On Saturday August 21st Myles Acres held their second annual Wine and Food Fair featuring wineries, breweries and restaurants from Kingston and the surrounding area.

According to Jeff Hook and Viktoria Koganova, the event organizers, “This event is different, because it is so accessible to the public. Many events like this can be expensive” says Hook. “We wanted to make the admission fee low so everyone could attend and get the experience of tasting local wines. This is the only event that highlights just local wines.”

The wines featured at the event were from the Prince Edward Wine Growers Association as well as a local beer, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company, and local food from restaurants like the Sleepless Goat, Windmills, and Ramekins.

Most of the wineries’ owners were at the event, so the public had the opportunity to talk to the owners and the wine makers. “These are the people that are creating the wine, growing the grapes, and making the wines happen,” said Hook. “It’s nice to be able to talk across the table to them.”

The Fair also had two workshops. One was run by Alison Bajona, a wine and cheese expert. Bajona was representing the Rosehall Run Winery, which showcased a number of different wines including their Double Gold Wining Riesling. Her advice for beginning wine connoisseurs is, “Find wines that are soft, something that is not too acidic, because that’s something that throws some people off. A Riesling is very light, very soft, and easy to drink.”

Another aspect of the fair that was very soft and easy to drink in was the Kingston Jazz Society’s Michelle Kaz. Kaz beautifully sang songs such as “Sway” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.” After Kaz’s soulful sounds was the late great Elvis Presley! Or someone who sounded and looked very much like him. He wowed the crowd and gave out teddy bears and Hawaiian leis.

Guests included local residents and out of towners. Jennifer and Mark Dispensa, from Rochester, New York have a cottage on Alex Bay. With only one channel coming in on their bunny eared television, the Dispensas saw the fair advertised on CKWS Television and had to come. They are not connoisseurs, but they have always loved wine and both worked at wineries in the Finger Lakes region of NY. When asked how the Prince Edward County Wines held up against the Finger Lake’s wineries they said “The Closson Chase Vineyards’ chardonnay hands down one the best chardonnays ever, like drinking butter. So good!”

The day was not only about the wine; Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company was also present with their award winning ale. The Ale and the brewing company have won many awards including first place at the Mondiale de la Bière, France, and best Family business in all of Canada. Representing the Company was David Beauchesne who stated that the brewery is a “local, family run, award winning, organic, totally do it yourself Brewery.” When he was asked about the future of local breweries, he said “Micro brewing is only expanding. Originally, there were only three micro breweries in Eastern Ontario and now two more have popped up in the last six months”

“The Prince Edward Country Wineries are growing leaps and bounds, expanding and perfecting their wines,” said Hook. “It is like a mini Niagara right in our own back yard. Not enough people know what is just a short drive down the road and how close it is. We want to help let everybody know and promote the area.” Mission accomplished and a job well done Mr. Hook.