In County Social: Vignettes from Prince Edward County’s Craft Drinkmakers, Natalie Wollenberg and Leigh Nash invite readers into the dynamic, delicious world of PEC’s booming craft‑drink scene. The book is both a visual feast and a heartfelt tribute to the people behind the bottles—wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries alike.
What makes County Social genuinely come alive is Wollenberg’s dual role as interviewer and photographer. Having moved from Australia to PEC in 2014, she has since embedded herself in the community—opening The County Canteen and 555 Brewing Co., then renovating Jackson’s Falls Country Inn. The result is more than a catalogue; it’s a deeply personal portrait of over forty local producers. Woven through are candid anecdotes: the gamble of starting from scratch, the symbiosis of innovation and tradition, and the gritty work behind each sip. One recurring theme: the tight‑knit ethos across craft types—vineyards often help distilleries; cider‑makers assist brewers, and vice versa.
Leigh Nash, as editor, ensures each vignette reads like a polished but personal portrait, capturing the nuances of entrepreneurship, community, and craft. Themes of camaraderie, mutual support across culinary and beverage lines, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem emerge strongly, making the book more than a directory—it’s a celebration of collective spirit.
A delightful bonus: recipe contributions from six acclaimed County chefs. Whether you’re pairing a tangy cider with local cheese or showcasing a floral wine through fare that complements without competing, these recipes fit deliciously with the stories and breathe life into the maker‑and‑menu connection. On that note, try Drake Devonshire’s Burrata, Heirloom Tomato, and Peach Salad with Sourdough Toast in our Recipe section. Thanks to Executive Chef of Drake Devonsire, Amanda Ray for this summer salad!
Wollenberg and Nash make clear that PEC’s growth hasn’t been overnight—it’s rooted in decades of entrepreneurial spirit, risk‑taking, and intergenerational learning. In modern PEC, the community’s backbone remains robust, a strength showcased by the book’s emphasis on inter‑producer support. We first met the dynamic duo supporting their local agricultural community in County Heirlooms at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/county-heirlooms-2/
County Social isn’t just a passion project—it gives back. Royalties benefit Alternatives for Women, a local advocacy organization supporting women and children. https://alternativesforwomen.org/ That socially responsible element adds meaningful depth and shows that this book cares about legacy as much as lifestyle. Support this project by purchasing the book at https://assemblypress.ca/shop/county-social You can also win a copy in our Giveaway section.
County Social: Vignettes from Prince Edward County’s Craft Drinkmakers is more than a coffee‑table beauty; it’s a love letter to one of Canada’s most exciting emerging drink regions. It skillfully blends gorgeous imagery, personal and relatable storytelling, and delicious pairings—all while fostering a strong sense of place and purpose.
Published with the permission of Assembly Press from County Social: Vignettes from Prince Edward County’s Craft Drinkmakers by Natalie Wollenberg and Leigh Nash.© 2024. https://assemblypress.ca/shop/county-social