Our Story

Farming Forms Our Foundation

It started on the Edgar family farm, acquired by the Edgars in early 1900. Grains weren’t the only thing being sown on the humble farm in Paris, Ontario. Grit and passion for sustainable agriculture have been central values across the Edgar family’s generations. Great beer is grown here on the Von Edgar Hopyard.

The Stars Aligned to Create Superior Beer

The Edgar family’s foray into brewing all started with their encounter with newly emigrated German Master brewer Christian von Der Heide. Joining forces with Christian was a no-brainer, considering his impressive background in brewing and experience growing up on a farm. With Christian’s expertise, the Paris Beer Company was established. A partnership built on synergies, providing dynamic concoctions and flavour profiles characteristic of the local terroir but with a worldly twist.

For me, the main quest in brewing is to achieve moreish-ness in beer. The highest level of drinkability.

Master Brewer & Co-founder, Christian Von Der Heide

Brewed by the Best Meet our Master Brewer, Co-founder, and Managing Partner, Christian Von Der Heide

Christian grew up on the Riemerschmid family farm outside of Munich, Bavaria. His passion for farming, roaming over the malting barley fields and the mystique of copper kettles turned into his life's purpose to create beer and beverage experiences with deep meaning and absolute perfection for "more-ishness."

He loves building authentic brands and elevating the experience with a perfect serve and award-winning beers with his partners while building sustainable communities and being a force for good.

Christian is a graduate of the Technical University of Munich at Weihenstephan, the oldest brewing university of its kind in the world. He has completed executive studies at INSEAD and The Wharton School. He has worked for entrepreneurial brewers, distillers, drinks companies and global players in various senior roles in brewing, technology development, R+D, coaching innovation, and supply chain and as a board member in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.

He continues to lecture and has been a keynote speaker at industry events. He is a recognized beer judge and Diploma Biersommelier, a recognized Wine expert by the German Wine Institute, and holds a module 1 Diploma in Distilling from the IBD. Before co-founding the Paris beer Co, his most recent leadership role was CEO and President of the renowned Siebel Institute in Chicago, America's oldest brewing school. He also co-leads the operational aspects of BBW in Toronto.

His brand pedigree ranges from Augustiner Beer in Munich to Guinness in Dublin, Tusker in East Africa, and Labatt in the Americas. He was instrumental for Diageo in water conservation efforts and supporting thousands of local farmers on sorghum and barley development in Kenya. He has one foot on his farm on the Bruce Peninsula at the Cape Chin Tagwerk farm and one in Paris, Ont.

Paris' First Taproom Brewery Located in the Heart of Paris

The Paris Beer Company

The Paris Beer Company is Paris’ first taproom brewery and beer experience. You can taste and sample the beer at this unique destination with all of your senses. It’s all about the perfect serve enjoyed with delicious food in a second-to-none atmosphere. Our retail experience will inspire you to shop for our curated beers in cans and bottles.

Wincey Mills

Paris beer is brewed, tapped, bottled, and labelled under one roof in the charming Wincey Mills building. This unique and historic building is in the heart of Paris and is now home to local vendors for shopping and dining experiences. Built in 1889, the original Wincey Mills made and distributed high-quality textiles. Restored and revitalized in 2014, the three-story building now functions as a bustling community hub.

Paris, Ontario

Established in 1850, Paris, Ontario, has been named the Prettiest Little Town in Canada, located just 90 minutes from Toronto. This charming small town is between the Grand River and Nith River and is home to waterfalls, trails and quaint streets, shopping and culinary delights, and historic buildings.

Paris, Ontario, is perfect for a weekend getaway or day trip.

Using Business As a Force for Good

We have always been dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices on our hops & rye farm and sourcing ingredients. Our partnership with the Bruce Trail Conservancy is an extension of this commitment to preservation and sustainability. It is within everyone's best interests to protect one of Ontario's largest land trusts and Canada's longest marked footpath.