A quick heads-up: we recorded this episode with a bit of real-life chaos—thanks to some technical gremlins, we were down one microphone. The conversation (and laughs) were too good not to share anyway, and we hope you’ll forgive the occasional audio quirk in favour of keeping it honest and human. 💛

Love isn’t a checklist—it’s a vibe. And in Lincoln, it’s handcrafted.

For this Valentine’s-flavoured episode, we dive into The Perfect Pairings that make February feel thoughtful, indulgent, and unmistakably local. From the sugar-warm air and blink-and-they’re-gone strawberry cream donuts at Beamsville Bakery, to modern, anything-but-boring bouquets from The Watering Can, we explore how small businesses turn classic Valentine’s staples into something personal. Ben dishes on the bakery rush, the prep chaos, and why fan-favourite donuts vanish in hours. Sue breaks down why mixed bouquets, dusty pinks, peaches, and soft reds are stealing hearts—and how even last-minute shoppers leave with something that feels intentional, not panic-bought.

Then we uncork the romance. At Fielding Estate Winery, Heidi shares why sparkling wine is celebration in a glass, while the team at Upper Canada Cheese helps us build boards that actually work—creamy comfort cheeses with bright bubbles, salty aged cheddars with luscious icewine, and why cider deserves more love at the table. Along the way, Margaret demystifies artisan cheese, from Guernsey milk richness to cave aging and the patience it takes to turn milk into magic.

And because no Valentine’s episode is complete without a love story, we end with one rooted right here in Lincoln. Heidi and Curtis Fielding share how a gala tasting turned into a life together, why the best date nights are often the simplest, and how local food, wine, and places turn ordinary moments into memories.

The thread through it all? Connection, craft, and community. That’s The Perfect Pairings—and how Lincoln turns February into something warm, delicious, and real.

If you loved this episode, follow the show, share it with someone who loves local, and tell us: what’s your perfect pairing this year? 💕🍷🍩

🌸 Featured Lincoln Local Businesses

🌿 The Watering Can Pastry Market
📍 3725 King St, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewateringcan
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewateringcan

🥐 Beamsville Bakery
📍 4966 King St E, Beamsville, ON L3J 0R5
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beamsvillebakery

🧀 Upper Canada Cheese Company
📍 4159 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uppercanadacheese
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uppercanadacheese

🍷 Fielding Estate Winery
📍 4020 Locust Ln, Lincoln, ON L3J 2B5
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldingwine

Send us a message

Have a topic you want us to cover?
Know a local business or organization we should feature?

Visit SpeakUp Lincoln at
SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Podcast

Thanks & Credits

With support from:

• Niagara Region Economic Development
• The Watering Can
• Second Chance Decor
• Verhoef Electric

Pull up a chair and meet the people behind town hall. We’re kicking off Lincoln Local with a candid, energetic conversation that strips away jargon and brings you inside the decisions, services, and stories shaping the Town of Lincoln.

We introduce the vision for Lincoln Local with our CAO, Michael Kirkopoulos, and Director of Economic Development, Paul Di Ianni. The goal is simple: build trust through plain talk and substance. You’ll hear why transparency matters, how we plan to share both good news and tough trade-offs, and what “demystifying government” looks like when we unpack costs, timelines, and the real constraints behind council decisions. We also map out our release rhythm—two episodes a month—balancing deep dives into municipal services with spotlights on the businesses that power local jobs and pride.

Economic development takes centre stage as we explore the diverse engine of Lincoln’s economy—from tourism and craft beverage to accommodation, health, and wellness. Paul shares why employer stories matter, how new investment takes shape, and what makes a small town resilient. Michael offers an update on the future Lincoln Community Hub at the former Beamsville District Secondary School, including early programming and what’s coming as we align plans with community input. Along the way, we keep it human with some light quick-fire questions, a little friendly rivalry, and a reminder that public service is done by neighbours who care.

Most importantly, this show is a two-way conversation. We want your ideas, your questions, and your guest suggestions to guide what we cover next. Tell us what you’re curious about and which local businesses deserve the mic at SpeakUpLincoln.ca/podcast. If you enjoyed this launch, follow the show, share it with a neighbour, and leave a review so more people in Lincoln can find it and join the conversation. New episodes drop twice a month. Don't miss the next talk of the town!

Send us a message

Have a topic you want us to cover?
Know a local business or organization we should feature?

Visit SpeakUp Lincoln at
SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Podcast

Thanks & Credits

With support from:

• Niagara Region Economic Development
• The Watering Can
• Second Chance Decor
• Verhoef Electric