Wassail celebrates banner harvest

The PEC Winegrowers Association crowned Kimball and Liz Lacey of Lacey Estates Winery as the Wassail King and Queen for 2014. They are shown wearing their ceremonial crowns and holding the Wassail chalice.

The Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association presented a $1,000 donation to the Picton United Church Food Bank and $1,000 to the Wellington Storehouse Food Bank, from the proceeds of Taste Community Grown.

Historically, Wassail pays tribute to the age old tradition of celebrating the harvest before winter as merrymakers  travel from house to house singing, feasting and, of course, quenching their thirst with local grog. A modern tradition continues in Prince Edward County.

“Local winegrowers have a lot to celebrate this year,” said Sharon Mulholland, of the Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association. “After facing the worst winter the wine industry in Ontario has ever seen, followed by a cooler than average summer, grape growers had plenty to be anxious about. But a warm fall has resulted in one of the best harvests in recent memory.”

She said the work didn’t end with the harvest as the rush was on to tie down the vines and get them buried under soil before the snow hits.
“Burying the vines, also known as ‘hilling up’ provides a natural insulation to help protect the vines from the extreme cold temperatures that would otherwise devastate the crop,” she said. “After the vines are ‘put to bed’, local winemakers celebrate the end of the season with Wassail, Ontario’s most unique wine celebration.”

During the last two weekends in November and the first weekend of December, a modern version of Wassail in the County involves mulled wine, comfort foods and sweet treats and a healthy dose of seasonal good cheer and entertainment.

Revellers can do a self-guided tour of local wineries or take advantage of bus tours offered.

Countylive.ca recommends:
At Huff Estates Winery, (2274 County Road 1, Bloomfield 613-393-5802) there will be a festive flair, French style. Chef Sebastien Schwab will be offering lunch, roasted to perfection! Gift giving ideas, build a basket with award winning wine and delicious wine washed cheese from Black River (and our Merlot), Pate from Chef Sebastien and various other accoutrement! Enjoy cooking demonstrations from Maison De Poivre (first 2 weekends), and purchase some decadent French delights. Purchase some unique wine from the library, as a gift or to enjoy yourself.
Huff Estate Winery will also be offering a Christmas at the Winery event Nov. 22 with dinner and live entertainment. For reservations call 393-1414

Can’t make it to the County?
The County Cider Company‘s Online Store for cider and non-alcoholic cider is open (Ontario orders only) Visit: http://www.countycider.com/shop/

Also, click here to browse the offerings from The Waupoos Estates Winery
http://www.waupooswinery.com/shop/

Macaulay House Wassail by Candlelight, 35 Church St., Picton  613-475-2148 ext. 258 Nov 22, 23, 29 & Dec 6 from 1pm to 6pm
Macaulay House museum hosts Wassail by Candlelight – enjoy decorations of the era, meet costumed characters, taste heritage recipes, learn why the servants loved Boxing Day, find perfect stocking stuffers in the gift shop, dress-up and games corner for children! Featuring live music by The Bongards (Nov 22), Bud Gregory, Fraser Hardman & Judy Fraser (Nov 23)  Andrew James (Nov. 29) Don Hinde (Dec 6).
Christmas bazaar and crafts at the church Dec. 6 from 1-5 p.m.

Countylicious celebration of local food at also continues until Nov 23.

Countylicious is Prince Edward County’s twice annual prix fixe culinary celebration Enjoy a true County culinary experience for $30 or $35 + taxes and gratuities. Click for participating.

The Festival of Trees will bring magic to the season while supporting the work of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary on Nov 28-30 at the Isaiah Tubbs Resort.