If you love wine and dessert – then The Winey Baker is the master you need to call. Luckily for
me, the busy baker and the soon-to-be mother of two was able to carve out some time to chat with me and tell me all about her amazing company.
Tell me a little bit about “The Winey Baker"
Jill Drew, founder of The Winey Baker, was trained in the kitchen of her childhood home. Being one of seven children, each with different chores and responsibilities, took over baking as her main job. After countless Sunday dinners and rave reviews from all who tried her many recipe ideas, Jill decided to turn her passion into a business. At the time, Jill had been in school for nursing and education, but eventually found a school in Toronto called Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts, where she graduated with a degree in cake design. The Winey Baker was officially launched soon after. When it came to naming her business, she wanted to be unique. When asked by her mother, who was helping this process, “Well it has to be unique to you – what do you like?” Jill, being the queen that she is, responded with “I don’t know, wine!” Thus the Winey Baker was born. (She makes sure to serve wine at every tasting!)
What sort of desserts do you make – do you specialize in anything?
I almost regretted asking this question, because everything Jill listed made my mouth water and made the interview a challenge to continue. Jill specializes in cake design, as per her education. Which means she makes them look STUNNING and sis a self-taught baker, which means she makes them tastes DELICIOUS. She can make a mean whoopie pie, be it a traditional Maine whoopie pie or a more gourmet version. She started to describe the flavors, like dark chocolate with salted caramel filling, and I sort of lost track of the moment. She also makes mini cakes and pies, so people can enjoy the cake without committing to a potentially larger, full slice. “I really just try to make it look as good as it tastes.”
What sets you apart from other baking companies?
“I am a one woman show and have to be picky about how many orders I take in per week, and
I think that works to my advantage. It allows me to really take the time to find out what the bride and groom truly want for their day, and really pay attention to every detail.” Jill is dedicated to using top quality ingredients and truly giving each client a full display that she designs herself. “I think what really sets me apart is that each wedding I work for, I really put my whole heart into.”
Are there any trends you are seeing dessert orders?
“I traditionally am asked to make a smaller cake to cut, that acts as more of a centerpiece while being surrounded by a bunch of smaller desserts, like whoopie pies.“ Jill explained that her requests are for more simple cakes, which is a departure from the traditional large and ornate cakes that she is trained in. “Things are moving towards the more simple buttercream, more earthy feel – which goes along with the naked cake trend.” That is when cakes are largely unfrosted and decorated by flowers, vines or berries rather than frosting. “I think people are more interested in their cakes looking tasty than really ornate.” Some couples will even order a fake cake, which is a cake made of Styrofoam and just have desserts surrounding it.
What advice would you give to couples when looking to hire a dessert caterer?
Jill believes its always helpful to have a variety of flavors available for guests. Jill also suggest having a clear idea of a budget when meeting with a vendor because that way you can mastermind with your caterer from the beginning and really make the most of your funds.
What is your vision for the future of WB?
“That’s hard! On the one hand I have a dream of having a little low-key bakery and cafe storefront with beautiful cakes in the windows and people can come in, sit down and enjoy a few things I am offering that day.”
“On the other hand, I love the flexibility I have now and not being beholden to a particular schedule, so it’s tricky!”
So what are you waiting for? Schedule your tasting with the winey baker.
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