Taste serves up a celebration for the senses

By Nicole Kleinsteuber

The aroma of fine foods, wine, cider and beer served up with a slice of art and music kept over 2,000 tasters mingling for hours at the Crystal Palace in Picton on Saturday.

A farm and artisan market were new additions this year.  Local farmers displayed a colourful selection of fruits and vegetables and artists unveiled masterpieces from their studios.

“It’s a real celebration of the harvest,” said Kathy Kennedy, executive director for Taste.  “We’re celebrating that the harvest just started.  All of the wonderful things that people have grown over the summer are being harvested right now.  The event really showcases what that harvest is and what people so with it.”

The event promotes learning through interactive workshops on a range of cooking and craft techniques.

Sausage making, canning and preserving, composting, fall gardening and wine serving were a few of the seminars available to tasters.

While holding a glass of locally made white wine, Terry Standing said he was impressed with his first taste experience.

“It’s a great event for Prince Edward County.  I’ve lived here for 35 years,” said Standing.  “To see this wine business grow, it’s a wonderful thing.”

The event doesn’t just attract locals but visitors from all over Ontario as well.

Winston Spratt travelled from Manotick, Ontario.  He said he enjoys the country atmosphere.

“The music and the foods and the wines are fantastic.  I’m really impressed with the evolution of Prince Edward County,” said Spratt.

“I’ve been to Prince Edward County a few times.  This is a good opportunity to try some of the foods from different restaurants that I haven’t been to before,” said Johanne Moller from Toronto.

“I can’t try the wine,” said Moller rubbing her pregnant belly.  “But maybe next year.”

Grace Nyman, Taste’s event coordinator said the festivities have had a huge impact the local economy.

“All the merchants in downtown are busy, said Nyman.  “All of the accommodations are booked solid.  People are staying in the county, they’re buying stuff and eating and enjoying and they’ll come back again.”

Rod de Courcy-Ireland, the president of Black Prince Winery, said his venue sees a lot of repeat visitors from all over Ontario.

“It’s nice to see that they recognize there is another place for wine in Ontario,” said de Courcy-Ireland.  “It’s great for the county.  Our economy is focused on food, wine and tourism.  This is the premier event of the year without a doubt.”

Norman Markland a member of Picton’s BIA agrees the event has a positive impact on the local economy.

“It’s been a rough year so this encourages people to visit Prince Edward County from now and into 2012,” said Markland.

Week long wine, restaurant and art studio tours offered visitors an opportunity to see what Prince Edward County has to offer.

The event ends on September 29 with a harvest dinner at Claramount Inn and Spa at 6 p.m.  Winemaker Richard Karlo of Karlo Estates Winery and Chef Elliot Reynolds will be there to share their knowledge of county food and wine.