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We are getting into my favourite time of year and there are so many great events that will get us through September and October.

The Shores of Erie International Wine Festival starts today with a great line up of musicians. The weekend continues with amazing food and 12 local wineries. Set in the grounds of historic Fort Malden, this is one of those “do not miss” events. Grab a glass of wine (or even a bottle) and walk around visiting different vendors and demonstration booths.

There are two farm hiker tours coming up if that is more of your style. This Sunday, The Kent Federation of Agriculture is holding their 12th Annual “Round the County Ag Tour” through areas of Kent County (mostly Blenheim). From The Windsor Star:

The self-guided, free tour includes the Buis Beef Ranch at 7186 Ninth Line in Raleigh, The Steve and Alice Uher Farm at 20970 Harwich Road in Blenheim, Gladstone’s Sweet Potatoes at 428 Chatham Street South in Blenheim and Smith and Wilson Wines at 8368 Water Street, Blenheim. Call the federation’s office at 519-674-1595 for more information.

Then, next Sunday is a second tour…the Essex County 16th Annual Farm Hiker Tour (10-5):

• McLeod Farms in Cottam with pick-your-own pumpkins and a corn maze
• The Cottam Rotary 47th annual horse show at Ridgeview Park in Cottam
• Stevenson Farms in Ruthven is inviting the public to tour a grain farm
• Aleksander Estate Winery in Ruthven is giving vineyard tours
• Lilac Row Farms in Kingsville will let visitors see a modern dairy farm

The Star says:

The tour is free but Farm Credit Canada will be collecting canned goods at Lilac Row Farms to support the Drive Away Hunger program. More information will be available on the Essex County farm hiker tour closer to the date or visit www.ecfa.ca.

We try to keep our calendar up-to-date with food-related events so keep checking in:
http://mylocalfoodblog.com/calendar/

Check out some info from Ted Whipp in his Prime Time for Produce Continues article. This Saturday at the Downtown market there will be a big push for the local movement. Bring your reusable shopping bags (and your appetite) out for some fun.

Bounty of the County was supposed to happen at the LCBO Roundhouse again this year but it was conflicting with the wine festival. Does anyone know if this is still happening?

And finally, the University of Windsor had a nice announcement about a HK researcher that is working on defining a healthy diet and encouraging families to sit down to dinner together. You can read the story here.
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A new line for Sanson Estate Winery’s retail store arrived recently: Giffin Maple Syrup Products. Yay for the arrival of winter’s sweet gift!

The amazing syrup is available in light, medium and dark and comes in decorative glass bottles. If you like you can buy a plain can as well.

Check out a video of Don Giffin from the Chatham Daily News.

Where else can you buy the syrup?

• Sobey’s (Blenheim)
• Delhaven Orchards (Blenheim)
• A&J Market (Cedar Springs)
• Anna Mae / Pardo’s Market (Cedar Springs)
• Greatview Orchards (Cedar Springs)
• Sara’s Market (Chatham)
• Parks Blueberries (Thamesville)

You can also buy the syrup and other great maple products directly from the Giffin’s store in Blenheim at 18862 Communication Road South. While Giffin’s Maple Syrup is open year-round, it is always best to call ahead to confirm when you will be visiting (as with most small, farm-based businesses). You can reach them at (519) 676-3448.

What will you do with all of this great syrup? If you have yet to try Thibert Farm pancake mix then pick up a bag at your next trip to the Downtown Windsor Farmers Market. The pancakes are amazing, the mix is made with recognizable ingredients, and you will have a perfect syrup to go on top. The pairing would make a nice addition to a gift basket too!

Yummy, pancakes from scratch (almost)!

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Blenheim, Giffin Maple Syrup Products, Sanson Estate Winery, maple syrup

My Local Food welcomes Mackie Boon’s to the growing family of quality vendors at the growing Downtown Farmers’ Market. Mackie Boon’s sells home made jams, including a variety of sugar-free flavours, as well as corn relish, chili sauce, and salsa (mild, medium, and hot). The crackers are out and they encourage market goers to sample their jams. The taste speaks for itself! Just another reason to take a trip to downtown Windsor this Saturday!

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