2015 Winter Brewfest: Successful on all fronts!

The organizers of the Winter Brewfest are delighted with the response to this inaugural edition. On February 13 and 14, the closing weekend of Winterlude, more than 5,000 people—40% over the projected attendance of 3,000—defied the frigid temperatures and flocked to Lansdowne Park to enjoy fine beer and food. Twenty-five microbreweries from every corner of Ontario participated, winning praise from beer lovers for both the diversity and quality of their products. Festivalgoers also enjoyed the opportunity to meet several master brewers, who introduced their products with pride and passion. In all, people could sample nearly 100 products, including craft beer, cask beer, hot apple cider, wines and spirits. “Local residents are lucky to have access to so many microbreweries and such well-developed products,” noted Mario D’Eer, world-renowned beerologist and chair of the Winter Brewfest steering committee. “The purpose of this event is precisely to showcase the talent of our brewers and introduce their products to beer enthusiasts.” As well, Winter Brewfest organizers were pleased to present the CHEO Foundation with a cheque for $2,550, representing 100% of the proceeds from the sale of three “dream barrels” donated by Ontario microbreweries Cassel Brewery, Dominion City Brewing and Bicycle Craft Brewery. Festivalgoers also gave a big thumbs-up to the food service provided by LOCAL Public Eatery, a perfect complement to the alchemical libations created by the region’s passionate brewers. Winter Brewfest organizers would like to extend special thanks to the City of Ottawa for its participation in preparing and presenting the event. The Winter Brewfest would not have been possible without the generous support of lead partner the City of Ottawa, and event partners Lansdowne Park, LOCAL Public Eatery, Winterlude, CHEO, and Ontario’s microbreweries. “Thanks to the fantastic response to this first edition, which was a success on all fronts, we’re moving forward with plans for the 2016 edition,” reported Winter Brewfest general manager Michael O’Farrell.