Thinking locally - and a Brita giveaway
Don't even think of it! They both belong to me.
OK, I'll admit it: I like to imbibe. Not to worry, it's nothing too serious, but I love a cold beer on a hot day (or any day), or a nice glass of wine with dinner. Even after I made the move toward being a conscious consumer, focusing on selecting locally-grown produce, I still went on auto pilot at the beer and liquor stores and bought my usual, often imported, favourite brands. It has only been in the past one or two years that I've really been exploring local beers (and wines too). Oh, and I've been enjoying ever second of it.
It's pretty hard to find organic beers on the market (though some tasty ones certainly exist), but I'm certain that almost ever community has a microbrewery close by that is in need of support. Think about how far some of your favourite brands of beer travel before they get onto your patio table. By selecting local beer you're helping the environment and local businesses. Another thing to consider is looking for beers that don't have labels and bottles that are made of more glass (and are therefore reused more times).
As for wine, and I'm certainly not an expert, I've heard that organic wines are also a bit challenging to find as there is no list which tells you who is an organic wine producer and who isn't. However, someone at your local wine store will be able to help you find something made from organically grown grapes. Seeing as my interest in wine is fairly new, I love heading over to the Ontario section and picking something based on the label (that sort of embarrassing to admit, and my dad would not be happy with how I select wine, but it's true nonetheless). I know that's not a very efficient way of choosing wine, but it's such fun trying a new bottle every once in a while and deciding for myself what's good and what isn't.
What's your favourite local or organic wine or beer? When do you enjoy it the most? Subscribe to my blog and leave a message here with your answer and you could win a FilterForGood PRIZE PACK containing a:
Say yes to tap water!
• Brita Pitcher Water Filtration System (Grand model – 10 glass capacity)
• 3-pack of Brita Pitcher Replacement Filters
• FilterForGood reusable, BPA-free water bottle
Subscribe to my blog and leave a reply by Friday June 12, when I'll announce the winner.
More reading on local eats and drinks:
• Discover Canada's local wines and brews
• Local speciality foods
• Local Canadian cheese, please
• Enjoy local meat and poultry
• 8 tomato recipes for your local tomato harvest
• Edible flowers
• Canada's wild edibles to watch for
June 5th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Organic beer?! Molson's for me
Do they sell organic beer in the liquor store or only at micro breweries? Is this a city thing? Is organic wine the homemade stuff? I had a blueberry wine my aunt made once, it was potent and very good, quite thick but tasty. I haven't answered your question very well, so leave me out of the prize draw. Why didn't you have some of that organic beer for a prize so us country folk could try some 
☺
June 5th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I am very lucky, we have many wineries here. I really like the 2008 Waupoos Estates 2008 Baco Noir.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
20 Bees - Pinot Grigio......that's the way to go.
June 6th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Local Beer, why of course! There are many to choose from right here in Quebec. We're very lucky while we contribute to the economy and the environment.
June 6th, 2009 at 12:19 am
Nothing makes more sense than getting involved in our environment by thinking locally. I get all my fresh produce including meat right here produced in Quebec. Brita is something everyone should get.
June 6th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Quebec's favorite beer and number One beer is La Maudite. It's the kind of beer for the summer parties in the backyard while having some great BBQ.
June 6th, 2009 at 12:38 am
I am already a subscriber!
I am not sure if it is organic, but in Nova Scotia they make some really rreat local rhubarb wine. Since I love anything Rhubarb, it is a win!
June 6th, 2009 at 12:39 am
ps- I enjoy it most very well chilled in the summer, out on the porch!
June 6th, 2009 at 12:50 am
My favourite local beer is Steam Whistle, and it's as local as it gets - about a 5 min walk from my home!
June 6th, 2009 at 1:39 am
British Colombia Wines are excellent. No need to drink anything else when we have it all here.
June 6th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Already a subscriber! Beer, wine! I don't indulge! I'll settle for pure chilled water and what a better way to enjoy it than from a Brita Water Jug on a hot sunny day sitting down by the lake watching the water glisten sending a million sparkling stars to dazzle me. That is life.
June 6th, 2009 at 4:08 am
i dont drink so does this count LOL whistler breweries used ot make a nice beer or so people told me i subscribe but i LOVE water
June 6th, 2009 at 5:49 am
I like to have a glass of wine sometimes before supper when I get home from work. When I work my hubby usually barbecues and I have a drink with him.
One of my favourite local wines is Jost Comtessa White and it is made in Nova Scotia. There are also a couple of local wineries in Lunenburg County.
June 6th, 2009 at 8:04 am
i really don't like beer but mill street organic beer in toronto is the one beer i do drink from time to time - it was a serendipitous find - organic and tasty!
June 6th, 2009 at 9:39 am
What’s your favourite local or organic wine or beer?
I enjoy many wines, but recently had a bottle from Rossignol Estate Winery. It was very fruity and I really liked it
When do you enjoy it the most?
I enjoy it in the late afternoon sitting out on the deck while bbqing
June 6th, 2009 at 11:08 am
My favourite local organic beer is Mill St. Original Organic beer. Mill St. Organic beer is Ontario's first certified organic beer and is brewed locally without herbicides or pesticides in their raw ingredients and process. Mill St. beers can be found at the LCBO or in beer stores, as well as their Brew Pub in the Distillery District in Toronto. It is refreshing and light, and I love it when I have a cheese and fruit get-together with my neighbours and friends out on our deck. It's also delicious with seafood and pasta.
June 6th, 2009 at 11:22 am
My favourite local wine is honey wine, which can be purchased at a local farmer's market. It isn't as heavy as the traditional mead, but is still on the sweet side and I drink it like a sherry. I find it very refreshing.
June 6th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Frey's Organic Zinfandel is the perfect summer wine for me. It's filled with blackberry and raspberry fruits and aged on French Oak. Goes great with almost any BBQ meal,seafood, salads or appetizers. I mostly enjoy it with good friends and sometimes by myself (in moderation of course).
June 6th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Mill Street organic beer on a hot day sitting on a patio with friends!!! Perfection.
June 6th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I make my own beer so I guess thats local and I enjoy it sitting on my deck with family and friends while having a bar-b-q
June 7th, 2009 at 10:02 am
One of my former work colleagues makes his own wines at home from a variety of local produce (various fruits and honey wine). My favourite treat is when he unexpectedly drops by and brings me a bottle. I savour it every time because I know it both green and made with love!
June 7th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I live close by with so many wines to choose. This one is my favourite and from a winery that is the largest certified in Canada.
Summerhill Winery's 2007 Organic Gewurztraminer
I love all the fruit flavours of summer. Perfect for this time of year!
June 7th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Organic Cabernet Merlot from Frogpond Farm in Ontario
June 7th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I like 2001 organic Riesling from Frogpond Farm,Ontario
June 7th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
dasani bottle h2o
June 7th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
My favourite wine is Cave Spring Reisling from The Niagara Region - shop local is my motto.
June 7th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Oh and I enjoy it most with a nice dinner and good weather sitting outside in the sunshine.....bliss.....i have just decided what to do for this evening....
June 7th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
My favorite local organic wine is Hillier Pinot from Black Prince Winery in Picton, Ontario.
I enjoy it most with my husband!
June 7th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
well, it's not exactly local, but sleeman's beer from guelph is only a couple hours away, and it's my beer of choice!
June 7th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I'm not sure about organic beer here in Québec but I also brew my own with the help of my brothers. Using clear & clean water does improve it's flavour.
June 7th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I love Steam Whistle.
June 7th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
We make our own wine with organic ontario fruits..
June 7th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
La Maudite from Québec is a little strong but it goes so well with Greek foods.
June 7th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
The wines from Cypress Hills winery...Saskatchewan's only winery!!
June 7th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I love the beer made here in Saskatoon - Paddock Wood Brewing.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Forbidden Fruit Winery from Cawston BC.
June 8th, 2009 at 3:37 am
Steam whistle is my favorite local Beer, I took a tour of the brewery in Toronto and I was impressed. It was a great experience I suggest everyone go if you like beer(that's a given) and knowing how its made.
June 8th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Nickel Brook Organic Lager (Better Bitters Brewing Company), Burlington, Ontario. Great tasting beer on a hot summer day! John, the owner, enjoys spending time with his customers.
June 8th, 2009 at 10:23 am
i enjoy Cave Spring Reisling wine.
June 8th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I'd have to say that it's Steam Whistle and love the fact that it's brewed in such a historic building!
June 8th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
I realy enjoy Ontario wines!!! My favourite is Chateau des Charmes cab/merlot. Not too local as I am in Winnipeg and not organic but Canadian all the way.
June 8th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Church Key Brewers in Campbellford, Ontario is my favourite. They are slowly trying to become "off the grid". they have wonderful beers for every season. You can get it in a little brown jug that you can return and refill with your next selection. At Thanksgiving they have an interesting cranberry and rosemary beer that is perfect with our holiday dinner. We make a day trip when we get our beer. We visit the suspension bridge, Doorher's bakery and World's Finest Chocolate that are all located in Campbellford. There are always roadside stands with local produce also. All because of local beer.
June 8th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I enjoy all the beers of the Wellington Brewery whenever I can.
June 8th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Le Royer St-Pierre, Cabarnet Franc is supberb with fish (any variety) Straight from Québec City. The price makes it even more interesting.
June 8th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
I don't drink alcohol, strictly water, but good info all the same
June 9th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I don't drink. Am allergic.
June 9th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
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June 10th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Several Micro breweries are popping up throughout Ontario. I have tried the Muskoka Cream Ale, and I like it.
June 11th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Tap water always-- local wine in NS is great!!
June 11th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Love our Québec beers. A great variety of them to accompany different snacks and meals on those great summer days.
June 12th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
[... read more] to all who responded to my Thinking Locally post. You all had wonderful answers and I can hardly wait to give all your favourites a [... read more]
June 15th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Greene Man Organic Ale-Granite Brewery Halifax
June 16th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Domaine Pinnacle Ice Cider has a great taste
June 17th, 2009 at 1:16 am
Geai Bleu and 100% pure maple and blueberries Liquor tastes great!
June 17th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Anything from Salt Spring Island.
June 18th, 2009 at 10:55 am
My Fav is 20 Bees, love the idea of grape growers pooling together their resources to make great tasting wine and best part is that the wine maker, is a female! You go girl! Also love Konzelman's peach wine, nice and little and taste great on a sunny afternoon out on the deck! Cheers to everyone and their fav wines!
June 18th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Manitoba has a great local beer - Half Pints - that is making a name for itself.