Scott Judd and his family own the winery. Scott had his once-a-year opening act performing alongside Dr. Keith MacLellan. On the Eve of St Patrick’s Day, they sang many Irish songs.

Scott’s daughter, Emma, was busy in the kitchen. She said the winery does the best they can to feature their three wines: white, red and rosé. They also have a small menu that they try and pair these wines.

“Some people come for food, some people come for the show, but either way [they] have a glass of wine,” she said.

“The red is the favourite, which works well because we have a lot more of it,” said Emma.

White and the rosé are also popular. The rose sells out all the time, but they make it in small batches.

It did not seem that the recent COVID-19 outbreak affected the popularity of the night at all the tables were filled.

They also tried taking some precautions with the show, putting up a message asking those who have been out of the country to come visit another time and asking Dr. MacLellan himself if the show was good to go.

Far Away was the group that followed Judd and Dr. MacLellan. Graham Lindsey is a member of the band who produces a unique sound in his preformances. He explained the difference between an Irish flute, which he plays, and a regular flute.

“Usually an Irish flute is made of wood, or sometimes plastic,” he said. “It’s actually got a lot more density to it. It has a warmer sound.”

St. Patrick’s Day has been a hot debate recently in terms of when it is celebrated. Some believe it is ok for people to celebrate on a day other than the 17th, others are more conservative and believe it should only be celebrated on the 17th.

For the Judd family, they are indifferent about this issue. Scott joked that the whole region celebrated the day when one particular establishment said it was ok to do so.

“Whenever Gavan’s [Hotel] said it was, that’s when it was,” he said.

Emma shared the same indifference as her father. She said it’s a matter of what the people are celebrating.

“There’s some people who like to remember the whole history behind it and some people who just want to have a good time,” she said.

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!