Meet Sandra Paglione, co-owner of Paglione Estate Winery—a standout destination in the Essex Pelee Island Coast region known for its handcrafted wines, authentic Italian hospitality, and unforgettable wood-fired pizzas. We sat down to discuss the family story behind the winery, its evolution in our local wine scene, and what the future holds for this beloved spot.

Paglione Estate Winery on:

The Web —

http://paglioneestatewinery.com

Instagram —

Paglione Estate Winery (@paglioneestatewinery) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook —

Paglione Estate Winery | Harrow ON

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⁠Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON

Meet Tom and Sue Omstead, founders of Share the Road Essex County and the EC Way 100. For the past 20 years, they have been making the roads safer and more comfortable for cyclists. We sat down to discuss the story of how they advanced active transportation in Essex County and what else needs to be done to make our roads safer for everyone.

Share the Road / EC WAY 100 on:

Instagram —

ECWAY100 (@ecway100) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook —

Share the Road - Essex County

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Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON

Maggie and Sam Leonard bought Dutch Boys Chocolate from its original owners in 2022. They by sticking firmly to the brand’s core values, they have maintained the same level of quality as the founders did, have managed to retain the long term loyal customer base, and have ensured that this chocolate shop will remain a Main Street institution.

Dutch Boys Chocolate on:

Instagram —

@dutchboyschocolate_

Website —

https://dutchboyschocolate.com

Meet Kent Williams, leader of the Strong Towns Kingsville seniors team. Kent has competed in the World Senior Games and is a keen observer of senior communities in the many places he has lived and visited. He's an outspoken and articulate voice for seniors—especially the thousands like him whom we've invited to move to our town in recent years.

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⁠Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON⁠

Meet Fernanda Hernandez, founder of La Dulce Vida Café—a cozy, European style cafe with a Mexican soul. Join us as Fernanda shares her entrepreneurial journey and her approach to building an experience brand—from a standout social media presence to the choice of ingredients to the community causes that she supports.

La Dulce Vida Café on:

Instagram —

@ladulcevida.cafe

Facebook —

La Dulce Vida Café

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Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON

Elaine Hansor, founder of Aggie & Francois—a designer of incredibly imaginative girl’s costume dresses based in Kingsville. Her designs have been commissioned by celebrities, including the wife of an NBA legend.

If you’re thinking of taking your creations to market, Elaine’s story could be the sign you’ve been waiting for.

Cover photo by: Meg Bitton Photography

Aggie & Francois on:

Instagram —

@aggieandfrancois

Facebook —

@aggieandfrancois

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@kingsvillestrong

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facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577745996151

Krista Rempel, the director of The Bridge Youth Resource Centre in Leamington. Although they are not based in Kingsville, the Bridge’s range of support programs knows no boundaries. Plus, what the Bridge leadership has accomplished can show us in Kingsville what is possible when you have vision and your actions are firmly rooted in principles.

The Bridge

thebridgeyouth.ca

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Chantel Heaton is the founder of Gamma’s Country Kitchen—a front porch sourdough bakery which has become a favorite among neighbors in the area around Linden Beach and Conservation Boulevard. Chantel’s story might inspire anyone who is thinking of starting a business out of their home, but just needs to hear from someone else who has done it and succeeded in Kingsville.

Gamma's Country Kitchen on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573196166224

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