The largest photography festival in the world that is held in Toronto. The festival increases exposure and recognition for local, Canadian and international artists with 1000 exhibits at almost 200 venues. Steam Whistle Brewery is one of these venues and in May we are hosting  Building Storeys - a photo exhibit of transportation in Toronto. The exhibit is co-curated by Christopher Hume of the Toronto Star and Gary Miedema, Chief Historian at Heritage Toronto.

Photo: Toni Wallachy

Building Storeys is a visual documentation and anecdotal exhibit of Toronto’s cherished – and in some cases, somewhat unknown – heritage buildings and sites. The project brings together both the heritage and arts communities in collaboration to create awareness of the depth of our city’s heritage.

Gary Miedema, Chief Historian and Associate Director at Heritage Toronto, further discusses the inspiration for the exhibit.

What is your role with Heritage Toronto?

I’m the organization’s Chief Historian and Associate Director.  I help guide Heritage Toronto’s programming, and work closely with partnering organizations across the city to raise awareness of this city’s fascinating history.  This exhibition is a great example. The photographers, the Building Storeys Collective, have been a truly great group to work with. Brook Restoration and the Howard and Carole Tanenbaum Family Foundation were key sponsoring partners, Christopher Hume of the Toronto Star has been a brilliant co-curator, and Steam Whistle made the on-site work a pleasure.

How did Heritage Toronto get involved with the CONTACT festival?

This is the third edition of our Building Storeys exhibition, and the first one that is a part of CONTACT.  The move into CONTACT was recommended by Howard Tanenbaum in 2011 when we were planning this year’s show. Given the way the exhibition had matured, that move just made sense, and we are thrilled to be a part of one of the world’s great photography festivals, here in our own city.

What inspired Building Storeys?

In short, a driving passion to tell the stories of this city’s past through exceptional contemporary photography.  Too often, people either unwittingly overlook the richness of this city’s historic buildings and infrastructure, or worse, consider them not worth looking at.  The photographers in this show have done what they do best – capture beauty and intrigue in unexpected places, and stop us in our tracks to appreciate it. And suddenly we see our own city a fresh new light.

 
Photo: Sean Galbraith  & Toni  Wallachy

How does this show compare to the previous years?

The quality of the photographs remains exceptional.  We are very happy to be at Steam Whistle for the first time – a perfect match for this year’s theme of transportation infrastructure, and that match brings something very rich to this show.  It’s also important to note that this year we added new curators – Christopher Hume and myself. With Christopher Hume’s input, we significantly enhanced the written story panels that enrich the photographs.

What is your favourite piece at the exhibit?

Each photo was chosen because it was particularly striking, and because it added something to the story of a theme or site.  I was immediately struck by Rick Harris’ photo of the subway wheel – it reveals that screeching and grinding piece of brute machinery to be an object of engineered perfection, and it intrigues me  with its perception of both blurred motion and exacting sharpness.  It tells a piece of this year’s story – of the unseen work done by generations in the city’s subway and streetcar yards.

Photo: Toni  Wallachy

You can check the exhibit out for yourself until May 31st 2012 at Steam Whistle Brewery (255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto).  See you soon!

The beer delivery guy.

Meet Ben Taylor from Steam Whistle home delivery. If you’re not familiar with our home delivery program, take a look. We also suggest that you save the number, especially with the summer approaching

Ben helps bring the party to you and delivers fresh beer to your door step, while bringing smiles for all.  Want to learn more about the most popular guy arriving at the party?

Read below.

How did you start working at Steam Whistle?

The year was 2006. I was watching Canada’s men’s Olympic hockey team lose to Switzerland, drinking Steam Whistle. I thought a brewery would be a great place to work (and the beer was getting me through the heartbreak of watching Team Canada come up short) so I applied. A few months later (and few beers during my first interview) I was in.

What’s your favourite thing about working at a brewery?

I love being surrounded by people who share my passion for beer.

Most bizarre Home Delivery story?

I set up a keg and flash cooler in the back yard of a really nice family whose dog repeatedly nipped at my ankles despite the fact that “he’s never normally like this!” Do you think he was after me again when I picked up the keg? You better believe it!

Favourite home delivery moment?

I once delivered a 50 litre keg to four guys on a Saturday, and when I went to pick it up the next day they were still up, and finishing off the last pitcher. What champs! I also set up a kegger for a guy in the metal band Amplitusion which was pretty cool. He showed me a bottle of Japanese liquor that contained a snake and gave me a cd. Moments like these make me love my job.

You asked….

I’m always on call after doing a draught setup. I need to make sure the beer is pouring perfectly. The only problem I can’t solve is if you run out of beer! Chances are I’m at a party of my own.

I bring beer to events our marketing department sponsor in addition to the home deliveries. I’d say 100+ cases and 20+ kegs. And I’m proud to say it was all consumed!

It takes a pretty understanding girl to date an old Home Delivery soldier like myself and I found one through my work as “Mr January” in the limited edition 2009 “Men of Steam Whistle” calendar. She even designed my beer mug tattoo (below)!

See craziest story above and I have to give my “expert opinion” on how the beer tastes, so I will often have a beer at my last delivery of the day. Especially the nearby condos that I deliver on foot. Some of my favourite calls.

A lot of times I’m behind the wheel of one of our vintage vehicles that attracts a lot more attention from nostalgic old men! Although some of my team members are a real hit with housewives and sorority girls.

The 50 litre kegs are 150lbs. But if you ask me I’ll tell you they’re 175! I get quite a workout hauling multiple kegs up stairs. It’s a great way to keep the beer-belly in check!

Cheers!

A one of a kind event called “The Next Food Truck Event” as organized by OntarioFoodTrucks.

OntarioFoodTrucks is “a group of food truck owners and food truck enthusiasts raising awareness for street food in Ontario. Most cities in Ontario have strict regulations against new gourmet food trucks. We’re trying to change this.”

It’s an ambitious goal and a delicious path to making it happen. The Next Food Truck brought together food vendors that are interested in or progressing to a food truck model showcasing their Gourmet Food Truck menu, along side artists hungry to express their vision of what the future of the food truck can be.

Source: BlogTO 

We chatted with the organizer of FoodTruckEats and some of the leading gourmet pop-up vendors in Toronto. Here’s a look into what’s going on in Toronto’s burgeoning gourmet street food culture.

So, what inspires someone to start Ontario Food Trucks?

Founder, Suresh Doss shares his story.

What is Ontario Food Trucks and what is your role with the OFT?

I founded the OFT association as a way to bring all the food truckers together for future events and to further our goal in making street food a more permanent fixture in Ontario cities. There’s an overwhelming amount of support for Food Truck Eats and all things street food. Plus I have a personal interest in global street food, having grown up in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and Nigeria.

Why do you think the food truck movement has been so successful and which direction do you see it heading?

The movement has been really successful because of the allure of truck food, the Eat St. show, and the fact that the Ontario trucks aren’t around all the time. I see that in the next year or so, trucks will slowly start getting integrated into the city’s landscape where they partner up with spaces for regular appearances.

What are some of the industry challenges?

Perception of what food trucks are — most people think they only serve certain kinds of food, and that they’re dirty and unhealthy.
BIAs are threatened on behalf of restaurants, but restaurants themselves (cooks and chefs) love the concept. Miscommunication there.

What are your favourite pop-up food trucks and dishes?

There are a number of pop-ups that are focusing on international cuisine, from Egyptian food to Hawaiian and Latin American. Some of this stuff is really wild, and is a marriage of Toronto’s multicultural influences and desire to support local ingredients. Think empanadas, but how about empanadas stuffed with water buffalo meat from a farm near Stratford.

Pop-up Spotlight #1: Fidel Gastro’s - Rebels Without a Kitchen

For those who haven’t yet heard, what is Fidel Gastro?

I am Fidel Gastro. Not a chef, but a rebel without a kitchen. The el presidente of Toronto’s pop-up food scene. The idea started over a year ago as a brick and mortar location. I couldn’t afford to do it, so instead of taking on a massive debt, or all-together quitting- I came up with this food experience approach that didn’t rely on four walls and a door, and instead used social media and collaborative relationships to create Fidel Gastro sandwich pop-ups all over Toronto.

What made you go into the pop up food truck business?

I used to work in marketing/advertising as a copywriter but I always loved food but never really saw my food passion translate into a line cook job. Fidel Gastro’s was an opportunity to marry my marketing brain with my food heart. The pop-up business model actually came out of necessity. I knew I needed to do Fidel Gastro’s right now, but I couldn’t afford to do it the way I had originally envisioned it. So I simplified the idea down to a pop-up operation and it’s proven to be the best possible direction to test my brand and product.

What’s the inspiration behind your unique name?

To be honest it just kind of happened. My days as a copywriter taught me to write quantity and variety. So I took a sharpie and a big piece of paper and started writing names down. For whatever reason I wrote Fidel Castro…. then I turned the C into a G. Voila! Fidel Gastro is born. Bought the URL on the spot.

Favourite dish to make?

Hmmmmm. At the end of the day I love to cook unpretentious food. BBQ is where my heart is. Steaks, whole fish, veg… you name it. I always feel right at home next to the grill.

What does the future hold for Fidel Gastro?

I try my best not to make predictions. Everything I do is both fun and strategic and I want to keep it that way.  I’ll stay positive and continue to work my ass off and I know only big things will happen. Food trucks, bigger collaborations, packaged goods, books, different food projects will all be part of the Fidel Gastro umbrella of experiences.

Spotlight #2: Rock Lobster Food Co

What made Rock Lobster go into the pop up food truck business?

Lobster was once a food for peasants as it was cheap and abundant.  Rich kids would go to school with peanut butter sandwiches and the middle class would have lobster sandwiches and risk being laughed at. Obviously over time this perception has changed a lot. Being lobster lovers ourselves we found that people in Canada and especially Toronto only really eat lobster on a birthday, wedding, New Year’s Eve, and other celebrations.  Rock Lobster Food Co was started to change all that! We’re bringing fresh East coast lobster back to the masses to enjoy everyday. We do this by removing the difficulty in potentially preparing it yourself, keeping prices affordable for everyone and removing any pretentiousness.

Favourite dish to make?

Mmm tough one we are best known for Toronto’s best “authentic” lobster rolls but I love the lobster poutine, with our homemade bisque gravy. Can we choose two!?

Want to be at the next event? Keep in touch with http://ontariofoodtrucks.com/

Cheers!

Being on the road with a truck full of Steam Whistle Pilsner usually never goes unnoticed and our drivers’ road stories are nothing short of exciting.

Here’s one of our drivers, Tim Tormey with his truck, at the 2nd oldest Beer Store (#3253) in Windsor.

Tim shares his favourite road story:

“When I first started at Steam Whistle in 2007, we had yet to send a truck to Thunder Bay and we were having trouble getting our empties back from the great white north.  So I packed up my son and took our maiden voyage around Lake Superior to investigate.

Of course when you’re taking a trip like this, you want to take in as much as you can (I still have the parking ticket from the Michipicoten police in Wawa).  When we came around the elbow of the lake, I had made a last second decision to turn off and visit the beautiful town of Marathon.  Talk about isolated!

We went to visit The Beer Store and LCBO where Steam Whistle was not listed at the time.  Turns out several people caught the truck as we were coming in and followed us.  They were all asking if Steam Whistle was coming to town as some were making the 3 hour drive to T-Bay or the 5 hour drive to the Soo to get their delicious nectar fix.  By the time I made it into The Beer Store, Kelly the manager just looked at me and said “I guess I have no choice but to bring in Steam Whistle now”, and we were listed on the spot.

We concluded our visit to Marathon by visiting a park overlooking beautiful Peninsula Bay.  Again, we were followed to the park and probably had about a dozen locals asking about our scrumptious Pilsner.  It was a scene that I will not soon forget and one of many reasons why I love Northern Ontario!”

Next time you see a Good Beer Folk out on the road – please say hi!

Cheers!

This means there’s 20 000 of you Good Beer Folks who we can chat with on a daily basis! The Good Beer Folks truly appreciate all your support and love staying in touch with the most important people – our drinkers. We love talking to you whether in person, on the phone, email or social media so please never hesitate to reach out, we ALWAYS respond.

This past Saturday April 7th, we threw a party at the brewery to celebrate this milestone:

Steam Whistle cake anyone?

Here’s a little about how it went…. 

We invited Good Beer Folks to our brewery for food, live music, brewery fresh Pilsner and to have some laughs with our friendly staff.

Pop-up food vendors Fusia Dog and Rock Lobster Food Co set up stations and shared their gourmet deliciousness with the rest of us. These quality pop-up food vendors are simply amazing!

Live music was courtesy of Free Whisky – a bluegrass/folk band out of Kingston. Such amazing local talent!

And of course, we can’t forget about ice cold Pilsner and Steam Whistle cake!

Needless to say the cake did not last very long….

It was amazing to meet some of you in person – thanks for coming out. Here’s a few more shots from the celebration:

Seems like you folks also enjoyed yourselves!



Until next time.

We love our friends in the Calgary Roller Derby!

This friendship came around one year ago when the Roller Derby reached out to our Western Manager, Brad.  He immediately offered support especially since he had memories of his parents talking nostalgically about going to the roller derby when they were dating. Roller derby is fun, retro, and the folks involved are very passionate – just like us, the Good Beer Folks!

To give you a bit of a background, the CRD was formed in 2007 by a group of women whose goal was to create a not-for-profit, skater-owned, skater-operated roller derby league. The league is structured so that every member has the chance to be involved in the organization and welcomes women of all shapes, sizes, age, abilities, backgrounds, professions and skill levels.

Roller skating and rewarding yourself with a Steam Whistle afterwards sure sounds like a fun time to us!

For those who have been curious to strap on a pair of vintage roller skates and make laps around a track, we chatted with the Thrashin’ Lassies, Dazzler 130 to see what it takes….

Name:

Dazzler 130

League:

Calgary Roller Derby Association

Team:

Thrashin’ Lassies

Bio:

Don’t let this Maritime girl’s stature fool you. She’s 5-foot-F*-all and 100% dynamo. This flashy Lassie will grab you by the disco balls and bring you to your knees.

That is the bio on my team website – if you want the real person bio, I moved to Alberta from Prince Edward Island and my day-job is being a fundraiser. I didn’t grow up playing sports, but since I’ve started playing Roller Derby it has become my number one passion. Except for my boyfriend of course (ahem, sorry sweetie) – who has also joined Derby as an Announcer.

What is the story behind your nickname?

Dazzler is an 80′s superhero from Marvel comics. #130 is the issue of Spiderman where she made her first appearance. I own the whole run of her comics, so it was a perfect fit for me! I skated my first game under another name, but it just didn’t feel right, so I switched. And I do own a Bedazzler, so it really it a perfect name for me.

How did you get started in the roller derby?

I remember watching it on TV as a kid, and then I saw the CRDA play a demo game at a Tattoo Show. I’d never seen a sport where people were having so much fun, and the fans were so into it.  I immediately wanted to do it, but it took two years to build up the courage to try out. I turned 37 and realized I needed to just go for it.

Favourite game you played so far?

This is my first year with my team, the past season I was a rookie – what we call “Fresh Meat.” My favourite game will have to be my first – which was a rookie invitational. The first ten minutes I felt like a deer in the headlights, and when the game was over, I just wanted to start it all over again!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to join a roller derby team?

Just do it. No really, go right now, call or email the closest league and go for it. Oh. Strap on some skates and you will not regret it.

Read up more on the league here. 

Cheers!

Then this new online music series is for you.

This year we have partnered with our friends from CHARTattack.com (Canada’s leading music site) to bring you a new online show Noisemakers.

Supporting independent Canadian musicians has always been a huge part of what we do here at Steam Whistle and Noisemakers provides an opportunity to further showcase fantastic Canadian talent. So far Luke Lalonde of the Born Ruffians, 8 and a Half, and Little Scream have all been spotlighted and if you haven’t yet heard of them, we definitely recommend you take a look here.

We’re really excited about this partnership and had a quick chat with CHARTattack’s editor Dan Busheikin only to confirm they feel the same. Cheers to that!

Why is ChartAttack.com and Steam Whistle a great fit for Noisemakers?

Steam Whistle loves independent music, and so do we. I grew up watching beer ads that were all about partying and semi-nude women, and so it’s amazing to engage with a beer brand that actually has a genuine passion for something other than being the coolest dude at the bar. Steam Whistle and CHARTattack have a mutual appreciation for interesting new music, and it’s been a huge honour to work with you on such a rewarding project.

As Canada’s premier music website, where do you see the country’s indie music scene headed?

I think the key to Canada’s indie music scene is in innovation and risk taking. Almost all of the Canadian indie acts that have captured international attention over the past five years or so – Austra, The Weeknd, Timber Timbre, tUnE-yArds, and of course Arcade Fire come to mind – have embodied that spirit.

What’s your objective with Noisemakers?

Our objective with Noisemakers is not just to record live performances and interviews, but to capture the essence of an artist. We also want it to look and sound amazing, because we’re neurotic like that.

Check out the first episode of Noisemakers below and make sure to head over to CHARTattack.com for more awesome music.

Cheers!

We want to be a part of your green holiday and have this awesome green prize pack to give away:

The Steam Whistle Green Prize Pack:
-2 Shirts
-Pilsner glass
-Openers
-Frisbee
-iPhone Gelaskin
-Belt buckle

Want it? Caption the photo of our co-founder Cam in the comments section by Thursday March 15th 12pm to be entered in a draw. Winner will be notified with a reply to the comment.

Good luck!

In a shell, the art show is a collaboration of two artist groups exploring women’s issues.

Exposed: The Female Perspective highlights female artists of this generation, putting their most intimate selves on display and exploring inner thoughts, feelings and desires while creating a statement on societal expectations.

Similarly, Voices explores the complicated journey towards women finding their voice in modern times, speaking to the journey of women.

The opening night party took place on March 7th and the art exhibit is on display during regular brewery hours until March 30th.

Want to learn more about the exhibits? Read below.

Voices

Tamara Shelly, development assistant at Literature for Life chatted with me about the organization, the inspiration for the exhibit and the story behind the name Voices. 

What is Literature For Life?

 Literature for Life is a registered, Toronto charity unleashing intellectual potential in young, often teenage, mothers by promoting the benefits of literacy and stimulating a love for reading through one-of-a-kind Women with Words Reading Circles.  Most programming is facilitated in areas where poverty is a reality for many of the community members.

Since its inception in 2000, Literature for Life has impacted over 2000 participants and distributed over 22,000 new books to marginalized young mothers and their children.

Can you tell us more about “Women with Words”?

Women with Words is the name of the Literature for Life reading circles.  Several years ago, Literature for Life created an interactive blog entitled Womenz Wordz where young women of all races, places, ages and backgrounds can post and share their writings, rhymes, poems, stories, scripts, and words.

In 2011, after an interview with Omni Television, Literature for Life was approached by film director Anna Piszczkiewicz to create a documentary about the missions, visions, and values of the organization. After months of filiming Literature for Life’s Reading Circles, Anna felt the title of the documentary Women with Wordz was a perfect fit.

What inspired in putting together this art exhibit?

International Women’s Day is a celebration that means a lot to Literature for Life. Despite many, girl-power movements and initiatives, young mothers, are a very overlooked demographic because of stigma and stereotypes. With our core belief, A mother is her child’s first teacher, we recognize how important it is that these young mothers are empowered, in order to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty that they and their children face. And in order to feel empowered, they have to be included in discussions that involve their futures and embraced by women of all ages, status and experience. International Women’s Day supports all women and it was a great inspiration for the Literature for Life exhibition “Voices”

Can you explain the name “Voices”?

Literature for Life’s exhibit entitled, “Voices” explores the complicated journey towards women finding their voice in modern times. In this exhibit, women have found a means of expressing their voices, their unique identities, and the many challenging and exciting moments that surround them.

The mixed media presentation is a fusion of art, photography and poetry, speaking to the journey of women, as they move from uncertain and questioning tones of voice, to a war cry in the fight for justice; and all of the voices in between.

The poetry is from an anthology entitled “Holla!’ created by the young mothers who participate in Literature for Life’s Women’s Words Reading Circle groups.

See more of “Voices” art work on our brewery walls:

Exposed: The Female Perspective

Tegan Tough, a photographer exhibiting in Exposed: The Female Perspective, feels that the exhibit embraces “not only the fact that we are a group of emerging female artists, but highlights the importance of us as individuals existing within the artistic realm and gives us the chance to communicate our inner most desires, feelings and thoughts on a heightened platform.”

Does this mean that she can be given the title of a “feminist artist”?

“I by no means consider myself a feminist artist but am pleased that the group of us are representing a humble portion of the female voice in our own, unique ways,” she says.

Take a look at some of Tegan’s work from the “Cookie Cutters” collection:
 

Come for a visit during March to see the art for yourself. 

On February 18th, our Erica along with Bridgid from Mill St began brewing a  Belgian Biere de Mars beer at Great Lakes Brewery. There’s nothing like female brewers coming together and sharing their talents. Here’s a photo of Erica mashing:

Erica Graholm previously worked at Amsterdam and Magnotta Brewing. She attended the prestigious Versuchs-und Lehranstalt fur Brauerei (VLB) in Berlin, Germany where she studied to become a certified brewer.

Read our Q&A with Erica where she shares what it’s like being a female brewer, her favourite craft beers, how she got involved with Beer For Boobs & why she decided to focus on beer instead of wine.

Q. What made you want to be a brewer and what’s it like being a female brewer?

I started homebrewing nearly a decade ago and my hobby quickly turned into an obsession.  I loved reading about the science and history of the craft, and exploring the many flavours of beer styles from around the world.  The latter involved a lot of tasting and evaluation, both of my own homebrewed beers and any commercial examples I could get my hands on.  When I realized this hobby could lead to a career there was no question I would go for it.  A job at a local homebrew shop eventually led to a job at Magnotta Brewery, which gave me a chance to speak to other brewers about how they got their start in the industry.  I was very fortunate with the opportunities that came my way, so I followed every one of them and never shied away from any hard work.

Being a female brewer is…pretty much like being a male brewer I suppose.  Except when we sweat it smells like lavender  Seriously though, it’s a lot of work but it’s even more fun.

Q. Do you have any suggestions for anyone wanting to pursue brewing as a career?

Homebrewing is a great place to start.  It can give you a good foundation about sanitation, fermentation, and you get to experiment, be creative, and make a lot of mistakes.  Some breweries will take volunteers or allow you to shadow a brewer, which is a good introduction into brewing on a commercial scale.  Yes, you will probably have to shovel the malt and scrub a lot, but you can also ask questions and that first beer at the end of the day will never taste better.

If you are serious about pursuing brewing as a career, take a program at one of the many brewing institutes around the globe.  Introductory and more in-depth programs are offered at Siebel Institute in Chicago, and the more local Niagara College offers a 2 year program, to name a couple.  While education is very helpful, when it comes to commercial brewing be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up – experience counts!

Q. How did you get involved with Beer For Boobs?

Beer for Boobs is a breast cancer fundraising initiative started by Lisa White, vice president of White Labs, a yeast production company that services many craft breweries worldwide.  What started in 2008 as a 3 day, 60 mile fundraising walk, has turned into a series of events across the continent where anyone with an interest in beer and fundraising for breast cancer can put on their own unique event.  Kevin Freer from Magnotta Brewery and Tracy Phillippi from Black Oak Brewery simultaneously had the idea to put on such an event in Toronto in support of The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  They joined forces and asked female brewers from around the GTA to collaborate on one-off small batches to be released at an event at BarVolo on March 25th.

I was thrilled to be asked to be involved because it’s a great learning experience for us brewers, and the event should be a lot of fun, not to mention that it’s for a good cause.  It’s great that so many breweries have got behind the idea either by donating raffle prizes, donating materials, and that the brewers at House Ales, Great Lakes, The Granite, Amsterdam, and Black Oak have collaborated with us to produce these beers on their pilot systems.

Events like this really showcase how craft beer folks work together as a community, which is what it’s all about to me.

Q. What are some of your favourite craft breweries & beers?

Well I’m glad you didn’t ask for my #1 favourite because that question is always too difficult to answer.  Locally some favourites are Beau’s Lug Tread for an easy drinking anytime beer, any Saison from Great Lakes Brewery, House Ales TuHop for a hop fix, Amsterdam Tempest Imperial Stout for a slow sipper, and King Brewery’s Vienna Lager.  Further afield, I love beers from Dieu du Ciel, Charlevoix, 3 Floyds, Jolly Pumpkin, and Goose Island to name a few.

Most beers are meant to be enjoyed fresh so travelling to the brewery is the best way to enjoy them.  This year I plan to travel to California where the craft brewing scene is absolutely raging and I can’t wait to try their wares!

Q. How did you decide on brewing beer instead of becoming a wine maker?

When I worked at Fermentations, a homebrewing and home winemaking shop on the Danforth, I learned a bit about the art of winemaking.  I do love wine and enjoy day trips out to Niagara, especially the Beamsville Bench area to taste the spectacular Rieslings and Pinot Noirs.  It’s amazing to me, as a Torontonian brewer and lover of all things fermented, that we have one of the best wine producing regions in the world on our doorstep.

But I was always much more passionate about beer than wine – maybe because craft beer is a bit of an underdog in terms of the industry as a whole, but I saw the potential for so much more.  It’s really rewarding to work in an industry that is seeing such immense growth, and to be able to reach people on a personal level and re-introduce them to a beverage they thought they knew, or maybe thought they didn’t even like.

That being said, winemakers and brewers in Ontario are starting to work more closely together, and I think this is a great trend that will help push both industries forward.

Here’s a few more shots from Erica’s and Mill St’s Bridgid brewing day at Great Lakes:

Share and come out to the event March 25th to see these awesome female brewers!