The Meaford Independent

A new business has opened in Meaford, and owner Henry Longfellow is hoping that his “Meaford Water & Wine By The Bay” will fill a void in the community.

His new establishment is located at 14 Trowbridge Street East across from the Foodland, and is aimed at serving two distinct markets.

One half of his shop offers customers the ability to purchase water that is purified through a reverse osmosis system, while the other half of his business is dedicated toward making your own wine.

Having recently moved to Meaford Longfellow had been hunting for a job, but decided instead to create his own by returning to a business he was involved in a dozen years ago. He has spent the last few months renovating and installing equipment at the Trowbridge Street storefront, and his doors opened to the public this week.

According to Longfellow the response to his new business has already been encouraging.

“We've already got six or seven batches of wine started,” Longfellow told The Independent on Thursday.

Longfellow says that he is able to offer customers 200 varieties of quality wine that they can proudly call their own. The process for making wine takes approximately four to six weeks, after which customers can carry home 30 bottles for as little as four dollars each.

For those with water coolers in their homes who have been driving to Owen Sound or Collingwood to refill their bottles, you can now save the drive and refill them in Meaford for just $3.25 per bottle. Longfellow also offers delivery service to commercial operations within the municipality.

While he is now open for business, Longfellow is still doing some finishing touches on his establishment, and over the next few weeks some additional equipment will be installed.

An official grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday April 30^th, and Longfellow encourages everyone to visit his new business on that day to share in the fun, and possibly win some prizes.

Details of the grand opening will be announced soon.

If you are interested in learning more about making your own wine you can visit the shop at 14 Trowbridge Street East, or you can call ahead at 226-662-0168.