The day begins with an on-farm visit to Birchview Farms, a working Ontario grain-fed veal farm near Tavistock, where you’ll get the real story behind veal—straight from the farmers who raise it. You’ll meet Dylan and Hannah, along with Dylan’s father Marvin and brother Jared, who together care for approximately 350 head of grain-fed veal cattle each year. This is a walk through a real farm, in real time, with farmers who welcome honest questions and thoughtful dialogue.

During your visit, you’ll see veal cattle at different stages of production, including market-ready animals, and learn how feed, care, and daily management directly impact meat quality. Birchview Farms also grows corn, wheat, and cranberry beans, reinforcing the essential connection between quality feed and quality protein. The result is veal that performs consistently on the plate—knowledge that’s invaluable for chefs making sourcing decisions or speaking confidently about their ingredients. With roots dating back to 1830 and stewardship that extends well beyond the farm gate, Birchview Farms offers a powerful perspective on ethics, consistency, and pride in production. This stop may just re-veal more than you expect.

Next, we shift from farm to confection with a visit to Rheo Thompson Candies, where chocolate making has been done “the Rheo way” since 1969. This Canadian family-owned company continues to craft its chocolates and confections using the same flawless recipes, tools, and techniques that built its reputation. While a few new flavours have been added over the years, the heart of the process remains unchanged—much of the production is still done by hand, with careful oversight at every stage to ensure exceptional quality. It’s a sweet reminder that craftsmanship and consistency never go out of style.

For lunch, we will gather at Bijou Restaurant, a true Stratford institution. Since opening its doors in 2000, Bijou has earned its place as a beloved culinary destination, celebrated by locals and visitors alike. For more than two decades, the restaurant has delighted guests with thoughtfully prepared, locally inspired cuisine, securing its reputation as a genuine gastronomic gem and a fitting place to pause, connect, and enjoy a beautifully executed meal.

The day concludes at Perth Farmhouse, where the countryside sets the tone for a relaxed and memorable finish. A highlight for many is meeting the goats before enjoying a self-guided tasting of the farmhouse’s crafted wines and ciders. It’s a warm, welcoming stop that perfectly captures the spirit of rural Ontario—unpretentious, flavour-forward, and full of charm.