July 2023 After 6 – Hosted by Georgian Hills and Pet Valu

Co-hosted by the Collingwood and Meaford locations of PetValu, and Georgian Hills Vineyards, our members enjoyed perfect weather in a stunning setting at the winery’s beautiful outdoor event space. The vineyard’s own kitchen provided mouthwatering charcuterie and sliders (thank you Chef James and the rest of the team!), as well as samples of their rebranded and absolutely delicious Dry Pear and Apple Ciders. (A LOT of guests were spotted buying some to take home — including us). Add some fantastic folk and country tunes by musician Brennen Sloan and you pretty much have the perfect evening.

Georgian Hills owner Robert Ketchin and Winery Destination Manager Jessica Nyysola talked to us about their growing selection of ciders and wines, the challenges that small producers and retailers face against bigger competitors, and how they are successfully remaining a local and visitor favourite by offering destination tasting experiences seven days a week, accompanied by a full menu. They also generously donated some wine to a couple of excited raffle winners. We also want to mention that there are tickets still available for their upcoming 6th Annual Vinestock event on Sunday, July 23. This is an awesome day of music, food, beverages and fun for all ages in support of the South Georgian Bay Music Foundation. Find out more and get your tickets at www.georgianhillsvineyards.ca

Then Paul Barker, owner of the Pet Valu locations in Meaford and Collingwood, took the stage to tell us about the journey that he and his wife Susanne have taken to become one of the area’s most popular pet supply retailers. We heard about some of the current bestsellers in the stores, including their super durable and customizable dog tags, and their pet safe blowing bubbles. (If you’ve ever seen a pet chase bubbles, you’ll know what an awesome and fun product this is, and we can’t wait to try them.) A very lucky raffle prize winner took home a Pet Valu prize basket packed full of pet treats, accessories and toys, and you can shop for all of them at www.store.petvalu.ca/location/2115/

Thank you to everyone who came out to have some fun, and a very special thanks to MYCOLLINGWOOD.CA and Julie Card, who do such a great job in bringing our community together, one photo gallery at a time. See all of the photos of the evening at http://www.mycollingwood.ca/…/blue-mountains-chamber-of…