“Open Farms” event features two stops in Amherstburg

Dilaeny Thibert (left) looks at a hissing cockroach on her left wrist that was part of a display by the Harrow Research & Development Centre at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co.

The annual “Open Farms” event involved numerous agricultural venues across the Essex County and Windsor region including a pair in Amherstburg. 

“Open Farms” was co-presented last Saturday by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) and the Essex County Federation of Agriculture (ECFA). It is supported by Libro Credit Union. 

TWEPI stated that Open Farms was designed to invite residents and visitors “to hit the road for a free, self-guided day of discovery featuring 16 participating locations across Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island. From orchards and farms to markets, wineries, cideries and breweries, guests can meet local growers and producers, learn more about what they create and experience the people and places behind Windsor Essex’s farm-fresh flavours.”

In Amherstburg, participating locations were G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. and Vivace Estate Winery and offered different things to the public, including a visit from the Harrow Research Station and pony rides from Sarah Parks Horsemanship at the former and tours of the winery at the latter.

While the River Town Times visited G.L. Heritage Brewing Co., a busload of people were seen stopping at the local brewery.

Len Haley was giving tours of Vivace Estate Winery during the Sept. 12 “Open Farms” event.

“Open Farms gives people the opportunity to experience agriculture in a way that is personal, interactive and uniquely Windsor Essex,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and CEO of Invest WindsorEssex. “When you meet the people growing our food, producing local products and building experiences around agriculture, you gain a greater appreciation for just how important this sector is to our region. It’s also a great reason to get out, explore our communities and support the local businesses that help make Windsor Essex such a distinctive destination.”

There were 16 stops on the “Open Farms” tour. Besides the Amherstburg locations, venues included the Carolinia Cider Co. in Essex, Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens in Kingsville, Coopers Hawk Vineyards in Essex, Denver’s Homestead in Lakeshore, Downtown Windsor Farmers Market in Windsor, Eh Oh Farm in Kingsville, The Fruit Wagon in Essex, Green Heart Farms in Kingsville, Hawksview Honey in Essex, The Little Cider Company in Essex, Raymont’s Berries in Kingsville, Sauve’s Country Market in Kingsville, Stonehill Estates Farm Shop on Pelee Island and Wagner Orchards & Estate Winery in Lakeshore.

TWEPI states “Open Farms” is part of W.E. Heart Local, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island’s ongoing initiative connecting residents and visitors with the farmers, growers, producers, markets and farm-to-table experiences found throughout the region.

“Open Farms” event features two stops in Amherstburg

By RTT Staff