GUELPH, ON [July 15, 2026] – A cold craft beverage, a wooden board piled with Ontario cheeses, meats and fresh vegetables, and a sunny spot on the patio, at the cottage or beside the trailer: summer entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated.
From craft beer and cider to grape and fruit wines, spirits, juices and creative non-alcoholic drinks, Ontario offers plenty of homegrown ways to fill your glass. Add local cheeses and cured meats, fresh seasonal produce, chutneys, spreads and dips, and you have the makings of an easy Ontario feast.
“Summer is made for relaxed meals and casual get-togethers, and Ontario farmers and food and beverage producers make it easy to put local flavours at the centre of them,” says Andrea McCoy-Naperstkow, farmer from Lanark County and director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). “Whether you’re on the patio, at the cottage or trailer, or looking for something easy to serve after a day outdoors, there are so many Ontario products to discover and enjoy.”
Ontario’s craft beverage scene is as diverse as the province itself. Local grapes and other fruits are transformed into wines, ciders and spirits, while Ontario-grown grains, hops and other ingredients help give locally crafted beverages their distinctive flavours. Alcohol-free options abound too, from juices and sparkling drinks to craft sodas and other creative beverages.
A local charcuterie or grazing board is just as easy to build. Start with Ontario cheeses and meats, then pile on fresh seasonal vegetables, from greenhouse-grown cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers to field-grown favourites available throughout the summer. Finish with locally made chutneys, jams, pickles, spreads, dips, honey or maple syrup.
“Part of the fun of buying local is discovering just how much is produced right here in Ontario,” says McCoy-Naperstkow. “A simple summer gathering can become a showcase for local agriculture, with something grown, raised or made here in almost every glass, bowl and plate on the table.”
For a simple summer spread, mix and match Ontario flavours:
- Pair local cheeses and cured meats or smoked fish with fresh fruit, vegetables and Ontario-made crackers or bread.
- Serve fresh cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, radishes, carrots or snap peas with locally made dips and spreads.
- Add Ontario chutneys, preserves, pickles, jams, honey or maple products for something sweet, savoury or tangy.
- Complete the menu with local craft beer, cider, grape or fruit wine, spirits, juice or a non-alcoholic beverage.
Ontario farmers grow and raise more than 200 different food and farm products, giving consumers plenty of opportunities to support local throughout the summer. Choosing Ontario products supports farm families, food and beverage businesses, local jobs and communities across the province.
“Buying local doesn’t have to mean planning an elaborate meal,” adds McCoy-Naperstkow. “It can be as simple as trying a new Ontario cheese, picking up fresh vegetables at a farm stand or farmers’ market, or choosing a locally crafted drink. Those individual choices add up and help keep Ontario agriculture and our rural communities strong.”
The OFA’s Home Grown campaign raises awareness of why it’s important to preserve Ontario farmland to produce local food, fuel, flowers and fibre. Learn more and sign up for regular updates on products grown and raised in Ontario at homegrownofa.ca.
About the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) represents 38,000 farm families across the province and serves as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through advocacy and government relations, research and farm policy recommendations, media and public relations, community representation, and more.
Join the conversation on X @OntarioFarms, Instagram @ontariofarms and Facebook /ontariofarms.
About Home Grown
A public awareness initiative of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Home Grown’s objective is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving Ontario farmland. Learn more about the key role of Ontario farms as a source of food, fuel, fibre and flowers and get regular updates on products grown and raised in Ontario by joining Home Grown Ontario.
Stay connected with Home Grown and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @homegrownofa.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 or [email protected]