About Taste the Countryside
“The purpose of Taste the Countryside is to promote culinary tourism and agri-tourism development across the four Townships of Woolwich, Wellesley, Wilmot, and North Dumfries and the Region of Waterloo”
Taste the Countryside is now 5 years old. Here is its history:
Taste the Countryside was created by the Township of Woolwich in 2020 as a business promotion program to encourage residents to continue supporting locals when indoor dining was restricted. It was a simple 10-day marketing campaign promoting coordinated menus across participating food establishments. Since then, the initiative has grown into a collaborative effort involving the Townships of Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolwich, and North Dumfries, and Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures.
By spotlighting local farmers and food producers, the event encourages sustainable food practices, supports the regional economy, and fosters community engagement around food and agriculture. It’s an opportunity for participants to experience the flavours of Waterloo Region’s Countryside while also learning about the importance of supporting local agriculture.
Every year, Taste the Countryside expands and shifts as new networking events and community-minded initiatives are born. 2025 marks the first year local food businesses can share their story through this platform. #TastetheCountrysideWR
Taste the Countryside 2022
~Video created by Brendan with Explore Waterloo Region
In 2024, Taste the Countryside received the prestigious Marketing Canada Award from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC).
The Marketing Canada Awards recognize outstanding marketing initiatives that promote economic growth and community identity across Canada.
Taste the Countryside was selected among top submissions nationwide, recognizing the event’s success in promoting local food, agriculture, and economic development in the Townships.
