Are you a connoisseur of craft beverages? New to craft flavours and don’t know where to start? Maybe you’re looking for a different kind of weekend adventure with friends. Whatever the case, we at York Durham Headwaters have news for you: The all new Crafted Journey in the region of Headwaters is now in full swing.
It is no secret that Headwaters is a solid contender for the best craft brewing in Ontario. Alton, Mono, Inglewood, Grand Valley, Palgrave and Caledon are home to a group of passionate local breweries, cideries and wineries with flavours you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world! With the help of the towns of Caledon, Erin, Orangeville, and the Orangeville BIA, we’ve made visiting them all an engaging journey that you can have a lot of fun with—and maybe even win a prize!
So warm up those tastebuds and grab your designated driver, because the region of Headwaters and the Crafted Journey are waiting for you.
The Crafted Journey in Headwaters: How it works
We want you to sample all the local flavours that the region of Headwaters has to offer. This rural area is a powerhouse on the local farming stage, with lots of fresh produce and goods coming to your table directly from family owned and operated farms. These local flavours are often found in the brewed beverages of Headwaters’ craft brewers, when they’re at their peak freshness. That’s something you can’t get from your local beer or liquor store.
That’s why we created the Crafted Journey. Beginning in May and running through to September 30th, 2026, you can pick up your very own Crafted Journey passport, complete with a detailed map of all the stops. Your mission is to collect a stamp on your passport from each of the eight participating locations (with purchase, of course). Once you have a stamp from each location in your passport, scan the QR code included for a chance to win a $50 gift card to one of the locations. The Crafted Journey will continue to run in Headwaters region all year round, with passports and maps still available to guide you, even after the prizes have been drawn.
The best part is that you don’t need to fill out your passport all in one go. Stretch the adventure out over days, weeks or even months. This is a slow kind of journey that is meant for savouring—when you visit each location, you’ll definitely want to stay for a while. Also, you can fill out as many passports as you want. There are no limits to the number of entries you can have in the prize draw.
Pick up your passport today from any of the participating locations below, or from select locations around York Durham Headwaters. For more information, check out the Crafted Journey website: yorkdurhamheadwaters.ca/crafted-journey/
A little about each location
Have we piqued your interest? Need a nudge to get moving on your Crafted Journey? Let us tell you a little bit about each of the eight participating locations to entice you further.
18825 Shaws Creek Rd, Alton
This unique solar-powered brewery is also an organic hop farm. Experience what fresh, hyper-local farm-raised beer is all about, with hops grown on-site and by other small Ontario farmers. Your patronage will not only make your taste buds happy, but your heart as well, because you’re supporting a mighty little Ontario farm that is doing its bit to combat climate change through regenerative farming practices and carbon-neutral targets. Enjoy the four-season, 1870 Oast Barn, the seasonal beer garden, delights from GoodSpot Patio food truck, and regular events like live music and pizza nights.
793366 3rd Line EHS, Mono
This stunning winery is where passion, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the vineyard come together. Enjoy intimate tasting rooms, an on-site dining experience with a thoughtful pairing selection, or curated events amongst the vines. Adamo is the place to savor life’s simple pleasures. Since Adamo’s wines are award-winning in both national and international competitions, it’s almost hard to believe that these humble but luxurious little grapes are grown in our own backyard… until you see it, that is!
13926 Chinguacousy Rd, Inglewood
This on-farm brewery specializes in IPAs, and also produces bourbon barrel aged stouts, crispy lagers and pilsners. Since day one, the team at Badlands has believed in the fundamentals of quality and freshness above all else. Taste the love with every sip while you enjoy live music performances, as well as delicious burgers and fries from the Badlands Kitchen food truck.
388113 Mono Centre Rd, Mono
This family-friendly hidden gem is nestled just a stone’s throw away from the stunning Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, and proudly produces unique, small-batch beers. Enjoy a continually creative menu of lagers, pilsners and pale ales, as well as lawn games, fire pits, and a relaxing atmosphere with lots of seating.
173488 Dufferin County Rd 25, Grand Valley
There are no shortcuts when brewing Grand Valley Original Lager. This all-malt recipe is delicately aged and handcrafted, resulting in a unique flavour that is remarkably easy-drinking. Founded in the beautiful town of Grand Valley where the air is crisp and the water is pure, this brewery is focused on drink-ability and boundary-pushing recipes tempered only by the quality of craft.
17219 Hwy 50, Palgrave, ON
“German Craft, Caledon Made,” quality and craftsmanship meet local tradition. Beers are brewed in-house with a dedication to authentic German brewing techniques and a passion for local flavour. You’ll find a wide variety of styles including the famous Vienna Lager. Enjoy a sip while you savour a bite from the ever-changing chalkboard menu of burgers and other seasonal specialties in the lively beer hall or on the patio. Don’t miss live music and trivia nights, as well as other great events.
1137 Boston Mills Rd, Caledon
If you love to be delighted by life’s daily indulgences, then look no further. This cidery, bakery and farm shop is on a mission to craft the highest quality artisan ciders using traditional methods and local products. Founded on sustainability, this green facility is energy efficient, so you can feel good about your contribution to the environment as you sip at a variety of hard ciders made with apples direct from the orchard. Enjoy artisan markets, the onsite bistro, tours and more.
20727 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon Village
In the lovely hills of Caledon is where you will find great beer, a cozy taproom, and a wide open beer garden. Sonnen Hill beers are heavily inspired by European brewing techniques and traditions, particularly from Germany, Belgium and the UK. Flavours are developed from simple malt bills, restrained hopping, and carefully selected yeasts that prioritize clarity and structure over intensity.
Praise for the Crafted Journey
The all-new Crafted Journey is truly a labour of love, brought to you by York Durham Headwaters, the Town of Caledon, the Town of Erin, the Town of Orangeville and the Orangeville BIA. We’ve worked closely with the participating breweries, wineries and cideries to make sure that your experience is one that will keep you coming back over and over. It’s no wonder we’re so excited about it.
Emily Quinton is the Tourism and Culture Officer for the Town of Caledon, and she is as eager as we are for you to come out to Headwaters and start exploring. “Caledon’s glass is full when it comes to incredible craft beverage producers,” she says, “and the Headwaters Crafted Journey is such a fun way to explore them all. Plan a road trip and pack an empty cooler—we’ll see you in the country!”
Begin your Crafted Journey in Headwaters today
You must be thirsty by now. Start your very own Crafted Journey today—pick up a passport and get sampling! Don’t forget to scan the QR code when you’ve collected all your stamps for a chance to win a grand prize worth $1600 in gift cards, or one of four runner-up prizes worth $400 in gift cards each. Tag us on social media at @VisitYDH with photos and posts of your Craft Journey fun.
York Durham Headwaters reminds all participants of legal age to consume responsibly.
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