b'Applewood Farm Winery(continued from page 3)five-acre patch. Crabapple trees and Christmas trees have also been planted on the property. Because of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, theres a bit of red tape to cut through before the winery and tasting bar can open. When travelling on Saintfield Road in between Highway 12 and Simcoe St., you may have noticed the grand building built for this purpose.PHOTOS BY MARYANN FLEMINGWine lovers can look forward to tasting a variety of vintages, including Applewood Farm Winerys Madrigal Meade, which won the prestigious title of Best Fruit Wine in Canada in the All Canadian Wine Championship this year. Its made with their own apples and honey. Some of the wines are named after the Passafiume children. Check out the wine list on their website: applewoodfarmwinery.com. Theres also a Facebook page for updates on crop availability and announcements of special events. Life truly is ducky! Ella absolutely loves Olive and Hughie.Matt jokes that he grew up in a strawberry patch.Stephaniedescribedwinemakingasherhusbands Since he was seven or eight years old, he helped out onpassion.hisfamilyfarminStouffville.BeingsurroundedbyaReceiving the award was very exciting, Matt and bounty of fresh fruits inspired him to experiment withStephanie agreed. And humbling.winemaking.Last April, the successful Applewood Farm Winery Thishobbygotwayoutofcontrol,addedMatt,business relocated to Scugog Township from the farm in whowasintriguedbytheprocessofmakingwine.Stouffville and the family is very thankful for their twen-Self-taught before winemaking courses were offered atty years, but it was time for a change. The Passafiumes college, Matt said that his background in biology helped,previously resided in Mount Albert. Their new home is and so did his networking with the Fruit Wines of Canadaa 200-year-old century house, and they love it.membership. It was time for a lifestyle change, and time to have a place of our own, Stephanie commented. They are pleased that they have been so warmly wel-comed. The store owners are all very friendly and helpful. Its great to be part of Durham Region, Stephanie said.Everything is working out even better than we ever could have hoped, Matt added.WelovePortPerry,saidStephanie.Weusedto come here as tourists.This summer, the kids have been helping on the family farm as usual, planting and weeding, chasing ducks and settling in to school! Stephanie said. Applewood Farm Winery plans to be open on week-ends until Halloween, and of course, there are COVID precautionsinplace.Visitorsareaskedtobringtheir masks, and this year, the corn maze only goes in one di-rection, to avoid congestion. Social distancing measures will also be observed.The Passafiume family wants to share the joys of coun-try life. Matt pointed out, Its good to show kids where food is grown, on the ground. Families will have the opportunity to pick and eat succulent, sun-kissed berries, and choose their own pumpkins.This new location is close enough for day-trippers to come from all four directions to Come Spend Awhile Under Our Tree, which is the motto that goes along with their stylish farm logo.Stay tuned for the exciting announcement of the grand opening of the Applewood Farm WineryNorth of Port winery and tasting bar.By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog4FOCUS - OCTOBER 2020'