Two Doc Winery Retired Almonte Doctors Welcome You to their Winery in Prince Edward County! - theHumm July 2022
Two Doc Winery Retired Almonte Doctors Welcome You to their Winery in Prince Edward County! - theHumm July 2022
By Kris Riendeau
The Humm team recently received an intriguing call from our friend and former family doctor Anne Oldfield. It turns out that Anne and her husband (fellow former GP Cecil Rytwinski) recently purchased a well-established vineyard in Prince Edward County! As newly-minted owners of Three Dog Winery threedogwine.com , they have joined forces with a few friends and family members to take on this exciting challenge. We definitely wanted to find out more details…
theHumm: This is quite the retirement plan! Has owning a vineyard been a long-held dream of yours, or did the opportunity present itself at the perfect time?
Anne Oldfield: I’ve always loved all those movies about people who go off to France and buy a winery, but we always saw ourselves as family docs and never considered such a seismic shift.
Was it a retirement plan? Absolutely not! It has been one of those wonderful moments of serendipity that come along only a few times in your life.
It started on a bike trip to Osoyoos wineries a few years ago, when our sons Adam and Andrew made a pact that they would one day open a winery together.
In December 2020, while home for Christmas, Adam proposed that now was the time. After initial incredulousness, we recognized what a wonderful family project and legacy this could be. He was willing to give up mountain climbing in BC. Andrew was eager to develop his skills as a winemaker. And being semi-retired, Cecil and I had the luxury of time to become involved. We started researching wineries and reaching out for advice. This led to weekly Zoom meetings, hours spent in research, and developing business models and proposals. After a long search and several dead ends, we found our dream property — and the rest is history.
What are some of the features of this winery that made it so appealing to you?
We had originally planned to buy undeveloped land or a vineyard and develop our own winery. Then we saw Three Dog and fell in love. It is a beautiful property with a well-established infrastructure and loyal clientele.
The farm is almost 100 acres with a 10-acre vineyard, a sugar bush, sugar shack, beautiful walking trails and lots of room for expansion. There is a tasting room and patio overlooking the vineyard, a wood-fired pizza oven, an Airbnb above an event space, a well-equipped production building, and a house.
Best of all, it’s the closest winery in Prince Edward County to Ottawa and the Valley!
Who else will be coming on board to assist in this venture, and what roles will everyone play?
This is a true Lanark County project — in addition to Adam, Andrew, Cecil and me, Kyle Lowry (from Almonte) and Andrew’s fiancée Sarah (from near Richmond) have been involved from the start.
Andrew, who is a trained winemaker and has been working in Niagara wineries, is our winemaker. He has been mentored by some of the best Canadian winemakers and is excited to develop his own line of wines. Adam, who is an IT consultant and has been mountain climbing in BC for the past several years, is our general manager, IT specialist, gardener and dog wrangler.
Kyle Lowry, who grew up working on family farms, left his job in movie production to become the vineyard manager. Sarah Coffin has an extensive background in fashion, media and esthetics. She is managing the tasting bar, Airbnb and events.
I will be managing the Wine Club and working in the tasting bar. Cecil works as a greeter, handyman, gardener and head of morale. Red Dog, Adam’s six-month-old Red Fox Lab, was born on Wolfgrove Road. He is the face of the winery — and definitely the star of the show.
Will you be continuing to offer some of the same products and services that Three Dog Winery has become known for? Are there any new initiatives you are looking forward to implementing?
Three Dog Winery has a wonderful, loyal clientele and we will continue to produce their favourites. We will also continue the wines presently available at the LCBO.
Andrew has recently purchased several gorgeous French and American oak barrels. He has been busily reorganizing the production building and will be starting to blend his first Three Dog wines in the next few weeks. In addition to our fun, easy drinking wines, he will be developing a premium line. Over time, as we plant more vines — initially more Pinot noir and Chardonnay — he will also be expanding our estate wines. We will also be introducing sparkling wine, low-alcohol wines and spritzers, as well as a non-alcoholic wine.
We presently have live music on the patio every weekend. In future, we hope to have larger events and pop-up chefs.
We also hope to make the winery a four-season destination with guided snowshoeing in winter and an active sugar shack in the spring. We will also be setting up guided wine tastings and dinners in our event space. I would also love to partner with a bookstore or library for a monthly book club with wine and pizza.
We also hope to host weddings and family events on the property. The first will be at the end of August this year with Andrew and Sarah’s wedding.
How has the reception been from people in Prince Edward County so far? Are you looking forward to seeing friends and acquaintances from Lanark County visit this summer?
The former owners were well-loved in the County and will be missed. But the community has embraced us with open arms and are excited by the changes we are starting to make.
We have been a little bit busy since we took over on April 20. But one of the most valuable things we learned in Almonte is the importance of community — and as soon as things calm down a little we plan to get to know the County better and become active, involved members of the community.
We are anxious to introduce all our friends and neighbours in Lanark County to our little piece of heaven. Please drop in for some wine and a visit — no reservations needed.
We have also started a Three Dog Winery Wine Club. Every three months, we can personally deliver six bottles of some of the best wine in the County to your door.
Cecil and I are splitting our time between Almonte and the winery. Every day, I am amazed by the beauty and serenity of the property. As I see people relaxing around the fire or spending quality time with family or chatting with strangers who now feel like friends over a glass of wine, it reminds me of how important that human connection is. And I love that we can create an environment that makes our guests’ day maybe just a little bit better.
I hope we will see you soon.
Visit threedogwine.com or follow them on Facebook for more details.
Dave Card — He Lives Up to his Name - theHumm July 2022
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
We say someone is a real card when they go out of their way to amuse and surprise us — the expression comes from the 19th century, and is based on playing cards that all had illustrations of characters with distinct personalities. Wood sculptor Dave Card more than fills the bill (another idiom from the 19th century). Card is a dedicated artist continuously striving to create whimsical woodland characters with distinct personalities to make......
Explore Perth During Stewart Park Festival Weekend - theHumm July 2022
The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA is proud to bring the Stewart Park Festival back after a two-year hiatus. This July marks 30 years of celebrating community by bringing a stellar lineup to this year’s festival, taking place on July 15, 16 and 17 in downtown Perth!
This popular festival offers you an opportunity to enjoy talented Canadian and international artists, just steps away from the historic downtown. With two stages in the park, this free festival is available to everyone a......
Hummingbird Celebrates 10 Years! - theHumm July 2022
Hummingbird Chocolate, one of the world’s leading chocolate makers, will host a grand opening celebration at its new location in Almonte at 476 Ottawa Street on Saturday, July 9 from 11am to 4pm.
At the height of the pandemic, Hummingbird embarked on a robust investment by building a new 10,000-square-foot production facility, retail shop and café. Part factory, part experiential chocolate centre, the contemporary space also includes a tasting room where they will hold worksh......
OUTERBRIDGE — Clockwork Mysteries Canada’s Grand Masters of IllusionReturn to the Station Theatre in Smiths Falls - theHumm July 2022
The world-class magic show OUTERBRIDGE — Clockwork Mysteries returns to the Station Theatre in Smiths Falls from July 1 through October 1. Shows take place on Fridays at 7:30pm, and on Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $28.20 plus HST and
Eventbrite fees at outerbridge.eventbrite.com .
Critics across the globe have hailed Ted and Marion Outerbridge as “a master of Illusion” (CBC-Radio Canada), “champions of magic” (Be......
There is Bad Bloodin Dry Stone… - theHumm July 2022
… and a lot of it is being spilled! The sheriff is out of town with his posse chasing a bank robber — but was there even a robbery? The only deputies left to maintain law and order are Hank and Percival Potts. Hank is a drunk and Potts cannot even ride his pony, Butterscotch. Thank goodness for the arrival of… The Lone Rider.
Dry Stone is a town full of people with secrets. Why is the Lone Rider really here? Whose hand is holding the latest murder weapon? Is Rose a “self......
Midsummer Herbfestis Back in White Lake! - theHumm July 2022
After two years of virtual events, Herbfest is back in person and better than ever! Taking place on Sunday, July 31, this celebration of healthy living brings fabulous local artisans, farms and other vendors to the stunning grounds of the historic Waba Cottage Museum and Gardens in White Lake. Live music, workshops and tours offer visitors from across Ottawa and the Valley a vibrant outdoor festival experience.
In past years, over 2000 people have made Herbfest the event of the summer......
Bloomfest Garden Art Show and Sale - theHumm July 2022
Mark your calendar for the third week of July when the display gardens and daylily field at Whitehouse Perennials are in full bloom. This is the fourth season for the Bloomfest Garden Art Show, and the number of participating artists has grown to seventeen. The display gardens and daylily field are a beautiful venue to showcase garden art. Beginning on July 21, the work of the artists will be installed throughout the three display gardens and the daylily field. It will remain in p......
A Company of Fools PresentsThe Tempest - theHumm July 2022
After two long years, a Company of Fools returns with its Torchlight Shakespeare in the park Summer Tour. This summer they present The Tempest, touring to over 40 local parks throughout Ottawa and beyond.
A stellar cast of Fools both new and old, with a few puppets thrown in for good measure, play 13 different roles to tell one of Shakespeare’s most magical stories. Bring your picnics, your lawn chairs, and even your dog to this ideal summer evening experience for the entire family!
......
History Comes Alive in Middleville - theHumm July 2022
Live History, a Governor General’s award-nominated international touring theatre company that produces site-specific customizable mysteries around the world, will present A Timeless Gathering at the Middleville Museum on July 9.Performances of this interactive mystery event will take place at 1pm and 3pm, and are designed for ages 12 years and older. Tickets are $20 each, available at the Middleville and District Museum (Visa, Mastercard, cash or cheque) or by contacting Dawn Morrison at 256–4997. Payment can also be made by e-transfer to
Spotlight on the Mississippi Mudds - theHumm July 2022
By Judith Scott
The time: early 1973. The place: a quiet little Ontario town beside a beautiful river. We are eavesdropping on a group of friends who are enjoying a vaudeville show; a fundraiser organised by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Chamber of Commerce. Jan Ferguson leans in to her friend Mary Lomax and says: “We could do something like that here!” After the show, Mary insists that they find the director Dan Darling and ask advice. His response is: “you get me the people and I will get you the show......
Three Shows at Sivarulrasa Gallery - theHumm July 2022
Sivarulrasa Gallery has increased their exhibitions program! The Gallery now features three rotating shows in their Gallery I, Gallery II and Gallery III — all at 34 Mill Street in Almonte. All shows can be seen in-person during their regular hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11am to 5pm, and Sundays from 11am to 4pm.
From June 22 to July 29, the Gallery is presenting George Horan: Boundaries, a solo exhibition of new paintings by Newfoundland-ba......
Tarts & Arts in the Park Welcome Bakers, Artisans and Crafters! - theHumm July 2022
The Rotary Club of Arnprior is hosting its first annual Butter Tart Festival to be held on Saturday, August 27 in the beautiful Robert Simpson Park on John Street N. in Arnprior, overlooking the historic Ottawa river. The park will be in spectacular full bloom at this time of the year. It will be a great way to wrap up your summer, enjoying everyone’s favourite — butter tarts — as well as relaxing by the water and taking in the entertainment and various vendor displays.
The Festival wi......
Connie Kaldorto Perform in Perth - theHumm July 2022
Harmony Concerts is bringing Juno award-winning folk icon Connie Kaldor to Studio Theatre Perth on July 2. Connie comes from Saskatchewan and is one of Canada’s finest songwriters. She has toured around the world, won Junos, and is a member of the Order of Canada as well as winning a Western Literature award. She has done it all as an independent; writing, singing, performing, building her following one song, one show at a time. She is the author of three award-winning CD books for children. She......
Third Annual Radiothon to Support Local Land Trust - theHumm July 2022
The Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) is a volunteer-based charity committed to ensuring that wild landscapes are protected for us, our children and grandchildren. MMLT stewards ten wilderness properties (over 3,200 acres) in the region — some of which it owns, other lands on which it has a Conservation Agreement with the landowner.
Over the past few years, people have turned to nature by the thousands and the Land Trust has been pleased to welcome them to four properties with t......
Garlic in Perth Again! - theHumm July 2022
The Perth Lions Garlic Festival is thrilled to announce that the 23rd annual Garlic Festival is a go! After having to cancel the festival for the last two years due to Covid, the Committee is putting together what they feel will be one of their best events yet. They will be highlighting vendors (many are returning), birds of prey, music, food, fun, and of course, lots of garlic! Check them out at perthgarlicfestival.ca ......
5 Wednesdays in July - theHumm July 2022
By Wendy Whitaker
Mississippi Mills is growing so quickly, and because of that and the isolation from Covid, I sometimes feel like I am walking in a strange town with nary a familiar face. Do you ever feel like that? Or are you new to the area and looking to connect with more people in this friendly town? 5 Wednesdays in July is the perfect solution!
For years now, on every Wednesday in July, friends, neighbours, families and visitors have gathered in Augusta Street Park in Almonte from 6pm on......
Setting the Stage for Puppets Up! - theHumm July 2022
By Heather Phaneuf
What happens when preparing for the fantabulous return of Puppets Up!, taking place from August 12-14 in Almonte? Well, there are parallel realities when magic is being planned and this is no exception. Zoom meetings were held, puppies were whelped, babies were born, families and friends reunited, volunteers jumped into unknown territory and continued to shine, scripts were written, sets designed, sponsors came forward, puppeteers agreed to come to the party. You’re about to experience it all —......
“The Fortunate Son” —An Interview with Jim Bryson - theHumm July 2022
By John Pigeau
Some songs make you cry. In a good way. Maybe those who were fortunate enough to see and hear Jim Bryson play at the Perth & District Library this past May will remember the lovely track that got to me: Talking Trash, it’s called, and it features some truly beautiful lyrics almost whispered over a hypnotic soundscape of tinkling piano and stumming guitar.
Let’s stop talking trash, Jim sings. Let’s stick to the facts. Let’s think of the kids so they know we have their backs. Let’s stop......
Auditions for Scrooge! The Musical - theHumm July 2022
On Monday, July 4 from 4–9pm, Studio Theatre Perth is holding auditions for Scrooge! The Musical. Written by Leslie Bricusse, the show is based on the Charles Dickens classic, and was adapted for the stage in 1992, from the 1970 musical film starring Albert Finney. Please arrive at 4pm for an introduction to the show, and to sign up for an audition slot following the orientation. This production will be directed by Carolee Mason with musical direction by Brad Mills, and performance dates are from November 24 to December 4.
Studio Theatre is seeking performers who can sing, dance and a......
Paper, Paint & Patterns An exhibit at the Mill of Kintail Museum - theHumm July 2022
Almonte artist Linda Hamilton has taken inspiration from watercolour paintings by R. Tait McKenzie in the museum’s collection to create a series of paper wildflowers.
McKenzie was born in Ramsay Township in 1867. He was a childhood friend of Almonte’s other notable famous figure, Dr. James Naismith. After a long and successful career as a doctor, teacher and sculptor, McKenzie was slowing down. He returned to Almonte and bought the property that would become the Mill of ......
Experience a Summer Full of Fun as Events Return to Perth - theHumm July 2022
Following several years of cancellations due to the pandemic, Perth Tourism is thrilled to see the return of a number of events this summer.
The renowned Stewart Park Festival is back from July 15-17, celebrating 30 years of music and community. Offering an incredible weekend of music, great food and amazing vendors, this three-day, by-donation music festival takes place right in the heart of downtown Perth in Stewart Park. Showcasing both international and Canadian artists, the event i......
Two Doc Winery Retired Almonte Doctors Welcome You to their Winery in Prince Edward County! - theHumm July 2022
By Kris Riendeau
The Humm team recently received an intriguing call from our friend and former family doctor Anne Oldfield. It turns out that Anne and her husband (fellow former GP Cecil Rytwinski) recently purchased a well-established vineyard in Prince Edward County! As newly-minted owners of Three Dog Winery threedogwine.com , they have joined forces with a few friends and family members to take on this exciting challenge. We definitely wanted to fin......
You Can Learn Again in Almonte! - theHumm July 2022
By Christy Carlson
“Learning Again in Almonte” will be offering exciting courses to make learning fun this fall. A new planning committee has been working with the library and has enlisted three dynamic instructors to start off this new season of classes.
Tony Belcourt is the founding president of the Native Council of Canada and is recognised internationally at the United Nations and other organizations. He will be offering four two-hour classes on subjects including “Indigenous Ceremonies — U......
The Torch Bird - theHumm July 2022
By Lise Balthazar
If summer had an official bird, it could be the Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula). With his glowing colours and vivacious song, this flashy bird is the embodiment of summer’s bright sunny days; after all, the word “oriole” comes from the Latin aureolus, meaning “golden”. The first part of the bird’s name comes from Lord Baltimore, the 17th century founder and patron of the Maryland colony, whose coat of arms bears the colours proudly displayed by this beautiful songbird.
Baltimore orioles spend th......
The Weeding Rampage - theHumm July 2022
By Glenda Jones
I was in the garden yesterday lamenting the chewed zinnia and marigold seedlings, when I turned around to find the bladderwort and wild asters have inundated the hostas until I can hardly see them. That happened overnight, I swear. The wild bluebells are everywhere, invading the lilies, poking through the phlox, hiding the roses even. And what’s with the hops vine? I’d need a machete to chop that thing back. What’s not supposed to grow is lush; what’s supposed to be lovely is languishing!
I’ve g......
Summer Reading Club - theHumm July 2022
The Perth & District Library is pleased to launch this year’s TD Summer Reading Club — Canada’s biggest bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests and all abilities. This free program is co-created and delivered by more than 2,000 public libraries across Canada. It celebrates Canadian authors, illustrators and stories. It’s designed to inspire kids to explore the fun of reading their way — the key to building a lifelong love of reading.
The Perth Librar......
Bereavement Support Services in Our Area - theHumm July 2022
Community volunteers are now providing bereavement support services within Lanark County. Bereavement Support Lanark County (BSLC) is a newly formed group of independent, well-trained volunteer grief facilitators whose mission is to provide peer bereavement support and education.
As anyone who has experienced grief knows, the journey of learning to live with that grief can be overwhelming and difficult. Feeling alone and/or uncomfortable about sharing your grief with family and friends is common. Grief shared IS easier. BSLC’s vision is to walk with those on their journey so that they......
Good Companions - theHumm July 2022
By David Hinks
Declarations such as “carrots love tomatoes”, “beans and onions are natural enemies”, “beets love cabbage” and “potatoes don’t like cucumbers”, offered without any scientific evidence, drive me to distraction.
I have always found that our spring season is so very short that I am hard-pressed to get the soil prepared, let alone try to get everything planted at the appropriate time. Factor in crop rotation, companion planting, the vagaries of weather forecasting and whether the moon is waxing or wa......
New Memoir by Former Priest & NDP Candidate - theHumm July 2022
By Rick Prashaw
I have long loved libraries and indie bookstores.
On a drive to Almonte last month, I delivered my second memoir, Father Rick, Roamin’ Catholic (Friesen Press 2022) to an affable Ann Shea at Mill Street Books, later giving my “elevator pitch” to the Almonte Public Library staff.
“The 70-year ‘crooked, straight’ faith memoir of a former priest and then proud Dad to his trans son, mixing mischief, irreverence, and biting commentary on the troubles in the Catholic Chur......
Climate Action and Provincial Politics A Potentially Powerful Force for Action on CNL’s Climate Plan - theHumm July 2022
By Chandler Swain
It is well documented that doing what is necessary to keep the planet hospitable for us and our grandkids could be really prosperous and rewarding. There are tons of high-paying jobs and interesting fulfilling new kinds of work that are increasingly needing to be filled. We really don’t need to be supporting development at any cost. For example, the proposed Hwy 413. It was disappointing that this was a high point in the Conservative campaign. Just think what could be accom......
Bob and Thora - theHumm July 2022
By A tribute Fern Martin
The community of Mississippi Mills has recently said “Good-bye” to a very special couple, Bob and Thora Pugh. After almost 67 years of marriage, they managed to exit within two weeks of each other — a final demonstration of their devotion.
Pakenham was blessed when they and their four children moved from Montreal to the area in 1970. I highly recommend that you read their obituaries in the June 17 issue of the Millstone News. Their individual accomplishments are truly astounding.
Bu......
Want to Help Make the Magic? Volunteer for Puppets Up! - theHumm July 2022
Puppets Up needs your talents and energy! Organizers are assembling the team that will volunteer during the three-day event itself (five days if we count set-up and tear-down). If you can volunte......
Apr 20 Perth Trashure Hunt Clean-up
Apr 20 Solitary Man
Apr 27 Festival of the Maples
Apr 27 The Moth Project
May 4 - 5 Spring Fine Art Show
May 4 Outskirts
May 5 Music at Mera: The Andrew Collins Trio
May 11 - 12 Art in the Attic
May 11 Engelbert Humperdinck & Tom Jones Tribute
May 16 MMLT Talk & AGM
- IS THIS A PROTEST?
- A Classic Whodunnit Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee at Studio Theatre
- Readers, Writers, and Poets
- Celebrate Indigenous Culture in CP
- Celebrate the ClassicsWith the Arnprior Choir
- 4F Auction Concoction Food, Fun, Fashion & Favourites
- Cheerfully Made Spring Market
- Electrify to Decarbonize Lanark
- Volunteer Forum
- Frankenstein Comes to The Station Theatre
