Read about the world of fruit wines through this beautiful piece on the local choices. In this intriguing piece, which first appeared in Edible Toronto's Winter issue, writer Charmian Christie takes a look at what Ontario has to offer in terms of fruit wines.

*** Sipping Along: Fruit Wines Come of Age by Charmian Christie

Fruit wines are the Rodney Dangerfield of alcoholic beverages: they just don’t get no respect. Part of this comes from their less palatable predecessors, part from lack of exposure. The new generation of fruit wines ranges from sophisticated dry dinner wines to alluringly sweet liqueurs. The only problem now is getting them to your table.

A glimpse into greatness. Learn about Ontario’s world-leading Greenbelt through these bi-weekly newspaper articles published in Metroland papers in and around the Greenbelt.

Taking it Board Wide

EcoSource’s Go Ontario! Granola Bars feature no additives, preservatives or trans-fats, and 100% Ontario-grown cranberries, apples, cherries, oats and honey.

Simple changes in daily habits can add up to large reductions in our environmental impact. EcoSource, a youth and family-oriented organization devoted to promoting environmentally friendly lifestyle choices, brings LFP-certified food and education programs to the Peel District School Board.

The Peel District School Board may become the first in Ontario to offer Greenbelt and other locally grown food to all of the students and staff in its 232 elementary, secondary and culinary arts schools, creating a substantial and sustainable market for Greenbelt farmers interested in supplying produce to the local area. This program provides an important forum for education with classroom visits and farm activities, forging a connection between a whole new generation and the farmers and land that feed them.

Internship Program for Eat Local Map Project

An internship program allows Environment Hamilton to better integrate Greenbelt messaging into their programming and communications pieces of the Eat Local Map Project.

Canadian Vitis Certification Program

According to a KPMG study, every one litre of domestic wine sales contribute $8.48 to the economy, in comparison to a $0.67 for sales of imported wines (Wine Council of Ontario, 2008).

In the face of high disease incidence from international rootstock importations, the Grape Growers of Ontario are working to create a healthy, domestic supply of grape vines under a new certification system.

The Grape Growers of Ontario, along with the University of Guelph and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, recognize the importance of developing a domestic supply of grape vines from material propagated right here in Ontario. A feasibility study determines the viability of creating such a supply in order to contribute to a sustainable domestic wine industry in the Greenbelt to continue our rich tradition of viticulture.

Andrew's Scenic Acres and Scotch Block Winery in the Greenbelt - Frozen fruit, frozen pies, jams, jellies, honey and maple syrup are readily available. This past week Andrew's Scenic Acres has been busy bottling 2007 Oak Aged Black Currant Wine, Framboise Raspberry Wine and Raspberry Truffle Wine (hint of chocolate—pure decadence).

Attention all growers, chefs, processors, producers and culinary entrepreneurs! Farm to Table Cuisine Workshop located at Brock University – Pond Inlet Thursday, February 21, 2008 from 12 noon to 5 PM Michael Stadtlander, an award winning chef and owner of Eigensinn Farm, is ranked 9th best on the planet by “Restaurant” magazine. On his farm, Stadtlander grows, harvests, prepares and serves discerning guests spectacular dinners on-site. Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity hear Stadtlander speak of his success while attending Bridges to Better Business – Farm to Table Cuisine. Sessions include “Opportunities in Culinary Tourism” with speaker Susan Benson from the Ministry of Tourism, “How To Buy From A Grower” with Richard Fitussi of the Little Inn of Bayfield and “How To Sell To A Chef” with David Colemeyer of Cookstown Greens, all followed by a panel discussion on how to make this unbroken arch from garden to table Niagara’s newest agricultural and culinary strength. The Niagara Culinary Trail has partnered with the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the Enterprise Centres of St. Catharines and Niagara Falls and in association with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference. The Niagara Culinary Trail promotes networking opportunities and culinary collaborations between growers and chefs while focusing on the unbroken arc from garden to table, that includes growing, harvesting, preparing, presenting and eating foods from the local soils. The Farm to Table Cuisine Workshop is open to all chefs, growers, processors and culinary entrepreneurs in Ontario. The cost is $30+GST for lunch and the afternoon seminars. To register, call 905-688-5601 x 1767 or e-mail [email protected] . For more information email Magdalena Kaiser-Smit, Director of Marketing and Communications, Niagara Culinary Trail [email protected] [email protected] or call 905-262-4941. The Niagara Culinary Trail is a mandate initiative of the Niagara Environmental Food Alliance; a not-for-profit organization funded by a grant from the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation and sponsored by Niagara Peninsula Community Resource Centre. -30-

The countdown is on for the start of the Third Annual WinterFeast: A Culinary Experience in the Hills of Headwaters. Starting Monday, February 18th, ten of the region’s finest restaurants will band together – in partnership with The Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association – to offer special menus of their extraordinary cuisine at very affordable prices. Sponsored this year by the Orangeville Banner and the Caledon Enterprise of Metroland Media Group Ltd., WinterFeast 2008 promises to make your dining decisions very hard indeed with a choice of restaurants and menus for 26 mouth-watering days. Where to go The restaurants participating in the 2008 edition of WinterFeast are; 10 North Restaurant on Hwy.10 – North of Orangeville, The Belfountain Inn in Belfountain, The Consulate Dining Lounge in Caledon East, David’s Restaurant in Erin, Hiding Inn Hockley in Hockley Valley, Mrs. Mitchell’s Restaurant in Violet Hill, The Millcroft Inn & Spa in Alton, and Il Corso Ristorante, Juniper Grill & Wine Bar, and The White Truffle in Orangeville. Each WinterFeast restaurant will offer a Dinner menu, and in many cases both a Lunch and a Dinner menu, at "prix fixe" rates of either $15 or $20 for Lunch and either $25 or $35 for Dinner. Each menu includes at least 3-courses, making it an excellent value at any of these restaurants. Win prizes Aside from the opportunity to enjoy great food at excellent prices, people will have the opportunity to enter a draw to win one of two $100 certificates to be used for a return visit to any WinterFeast restaurant. The winning ballots will be drawn the week of March 24th. In 2006 and 2007 this initiative proved very popular. Many who live, work and/or travel in The Hills of Headwaters region took advantage of the opportunity to sample the great menus offered by the participating establishments. This year, WinterFeast has been extended for an extra week – running from Monday, February 18 to Friday, March 14 – allowing those who appreciate exceptional food more time to treat themselves, while enjoying excellent prices. Visit www.winterfeast.ca for more information including: menus and pricing at each of the participating restaurants, reservation information and contest rules. Chef John Thambian Contact: Lisa Hohban Brusse Executive Director The Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association Tel: 519-942-0314/1-800-332-9744 Fax: 519-942-4066 [email protected]www.thehillsofheadwaters.com -30-

Greenbelt's Winter Wonderland - Metroland Article The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation wants to hear your favourite Greenbelt Winter Memory. From making snowmen to sipping hot cocoa after skiing, tell us your story in 250 words or less. The winning entry will receive a prize sponsored by Theatre Orangeville and Albion Hills Conservation Area. Special thanks to the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association. Contest is now closed. Thank you for all of your entries and a winner will be chosen and announced soon! "Greenbelt Winter Memories" Contest Rules

King City, January 15, 2008 - The Moraine for Life Adventure Relay, supporting The Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA), returns June 14th and 15th, 2008, and invites teams to register. The 24-hour relay sees teams of up to 15 racers bike, hike, run and paddle across 160 kilometres of the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, from Rice Lake to King City in Ontario's Greenbelt. The event is designed to bring awareness to the moraine and its vibrant habitat. All proceeds will help ORTA protect the Moraine's healthy ecosystem and heritage, extend the Oak Ridges Trail and encourage responsible land use.