County Made on Closson Road
We’re continuing our County made, shop local series with guide to gifting along Closson Road.
Skip the Mall: Do the Closson Road Crawl!
By Andrea Dawes
Holiday shopping, as with most things, is looking a bit different this year. But different can be good. And when a group of beloved local entrepreneurs launch a safe, cheerful, and delicious 3-day holiday extravaganza – different can be great!
From Friday November 27th to Sunday the 29th, twelve businesses located on and around the County’s ‘Golden Mile’ will host the inaugural Closson Road Christmas Crawl. Closson is located a short drive from Wellington (which is hosting their own Jingle and Mingle event on November 28th). The area is home to an abundance of County made goodness. There are wineries, a cidery and brewery, and unique farm and artisan shops. For Crawl weekend, the focus is on supporting and showcasing local makers in a Covid-19-safe environment.
Add in plenty of sparkle – businesses and homes alike will be dressed in their seasonal best for Crawl weekend. You’ve got the perfect holiday shopping experience.
So write your list, check it twice, pack your favourite mask (while we’re at it, a friendly reminder to adhere to all posted Covid-19 protocols), and make a meandering day of it.
A Guide to the Closson Road Crawl
Our list begins in the Crawl route’s northeast corner and heads counterclockwise. Feel free to loop, weave, and crisscross to your heart’s content – Closson’s newly repaved surface will make for some seriously smooth sailing! Shopping, sipping, dining, live music, and a welcome infusion of holiday spirit are all on the agenda.
Many businesses will host artisan pop-ups, and visitors can enter a raffle to win 1 of 12 (one per business) gift baskets filled with $100 worth of local goodies – you can enter once at each Crawl business, so the more stops the better! The event is also sponsored by GetintheLoop PEC – Crawl-ers can download the free app for access to exclusive offers.
The SHED at Chetwyn Farms – 500 Closson Road
Winter is coming, and Chetwyn Farms’ resident alpacas are ready! Take their cue and head to the SHED (waving hello to the furry hosts on your way in!), the farm’s chicken coop turned farm shop. Inside you’ll find gorgeous sustainably-sourced alpaca wearables, throws, yarn, and more.
Broken Stone Winery – 524 Closson Road
Reserve an indoor tasting or wine by the glass session (1-6 people max) on Broken Stone’s website, or drop in to enjoy a tasting or glass on the patio, weather permitting. Shoppers can peruse a selection of ornamental vine balls (County made and crafted from Broken Stone vines) and beautiful holiday urn inserts, planters, and rustic signs from Daisies ‘n Dirt Christmas Shop.
Gravel Hill Vineyards – 567 Closson Road
Gravel Hill Vineyards, a laid-back family winery, has ample outdoor space for enjoying their distinctive wines (1-6 people max). Guests of all ages will delight in a visit with their friendly chickens and sheep. Heal with Horses Therapeutic Centre, a local nonprofit, will be on site selling chocolate and other Christmas goodies.
Closson Chase Vineyards – 629 Closson Road
Closson Chase visitors can enjoy wine and light bar snacks at Au Verre, the winery’s new indoor-outdoor space, all weekend long. Saturday’s scene will feature live music by singer-guitarist Masha Nazina (1-4), a cozy bonfire, warm stew, and a later (8 pm) closure. Browse an array of artisan wares, including resin and brass jewelry by Colourful Courts; birch reindeer and snowmen by Joel Holland; wool coats from Honeylove Boutique; preserves, wool blankets, and sheepskins from Tamarack Farms; and handmade ornaments by Sue Bongard of Rtsygirl. Email to reserve 45-minute premium tastings with food pairings ($35/person) at their production facility (609 Chase Road).
Prince Edward County Lavender Farm – 732 Closson Road
Lavender lovers rejoice! The PEC Lavender Farm shop is stocked with this season’s beautiful bounty. The store has everything from culinary to body care products and everything in between. Crawl weekend additions include a lavender Earl Grey cream tea tasting and a selection of Moonlight Kitchen’s frozen tourtieres and pies.
Lacey Estates Winery – 804 Closson Road
On offer at Lacey Estates: pre-booked indoor (or outdoor – weather permitting) tastings of their premium, hand-crafted wines for groups of 1-10 people. Visit their website to make a reservation. Artisan vendors will include Hook & Cast (knitted hats, scarves, and toys); Uniquely Wired Creations (wire jewelry, wall hangings, and sculptures); and Wooden Creations (hand-turned bowls and ornaments). The winery will also be selling their wine jelly, chutney, and Christmas wine boxes, and collecting non-perishable donations for the local food bank.
Bark Woodshop – 791 Closson Road
Gourmands and art lovers alike will delight in woodworker Mike McGuire’s stunning charcuterie boards, end grain cutting boards, pizza paddles, and more. Be sure to enter the Crawl raffle. Bark Woodshop’s entry includes a charcuterie board and private workshop on creating the perfect Christmas charcuterie display.
Trail Estate Winery – 416 Benway Road
Indulge in a glass of Trail Estate Winery’s award-winning, small-batch wine at their outdoor, fireside picnic tables. Book Saturday cellar tastings for 1-6 people on their website.
Traynor Family Vineyard – 1774 Danforth Road
A visit to Traynor Family Vineyards is well worth the short detour down Danforth Road. Enjoy their welcoming ambiance and diverse selection of unique, low-intervention, vegan-friendly wines (including orange, Pét Nat, and Vermouth) – by the glass or a tasting – on their patio. Reservations required for groups of 5 or more.
Loch Mor Cider Company – 890 Danforth Road
Let us count the many ways to enjoy Loch Mor’s sparkling dry cider – and their incredible patio views – on Crawl weekend! By the glass, in a flight with optional chocolate pairings, in warm cider-based cocktails, or alongside a delicious Caribbean meal from County fave Jerkebago (also available for pre-order). Pre-book indoor tastings on their website.
Strange Brew Studio – 371 Chase Road
Take a tranquil drive down Chase Road to tucked away treasure Strange Brew Studio. Settle in to their charming outdoor seating area and enjoy a flight or glass from their selection of balanced and smooth – yet intriguing and adventurous – beers.
Karlo Estates – 561 Danforth Road
Karlo Estates will offer indoor tastings for 1-6 people (reservations appreciated), and wine by the glass – enjoy it on the patio or during a vineyard stroll, or alongside plant-based pairings and charcuterie. Beverages by Lemonade Dave are also on the menu. On the Sunday of Crawl weekend, Karlo will launch their new Bagel Brunch Sundays (from 10-2) featuring Humble Bread bagels and a scrumptious array of toppings.
