The Ales of Autumn
The Ales of Autumn in Explorers’ Edge
The Explorers’ Edge region of Ontario is home to not one – but four craft breweries, and a winery too. Fall is the time for them to feature their unique autumn brews – and to invite you for a tour & tasting too.
Muskoka Brewery
Located on the outskirts of Bracebridge, Muskoka Brewery has created an outstanding lineup of beers – many of them award-winners. Currently in vogue is their popular Harvest Ale, “a bold, hoppy ale with a subtle grassy character reminiscent of the harvest.”
For more information on tours & tastings, and for directions to the brewery, click here.
Lake of Bays Brewing Company
Located in the heart of Baysville, the Lake of Bays Brewing Company champions the philosophy that “beer drinkers deserve the 
best”. They’ve created a variety of trademark beers crafted with natural ingredients and plenty of character. Featured as their autumn pint, the 10 Point India Pale Ale is a “full flavoured and balanced British-style IPA with slight hints of roasted malts, dark toffee, and aromas of hay and straw.”
For more information on tours & tastings, and for directions to the brewery, click here.
Sawdust City Brewing Co.
Sawdust City Brewing Co. recently had a grand opening of its new location in Gravenhurst, Muskoka, a gorgeous spot where they lovingly create an array of traditional ales with non-traditional flavours. Autumn showcases their Red Rocket Spiced Stout, which is made in collaboration with Red Rocket Coffee of Toronto.
For more information on tours & tastings, and for directions to the brewery, click here.
Highlander Brew Co.
One of the most northerly craft breweries in Ontario, 
Highlander Brew Co brews craft beer that reflects the ruggedness of the Almaguin Highlands. Located in South River, Highlander Brew Co. currently has five distinctly unique beers available, including the always-in-season Scottish Ale.
For more information on tours & tastings, and for directions to the brewery, click here.
Muskoka Lakes Winery
Specializing in award-winning wines made from premium blueberries and cranberries (both indigenous to the area), Muskoka Lakes Winery continues to perfect the art of wine-making just outside of Bala, Muskoka. Using berries harvested at the neighbouring (and affiliated) Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh, they offer a range of wines to please any palate, including:
Cranberry Wine
“A bright cranberry colour with a lively, fruity nose of mouth-watering cranberry – slightly sharp with a hint of floral and green notes.”
Cranberry Blueberry Wine 
“A rich, garnet colour with purple tints. The nose suggests warm blueberry pie with a hint of mint. It’s full, blueberry sweetness forward is balanced by the acidic finish typical of cranberry.”
White Cranberry Wine
“Difficult to capture in a bottle, the rare, shy white cranberry is fully ripe. It has all the nutrients, flavour and pigment of the red cranberry, but different characteristics that make for a slightly sweeter and less acidic wine.”
To get a real taste of Muskoka Lakes Winery products, visit them at this year’s Bala Cranberry Festival from October 17 – 19, 2014. For more information and directions to the winery (and marsh), click here.