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
