Established in Bala in 1950, Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery is a third-generation operation open to visitors year round. The daily Bog to Bottle Discovery is a Signature Canadian Experience. Along with a patio, wine tasting, hiking and snowshoe trails, and harvest activities like the Cranberry Plunge, Ice Trail, Blueberry Hill, a Sugarbush and a small Café for families to enjoy. On the winery side, they have introduced Cliff Jump Cranberry Cider and re-introduced their Cranberry Splash Wine Spritzer which are both available in select LCBO stores.
Owners Wendy and Murray Johnston explain that the farm supports a host of biodiversity: “Our farming philosophy begins with the principle of land stewardship. We farm to have the least amount of impact possible on the environment. We want to preserve what we love about this area for our children and protect it for future generations. Responsible growing practices ensure a sustainable future.”
The Johnston family see the connection between local production and a healthy community. “We believe solving global challenges starts with local responsibility. We celebrate what is special and unique about our region both in the fruit we grow and in the wine we make from it. Not only are we committed to local food and products, but also to supporting and growing our local community.”
A long-time supporter of the Georgian Bay Biosphere, the farm has been named an “Amazing Place” to promote hiking and discovery on the property and for people to learn about how habitat can co-exist with cranberry cultivation. Producing a variety of award-winning fruit wines, spritzer and cider, these and many other products – including frozen berries – can be ordered online.