The Lincoln Local

Private Wine Tours With Local Insiders

What happens when two wine-loving friends turn their passion for Niagara Benchlands into a business? 🍷 In this episode of The Lincoln Local, hosts Sara Wilde and Stephanie Hicks sit down with Jennifer Pratt and Graham Cocking — the husband-and-wife duo behind Crush on Niagara Wine Tours. From hidden gem wineries and private curated tours to the realities of building a tourism business together as a married couple, this episode dives into what makes Niagara Benchlands such a unique destination. Jennifer and Graham share stories about: * How Crush on Niagara Wine Tours started * Why Niagara Benchlands feels different from other wine regions * The rise of experience-driven wine tourism * Funny and memorable tour moments * Their favourite local wine experiences * What it’s really like working together as spouses and business partners * Hidden gems, vineyard views, sparkling wine, patio season, and sweater weather 🍂 Whether you’re planning your next girls’ getaway, celebrating something special, or simply looking to rediscover your own backyard, this episode is packed with local love, tourism insight, and plenty of laughs. 🌐 Website: https://crushtours.com/ [https://crushtours.com/] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crushtours/ [https://www.instagram.com/crushtours/] Mentioned in this Episode * Niagara Benchlands * The Watering Can * Flat Rock Cellars * Back 10 Cellars * Malivoire Wine Company * Pearl Morissette * Cloudsley Cellars * Theatre Bacchus * Mayor Sandra Easton’s Charity Golf Tournament Theatre Bacchus – The Invisible Man Experience Theatre Bacchus’ spring production of The Invisible Man at the Lincoln Community Hub. 🎭 Tickets [https://theatrebacchus.com/] Mayor Easton’s Charity Golf Tournament Hosted at Twenty Valley Golf & Country Club. 📅 Registration & Sponsorship Info [ https://www.lincoln.ca/en/recreation-and-leisure/mayors-charity-golf-tournament.aspx] Send us a message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2569828/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://niagaracanada.com/] * The Watering Can [https://thewateringcan.ca/] * Second Chance Decor [https://www.secondchancedecor.ca/] * Verhoef Electric [https://www.verhoefelectric.com/]

What If Preserving History Means Preserving Play

When was the last time you actually went to a museum… not on a school trip, not because you had to—but because you wanted to? With May being Museum Month across Ontario, we’re taking you inside one of Lincoln’s most meaningful (and surprisingly fun) spaces—the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre. And trust us… it’s not what you think. In this episode of The Lincoln Local, we sit down with: • Olivia Rozema, Senior Curator of Museum Operations • Courtney Corbeil, Curator of Education, Visitor Engagement & Partnerships We’re talking about: *  The wild, community-built history of the museum (including a house that was literally floated across water 😳)  *  Why the 1859 schoolhouse is one of the most loved—and most at-risk—spaces  *  How this site blends history, play, nature, and community into a full-day experience  *  And why preserving these spaces isn’t just about the past… it’s about future generations  Plus, we spill the Talk of the Town Tea ☕ with upcoming events you won’t want to miss 👇 📅 What’s Happening at the Museum * May 1–12, 2026 Red Dress Installation for National Awareness Day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & Two-Spirit Peoples  * Now – September 2026 Wine in Niagara Exhibit (in partnership with Brock University)  * May 15, 2026 | 6:30 PM Deep Roots Social – curated tasting experience across the museum grounds  * Monthly (First Saturdays) STEAM Saturdays – hands-on fun for kids  * June 4, 2026 Unmasking Brain Injury (with Ontario Brain Injury Association)  * Last Thursdays (June–August 2026) Music at the Museum – free (by donation) summer evenings  * September 2026 60th Annual Harvest Pioneer Day – family-friendly, historic demos, vendors, and yes… a cannon 👀  ❤️ Want to Support the Schoolhouse? If preserving spaces like the schoolhouse matters to you, you can learn more or donate here:  👉 https://lincolnmuseum.ca/donate [https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flincolnmuseum.ca%2Fdonate&data=05%7C02%7Cswilde%40lincoln.ca%7Ca76fe54ec04647ef61f308dea53ad57f%7C0c12c1c00fd14226bb5d591d1bfd4e42%7C0%7C0%7C639129869317228809%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NQxdnVcAnRp3KV5wCB00S0eHPzzUoLLJMTVezcfYipk%3D&reserved=0] Send us a message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2569828/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://niagaracanada.com/] * The Watering Can [https://thewateringcan.ca/] * Second Chance Decor [https://www.secondchancedecor.ca/] * Verhoef Electric [https://www.verhoefelectric.com/]

Cleaning Up the Big Melt: Youth, Community, and the Power of One Hour

As winter fades and the “Big Melt” reveals what’s been hidden beneath the snow, this episode of Lincoln Local explores how one community is turning an annual problem into a powerful opportunity. Featuring Jennifer Blackledge, Executive Director of the Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA, the conversation dives into the Downtown Tidy, an Earth Day initiative that brings together students, local businesses, and community partners to clean up the downtown core in just one hour. Beyond the impressive environmental impact—hundreds of kilograms of waste collected—the episode highlights the deeper purpose: fostering community pride, youth engagement, and long-term behavior change. It’s a story about placemaking, collaboration, and how small, local actions can create lasting ripple effects. 📅 Key Dates & Events * Candidate 101 Information Session 🗓️ April 16 at 6:00 PM 📍 Town of Lincoln * Beamsville Blooms Campaign Launch 🗓️ April 20 * GNCC Tourism & Hospitality Seminar 🗓️ April 21 📍 Fieldstone at Bench * Downtown Tidy (Earth Day Cleanup) 📍 Downtown Beamsville 🗓️ April 23 🔗 Helpful Links (Click to Learn More) * 🌐 Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA [http://downtownbenchbeamsville.com] * 🏛️ Candidate Information Session [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/candidate-101-information-night-tickets-1986444368580?aff=oddtdtcreator] * 📈 GNCC Event Info [ https://gncc.ca] Send us a message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2569828/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://niagaracanada.com/] * The Watering Can [https://thewateringcan.ca/] * Second Chance Decor [https://www.secondchancedecor.ca/] * Verhoef Electric [https://www.verhoefelectric.com/]

Growing a Greener Lincoln: Trees, Climate & Community Action

What do trees, climate change, and your daily life in Lincoln all have in common?  In this episode of The Lincoln Local, we’re joined by Adam Kelly (Town of Lincoln) and Dr. Alicia Powell (Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority) to break down how local action is shaping a greener, more resilient future. From tree canopy protection and climate planning to community programs and volunteer opportunities, we explore what’s happening behind the scenes—and how you can be part of it. 🌿 What We Talk About * What climate change actually means (locally) * Why tree canopy matters more than you think * Lincoln’s new Private Property Tree Bylaw * Climate mitigation vs. adaptation (made simple) * How environmental work impacts your daily life * Easy ways to get involved in your community 🍵 Talk of the Town (Events & Updates) Earth Week (April): * Community cleanups across Lincoln * EcoFest – April 25 at the Fleming Centre including a tree giveaway (pay-what-you-can) Upcoming Events: * Candidate Information Night – April 16, 6 PM (Town of Lincoln) * Ball’s Falls Heritage Days – July 19 & August 9 * Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival – October 9–12 🌱 Get Involved Volunteer, plant, or learn more: * NPCA: https://npca.ca/volunteer [https://npca.ca/volunteer] * NPCA Foundation: https://npcf.ca [https://npcf.ca/] * Follow NPCA: @npca_ontario 🌿 Community Highlight: First Beamsville Scouting * Pasta Fundraiser – April 11 (5–7 PM) * Environmental projects + trail cleanups this spring Learn more: https://scouts.ca [https://scouts.ca/] firstbeamsvillescouting@gmail.com [firstbeamsvillescouting@gmail.com] Send us a message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2569828/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://niagaracanada.com/] * The Watering Can [https://thewateringcan.ca/] * Second Chance Decor [https://www.secondchancedecor.ca/] * Verhoef Electric [https://www.verhoefelectric.com/]

Food, Flow + Fearless Women: Starting Over and Serving with Love

This episode of The Lincoln Local celebrates International Women’s Day with two women entrepreneurs who are helping shape Lincoln — through food, wellness, and community. First, we sit down with Sharon, owner of Butcher and Banker, who shares the remarkable story behind one of Lincoln’s favourite local restaurants. Along the way, she shares the philosophy behind her menu — comfort food made with intention. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek at the St. Patrick’s Day lineup that will have your heart (and appetite) ready to celebrate. Then we slow things down. Jillian, owner of The Yoga Vine Integrated Health Studio and Chair of the Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA, guides us through a simple box breathing exercise that can calm the mind in just four counts. Her story is one of courage, clarity and intention — building a women-led wellness studio rooted in collaboration and community. If you love stories of grit, generosity, and the everyday moments that build community, pull up a chair and join the conversation. Businesses Featured in This Episode Butcher and Banker 4520 Ontario St, Beamsville butcherandbanker.ca [https://butcherandbanker.com/] The Yoga Vine Integrated Health Studio 4973 King St, Beamsville Instagram: @theyogavine_niagara [https://www.instagram.com/theyogavine_niagara/] theyogavine.ca [https://theyogavine.ca/] Send us a message [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2569828/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://niagaracanada.com/] * The Watering Can [https://thewateringcan.ca/] * Second Chance Decor [https://www.secondchancedecor.ca/] * Verhoef Electric [https://www.verhoefelectric.com/]