An authentic taste of Newfoundland

Hand-crafted, small batch artisanal vinegar created in the heart of Petty Harbour, a working fishing village on Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula.

SHOP OUR PRODUCTS

Small Batch Vinegar

Wild Mother Provisions is a feminist food company based in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland. Mothers, wild or not, have always been associated with the beginnings of life and the preparation of food. And as a seasoning that has been used for centuries, vinegar is one of the oldest fermented foods in the world (and probably made by someone’s mother).

Our vinegars are created from locally made Newfoundland craft beer introduced to a wild mother of bacteria acetobacter. Wet, maritime climates yield wild yeast of exceptional quality; it is this very yeast, captured from the pristine air of the North Atlantic, that lends our vinegars their unique taste and supreme quality.

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OUR VINEGARS

Newfoundland Beer Vinegar

Our original Newfoundland Beer Vinegar is the happy result of introducing a traditional dry Irish stout to a naturally occurring wild mother. Black in colour, this vinegar is deeply malty with strong caramel notes.

$12.95 CAD

shipping available within Canada

Around the Bay Blend

Slightly more acidic than our original and lighter in colour, this winey vinegar with a residual sweetness is an ever-evolving complex blend featuring different styles of beer – from ales to IPAs.

$12.95 CAD

shipping available within Canada

Our Location & History

Petty Harbour (from the French “petite havre” meaning small harbour) has been a fishing settlement since the 16th century. The fishery remains a focal point of the community. It’s no coincidence that vinegar is such a popular seasoning to use on fish – the bright acidity of good vinegar enhances the briney flavour of all seafood (wild-caught, farmed and canned). In Petty Harbour, we eat a lot of fish – mackerel, herring, cod, lobster and crab are all staples when they are in season. 

WHO
WE ARE

Janet Harron is the founder and maker behind Wild Mother Provisions. She and her husband, Liam McKenna (WMP’s resident technical guru/mad scientist/resident brewmaster), became Newfoundlanders by choice several years ago after living in downtown Toronto and Dublin, Ireland.  In 2020 they relocated to Petty Harbour, a picturesque and historic fishing village just outside of St. John’s. This move allowed them the opportunity to find the perfect home for Wild Mother vinegars in the Petty Harbour Fisherman’s Coop.

RECIPES

If there’s one question we are asked constantly about our beer vinegar, it’s about how to use it in cooking. Essentially our beer vinegar can be used as a replacement for ANY vinegar in various recipes including dressings, marinades, etc. However our unique product does lend itself particularly well to certain dishes which we are highlighting here.

Mushrooms with beer vinegar

This lovely recipe comes from our great friend and mentor Shirley Scott (AKA Shirl the Purl), bestselling co-author of the Saltwater Mittens series and knitting historian.  Besides being an incredible textile artist, Shirley lives her life fully...

Salt & vinegar kale mashed potatoes

I get it. I know kale is seriously divisive. But I love kale – and think kale just needs a good publicist.  People whine that “it’s too tough.”  But just separate the leaves from the spine, wash then and put them in a Ziploc bag with with olive oil...

RECIPES

If it’s the one question we can asked constantly about our beer vinegar, it’s about how to use it in cooking. Essentially our beer vinegar can be used as a replacement for ANY vinegar in various recipes including dressings, marinades, etc. However our unique product does lend itself particularly well to certain dishes which we are highlighting here.

Mushrooms with beer vinegar

This lovely recipe comes from our great friend and mentor Shirley Scott (AKA Shirl the Purl), bestselling co-author of the Saltwater Mittens series and knitting historian.  Besides being an incredible textile artist, Shirley lives her life fully...

Salt & vinegar kale mashed potatoes

I get it. I know kale is seriously divisive. But I love kale – and think kale just needs a good publicist.  People whine that “it’s too tough.”  But just separate the leaves from the spine, wash then and put them in a Ziploc bag with with olive oil...

RETAIL LOCATIONS

      KIND WORDS

      As a cook and someone whose life and work is about appreciating the craft and art of beautiful food and products, Wild Mother vinegars are a product I can " hang my hat on." Janet brings a pride to our place and to the food world of Newfoundland. Her contribution to the community and her art and craft of making this traditional product is something to be cherished.

      Testimonial Item

      Lori McCarthy

      Cultural Food Ambassador / Storyteller / Educator @ Cod Sounds

      “Vinegar is an age-old elixir that has preserved and enhanced human cuisine for centuries. There is an element of ancient mystery in its making. Wild Mother Provisions has given us all a wonderful gift by making complex sensuous Newfoundland Beer Vinegar available for today’s original and inventive dishes.”

      Testimonial Item

      Shirley Scott (AKA Shirl the Purl)

      Textile artist, knitting historian and bestselling author of the Saltwater Knitting triology