Taste Real in Winter

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Mini cranberry appetizers appetizers displayed on a rustic wooden board

We invite you to eat, shop, and experience local food this winter

Did you know you can eat and enjoy local food year-round? While some might associate locally grown food mainly with summer farmers’ markets filled with fruit and produce or farm side stands loaded with fresh eggs and baked goods, we guarantee that you will find local products on store shelves, and events to experience year-round – even during the cold and icy days of winter.


Enter to win!

We want you to experience local food this winter! Enter our #TasteRealinWinter Contest for a chance to one of three $100.00 in gift certificates to local eateries! 

Enter the contest here

Heart shaped sugar cookie pops

Treat your Valentine

We strongly believe that the way to someone's heart is through good food! Check our list of some delicious Valentine's Day specials available at Guelph and Wellington County businesses.
Closeup of young Caucasian woman with grey woven sweater holding a large wooden crate full of raw freshly harvested vegetables

Sign up for a Farm Share

Farm shares, often called CSAs allow Wellington County and Guelph residents to have direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown by local farmers.
Did you now? Winter is the perfect time to sign up to a farm share, as it helps farmers with early-season expenses such as seeds and tools!
beef roast sliced on a cutting board

Farm Fresh Meats

From summer sausage to filet mignon, local suppliers have you covered. You can find farm fresh meat at the farms and farm stores across Wellington County. Also learn the benefits of buying farm-direct.
Two chickens standing on their ramp deciding to go into the snow

Purchase Farm Direct

While fields may lay dormant under a blanket of snow, farms don’t close in the winter. Many local farm stores and markets are open year-round and are worth a visit. Be sure to check opening hours and purchasing procedures, as they will vary by location.
Delicious looking line up of burgers at a takeout counter

Takeout Favourites

Show your love for local restaurants by ordering takeout. We have put together a list of favourite takeout meals from local food restaurants and food businesses across Wellington County and Guelph to get you inspired.
Three different coloured alpacas stand together in a snow covered field with a red barn in the distance

Fibre Fun

Knitters, felters and weavers - explore our local sheep or alpaca farms and fibre mill for yarn, fibre products and inspiration. Find cozy socks, sheep or alpaca yarn, felted products, sheep skins and much more. Discover local farms.
steak and butcher knife on a cutting board

Find a Local Butcher

For excellent selection and quality visit these outstanding 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!
Fresh milk poured into a glass cup from a bottle. The glass stands on a wooden stand on a rustic wooden table.

Discover 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!
charcuterie board with cheese, meat and bread

Go on a Food or Farm Tour

Food and farm tours offer a unique way to get to know a place. Whether you are a visitor or call Guelph Wellington your home, we invite you to learn and discover unique tastes and flavours in our backyard.
Book a tour with one of our locations listed or pick up the local food map and create your own adventure.
jars of preserves on a shelf

Preserved Goodness

There are many 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.
Butter tarts on a tray

Butter Tart Adventures

Maybe Ontario’s favourite sweet treat – the iconic butter tart is well represented locally.
Did you know that Wellington County is home to a provincially recognized butter tart champion? You might not be able to get ahold of Helen Moffat’s (Drayton) acclaimed tarts, but we’ve picked some of our favourite butter tart locations for you to explore.
flight of four beers on table

Local Beverages

A great way to enjoy local year-round – check out local beverage producers. Craft brews, ciders, spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic options all made in Guelph-Wellington. Cheers!
A couple dressed in winter attire buy parsnips and carrots at an indoor farmer's market stand

Farmers' Markets

While opening day for most Wellington farmers’ markets is still a few months away, there are plenty of options to support their vendors directly. Check out our Farmers' Markets to learn more.
jar of honey and honeycomb on a table

Honey and Beeswax Products

Bees may be sleeping this time of year but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy their natural sweetener! Discover where to buy local honey and beeswax products in Guelph and Wellington County.
Two woman having fun making fresh pasta with a pasta press

Cooking Classes or Workshops

Are you an aspiring chef or want to learn new food skills? Food workshops and classes are a great way to deepen your culinary skills or get started. Here are some local entrepreneurs offering virtual and in-person classes.
close up of granola with dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds

Snacks

We can’t keep away from 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.
lunch being prepared by a chef

Eat Local on Campus

Did you know that you can eat local on campus? The team at the University of Guelph’s Hospitality Services is a nation-wide leader when it comes to local food and we’re happy to boast about it on their behalf.
tin sap buckets hanging on a tree

Sap Season

It’s (almost) Sap Season in Wellington County – and for us, that means the sweetest time of the year. We have a full calendar of maple-infused outings and events happening in March and April.

Become a Locavore

Becoming a locavore doesn’t have to be an all or nothing approach. You can simply start tweaking a few shopping habits that will help to fill your plate with more local foods while supporting local businesses. Here are a few tips:

  1. Start by switching out a few items in your pantry for local ones, like honey and maple syrup.
  2. Plan a regular visit to the farmers’ market.
  3. Buy a box of frozen meat from a local farm.
  4. Sign up for a Farm Share programme to receive fresh, in-season vegetables.
  5. Check out the fruit and produce availability calendar for our region.
  6. Pick up a local food map and see what’s available in your back yard.
Chalkboard sign that says local products

Other Winter Experiences

Food and Farm Outings

Alpaca snow yoga, brewery tours, cooking classes, and more - visit the Taste Real events calendar to see what's on this winter. Check back often as new events are added regularly!

Winter Adventures

Bundle up and experience our cozy communities that transform into wonderful winter wonderlands. Discover everything there is to do this winter in Wellington County!
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