a festive dinner, or are looking to purchase your bird farm direct, Wellington County has you covered. Check out our list of farms selling poultry and poultry products.

 

plate of cooked quail surrounded by vegetablesSpecialty Meats

Bison, water buffalo, alpaca and more – you don’t have to go far to find unique farm-raised meats. Try something new and purchase specialty meats farm direct for a chance to get some preparation advice right from the source. Discover specialty meats.

 

cooked lamb chops with rosemaryLocal Lamb

Lamb is available in Ontario year round and is often a key ingredient in many religious holiday feasts starting in the spring. There are lots of options to buy lamb locally. Discover our list of farms and retailers.

 

close up of granola with dried cranberries and pumpkin seedsSnacks

We can’t keep away from these locally made snacks. Whether you are looking for a unique gift or just want to treat yourself, we recommend you give these products a try. Satisfy your snack cravings.

 

heart cookies on sticksTreat Your Valentine

We strongly believe that the way to someone's heart is through good food! Discover a list of some wonderful Valentine's Day specials happening throughout Guelph and Wellington County. Book your outing.

 

tin sap buckets hanging on a treeIt's Sap Season

It’s no surprise that Canadians produce and consume Maple Syrup by the gallon. We use it in desserts, salad dressings, BBQ sauce and you can drench almost every breakfast food in it for a naturally sweet flavour.  Get your fix.

 

girl in blue dress holding plantPlant Nurseries and Flowers

Spring is here and we can’t wait to get growing! Find annuals, perennials, baskets, planters, seedlings, fresh cut flowers, seeds and more! Visit Wellington County nurseries and greenhouses for all your gardening needs. Get growing.

 

close up of white flowerMother's Day

We love to celebrating with great food - and Mother’s Day is no exception. Even though a restaurant visit is out for this year, you can still surprise mom with food prepared by local chefs. Check out these local specials.

 

little girl and dad holding hands in a crowdFather's Day

Let's celebrate Dad! Take-out food options, BBQ boxes, special local gift ideas and more... Check out these local specials.

 

hands holding bowl full of raspberries and blackberriesBerry Picking

There is (arguably) no better taste than a ripe, red Ontario strawberry! While our fresh berry season might be quite short, it is so delicious so don't miss it! Discover U-Pick and Farm Gate berry locations. Get picking.

 

table with lunch in front of a lakePicnics and Pairings

Step outside and experience Wellington County for day trips full of food and scenery. Get inspired by our list of favourite local picnic spots – with all the fixin’s to fill your basket. Plan your outing.

 

plate of food with mug of beer on a tableFood Day Canada

What do we do on Food Day Canada? We EAT, of course! It’s not just a regular day – it’s Canada’s day to shine, or rather smell, taste and savour the delicious food grown, harvested and prepared in our country. Indulge in local food.

 

girl eating a corn of cob in a fieldSweet Sweet Corn

Corn season is upon us! Want to get your corn farm fresh? Read our list of local corn growers, check out the local food map for markets and local retails that carry Ontario sweet corn, and learn about storing and preparing this delicious treat. Find a grower

 

orange corn maze sign on wooden fenceHarvest Fun

Crisp nights, clear days - Fall might be the most beautiful season in Ontario. It certainly is a great time to explore the countryside, visit farms and share the local harvest. Pick your own pumpkins, find your way through a corn maze, enjoy harvest festivals and more.

 

hand reaching up to pick apples in a treeApple Season

Is there a better way to enjoy an autumn day than with a visit to an apple farm? Pick your own apples, check out goodies in the farm store and get inspired by delicious apple recipes. Find cider, preserves and PYO spots.

 

oven roasted turkey on a plate with stuffing and cranberriesLocal Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to get together with family and friends and celebrate the local harvest with a good meal. Why not start with a fresh local turkey? Visit a farm directly, or pick up at a local food retailer. Find your perfect turkey.

 

front yard full of pumpkins with a benchPumpkin Season 

The Fall season is here. Get out enjoy the smell of fresh crisp air, see the mountains of colour, and tour those county roads. It also means pumpkin flavoured EVERYTHING. Create family memories and PYO pumpkin. Pick your spot.

 

two candle-lit carved pumpkins in a parkTrick AND Treat

Wellington County and Guelph are home to wonderful seasonal events. Here is your guide to some spooky and fun-TASTE-ic outings leading up to Halloween! Discover something spooktacular.

 

gift basket full of fruit, bread and beverages on a blanket.Gift Baskets

Share your love of local and give the gift of food. There are plenty of ways to fill your own (gift) basket when shopping at Taste Real partner businesses. But it’s just as easy to let someone do the work for you. Find gift baskets and food boxes.

 

three artisan soaps wrapped with string on a tableBeauty and Wellness

Did you know you can find locally made beauty and wellness products made with local ingredients right here, in Wellington County? Hand-crafted soaps and natural botanical wellness products are a treat and make great gifts. Discover local products.

 

table of food with candy canesHoliday Food and Gift Guide

Looking for unique gift ideas, decorations or ingredients for your holiday meals? Local farmers, retailers and artisans are ready for your business. Check out our list of specific holiday ingredients. Find your holiday treat.

 

family of 3 pointing to evergreen treesChristmas Trees and Decorations

Create memories and cut your own Christmas tree this year. It is a great way to start your Holiday Season! You can always browse a selection of beautiful pre-cut trees as well as the perfect decorations. Pick your tree.

 

cookbooks sitting on table with coffee and plantFood for Thought

Are you looking to add local flavour to your meals or events, or expand your culinary skills? Guelph and Wellington County are home to some fabulous cookbook authors. Discover local food and farm books from our region.

 

boy feeding calf a bottle of milkLearn About Agriculture

You may not be able to go on a farm tour right now, we have put together a list of posts, videos and workshops about agriculture, and local food you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Explore what local farms and organizations are offering.

 

white and brown alpacas standing in a fieldFibre Fun

Knitters, felters and weavers - explore our local sheep or alpaca farms and fibre mill for yarn, fibre products and inspiration. Some of the farms even offer tours! Discover local fibre farms.

 

fresh picked berries farm gate sign on side of roadFarm Gate Etiquette

Farms are homes. Visiting a local farm can be both educational and exciting, but there are a few things you should know before heading out. Check out our list of helpful farm gate tips that farmers will appreciate!

© 2023 County of Wellington, 74 Woolwich St. Guelph, Ontario N1H 3T9, T 519.837.2600, TF 1.800.663.0750, F 519.837.1909