Festively Farmstand Fresh

Explore Festive Farmstand Freshness at 4 Niagara Benchlands Stops, Perfect For Enhancing Your Holiday Entertaining

Don’t let the frost-covered fields fool you! The farms and farm markets that call the Niagara Benchlands home deliver unparalleled farm-to-table flavours all year long.  

This holiday season, stop fighting the crowds at busy grocery stores and take a relaxed rural approach through the Niagara Benchlands instead. With just a few quick stops, you can stock your fridge, freezer and pantry for holiday entertaining with fresh ingredients. Bring our CultiVATE Farm and Market Trail map along as your guide, but if you need to narrow down your options, begin with the following suggestions.

Savor the Flavours of Farm-Fresh Proteins with Littlefoot Farm Quality Meats

This friendly farm on the outskirts of Beamsville has its fridges and freezers stocked for the holiday season. Littlefoot’s eggs, poultry, and meats are all naturally raised, free from drugs and hormones, grass pastured, and fed a local diet of non-GMO mixed grains supplemented with fruits and vegetables. While you’re there, you can also stock up on freshly baked squares, cookies and cakes, locally grown greenhouse produce like baby spinach and salad greens, and delicious homemade soups. For current hours and details, visit Littlefoot Farm Quality Meats.

Just around the Benchlands bend… Pop into Kew Vineyards Estate Winery for a wine and cheese break.

Indulge in Niagara’s Most Decadent Dairy at Upper Canada Cheese Company

Discover the incredible flavour that fresh milk from locally sourced Ontario Guernsey cows and goats imparts on cheese. To produce the purest products possible, Upper Canada makes its cheeses by hand in small batches with minimal processing and careful aging. In addition to its cheeses, The Creamery Retail Shop offers a beautiful selection of jams, jellies and preserves, and off-the-charts cheesecakes made with fresh Guernsey ricotta. For current hours and details, visit Upper Canada Cheese Company.

Just around the Benchlands bend … The shops of Jordan Village are a perfect place to find creative gifts for everyone on your list.

Discover the One-Stop-Shop for Holiday Entertaining Needs at Grand Oak Culinary Market

If having a Certified Chef de Cuisine on your holiday entertaining team sounds appealing, swing by Grand Oak Culinary Market. Chef Jan-Willem’s prepared meals are a perfect option for lightening the load in your kitchen this holiday season. In addition to deliciously prepared dishes, Grand Oak’s on-site bakery is stocked with goodies that will make any holiday spread of sweets sing. The market also boasts an incredibly diverse selection of cheese and charcuterie. Too rushed to assemble your own charcuterie board? Grand Oak’s talented team of party tray assemblers can create something beautiful for you to take home. For current hours and details, visit Grand Oak Culinary Market.

Just around the Benchlands bend … stock up on wine for your holiday gatherings at The Foreign Affair Winery.

Indulge in Delectable Vegan and Gluten-Free Choices at Blossom Bakery

Nothing can frazzle a chef faster than being surprised by a guest’s food intolerance or dietary preference. Blossom Bakery is here to help. In addition to fabulous fare made using traditional recipes, Blossom’s delicious flatbreads, cookies, pies, squares, and tarts are also available in vegan and gluten-free options. Indulge in more than just delectable goods; savour the irresistible flavours of gluten-free and vegan soups, lasagnas, hand pies, and quiches. Elevate your holiday appetizer spread with an impressive array of vegan and gluten-free cheeses and dips, ensuring there is something delightful for every guest. For current hours and details, visit Blossom Bakery. 

Just around the Benchlands bend … Warm up with cozy comforting meals and festive drinks at Honsberger Estate Winery. In addition to the winery’s delicious small batch wine portfolio, Honsberger Estate also offers a curated menu of seasonal cocktails to help you toast to the new holiday season!