Identified for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Prince Edward County is slowly however certainly solidifying itself as among the best wine areas in Canada. The climate and soil are a part of what makes Prince Edward Nation wine so distinctive. The winds coming off Lake Ontario defend the grapes from early frost and the soil, a combination of clay and limestone, attracts comparisons to the French wine-growing area of Burgundy.
Regardless of, the area’s wealthy agricultural historical past, it wasn’t till 2001 that the primary vineyard opened up within the area. Waupoos Estates Vineyard put PEC on the map and in 2003, The Grape Growers of Ontario designated Prince Edward County as a wine-growing area. Right now increasingly Prince Edward County wineries are opening up. Most of them consider in respecting their little patch of earth and the worth of consuming and consuming regionally.
With over 40 wineries within the area, there’s a lot to style! So we’ve put collectively a listing of our favorite Prince Edward County wineries you must go to!
The Greatest Wineries in Prince Edward County
Lacey Estates
Lacey Estates is without doubt one of the area’s family-owned and operated PEC wineries. They by no means import grapes so every little thing is made with 100% estate-grown grapes. They promote pretty Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Baco Noir, and Cabernet Franc. We liked the beautiful view from the tasting room and porch. They’re RV pleasant and a member of Harvest Host, so we had been in a position to keep the night time there in our campervan.
The Previous Third
The Previous Third vineyard affords tastings of their trendy previous barn, the place we tasted one of the best riesling in Prince Edward County (in our opinion, anyway). In addition they produce cinder and maintain a number of occasions all year long. We had been fortunate sufficient to attend a particular Countylicious dinner there throughout our go to that made us fall in love with the barn on the Previous Third and their pretty wines.
Karlo Estates
Karlo Estates in Wellington, Ontario has gained numerous awards. The vineyard is owned by Grasp Winemaker and Wine Choose, Richard Karlo who oversees wine manufacturing and planning. They provide a tasting of their uncovered beam barn the place guests may select from a vegan wine and cheese tasting choice. Exterior, the almost 100-acre property is house to North America’s Largest Dry Stone bridge.
Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Property Vineyard
The Grange of Prince Edward is about on a phenomenal property in Prince Edward County. They provide takeaway tasting packing containers to take pleasure in of their backyard in addition to an on-site meals truck, The Previous Salt. This is without doubt one of the solely Picton wineries the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in wine plus vegan Past sausages and engaging cocktails.
Sugarbush Vineyards & Vineyard
Sugarbush is a family-owned and operated vineyard that serves up gourmand grilled cheeses alongside their small-batch wines. They’ve a stunning out of doors tasting space with nice views of the winery and pleasant workers. You’ll be able to solely discover this gem throughout Prince Edward County wine excursions.
Rosehall Run Vineyards Inc.
Rosehall Run is without doubt one of the oldest vineyards in Prince Edward County. They boast award-winning wines and supplied a pleasant, refined ambiance. They’ve on-site tastings, a stunning out of doors space and supply occasions all year long.
Rosehall Run Vineyard, Prince Edward County
Casa-Dea Vineyard & Banquet Corridor
Casa-Dea Vineyard is one other member of the Harvest Host program for campervans and RVs. The vineyard has a big choice of VQA wine obtainable however the tasting nonetheless felt intimate and private. The founder grew up in Italy the place he studied with monks and was taught the artwork of winemaking. He introduced his love for winemaking to the county when he immigrated to Canada together with a number of very distinctive winemaking kinds that you simply gained’t discover wherever else within the county.
Harwood Property Winery
Harwood Property is a very solar-powered vineyard. They’re additionally RV pleasant, canine pleasant, and have electrical charging factors. You’ll be able to take your wine tastings out onto the patio to benefit from the pretty views of the winery.
Closson Chase Vineyards Inc.
Closson Chase is legendary for its large purple barn and nice wine. The winery began planting vines in 1999 making them one of many oldest vineyards in Prince Edward County. They had been additionally an early adopter of sustainable agriculture. As well as, they make it their mission to craft wines “utilizing centuries-old European traditions & sustainable, revolutionary strategies.”
Closson Chase Vineyard, Prince Edward County
Huff Estates
Situated the highway to Bloomfield, Huff Estates was opened in 2004 and holds their tastings in an ultra-modern constructing. Their nice pizza is such a pleasure which pairs properly with their wines. The out of doors restaurant has pretty views of the winery. Guests are inspired to discover the Oeno Gallery and sculpture backyard additionally situated on-site.
Huff Estates Vineyard, Prince Edward County
Norman Hardie Vineyard and Winery
Norman Hardie Vineyard and Winery is called after the proprietor and winemaker who obtained his sommelier certification in Burgundy after which moved on to the artwork of winemaking. He ensures that solely good fruit makes its method into the wine, by guaranteeing all grapes all handpicked and sorted. At this vineyard in Prince Edward County, you’ll be able to go to the tasting bar or loosen up on the patio with a pizza and glass of wine.
Path Property Vineyard
This vineyard focuses on low intervention wines. Their winemaking ethos relies on respect for nature and no additions or subtractions. You could e-book a tasting upfront if you wish to go to the vineyard, one thing we didn’t know on the time of our go to. However the intimate tasting expertise is price planning forward for. Path Property Vineyard is standard for its eclectic choice of each regional classics and non-traditional wine kinds like Orange wine.
Waupoos Estates Vineyard
Perched on Lake Ontario, Waupoos Property was the primary vineyard to open within the area. Their wine is legendary for its wealthy minerality, which you’ll be able to pattern at their tasting bar on web site. Nonetheless, if are searching for one thing extra substantial they’ve a farm-to-table restaurant on web site that has views of the water. They provide Prince Edward County vineyard excursions of their property, on-site farm and vineyards.
With its shut proximity to Toronto and Ottawa, Prince Edward County is a superb place to go for a weekend getaway. Their wineries are shortly changing into masteries of cool-climate wines that it is advisable to style for your self.