Festively Farmstand Fresh

4 Niagara Benchlands Stops For Holiday Entertaining That Wows

Don’t let the frost-covered fields fool you! The farms and farm markets that call the Niagara Benchlands home go strong all year long when it comes to providing incomparable farm-to-table flavours.

This holiday season, stop fighting the crowds at busy grocery stores and take a relaxed rural cruise through the Niagara Benchlands instead. With just a few quick stops, you can stock your fridge, freezer and pantry for holiday entertaining that truly stands apart. Bring our all-new CultivATE Farm and Market Trail map along as your guide, but if you need to narrow down your options, start with the following suggestions.

For Proteins That Pack Fresh-From-The-Farm Flavours: 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.

Holiday Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm Learn more.

Just around the Benchlands bend…

Pop into Kew Vineyards Estate Winery for a wine and cheese break.
Holiday Hours: Daily 11 am – 5 pm

For Niagara’s Most Decadent Dairy: 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 stocks a beautiful selection of jams, jellies and preserves, and off-the-charts cheesecakes made with fresh Guernsey ricotta. Learn more.

Holiday Hours: Daily: 10 am – 5 pm

Just around the Benchlands bend…

The shops of Jordan Village are a perfect place to find creative gifts for everyone on your list.

Holiday Hours: Vary by store

For A One-Stop-Shop For Holiday Entertaining Help: 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 charcuterie board? Grand Oak’s talented team of party tray assemblers can create something beautiful for you to take home. Learn more.

Holiday Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm

Just around the Benchlands bend…

Everyone needs a go-to recipe for easy holiday gatherings, and The Foreign Affair Winery has you covered. Pick up a bottle of their 2019 Conspiracy to pour it into this delicious recipe for Pulled Pork with Cherry Chipotle Sauce. Be sure to serve it up on some fresh buns from Grand Oak Culinary Market.

Holiday Hours: Daily: 11 am – 5 pm

For Delicious Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: 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. The bakery also makes incredibly tasty soups and lasagnas that are gluten-free and vegan, as well as gluten-free hand pies and quiches. An impressive assortment of vegan and gluten-free cheeses and dips will ensure your holiday appetizer spread offers something great for every guest. Learn more.

Holiday Hours: Thursday through Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm