Wine tasting in the County can be intimidating. As Canada’s fastest-growing wine region, there are 35+wineries here, each crafting multiple wines. Where should you focus your precious wine tasting time?
Like other wine regions in the world, the County’s terroir is especially good for growing some varietals, so you’ll find that the region’s best wines are Rieslings, Chardonnays, Cabernay Franc, Bacos and Pino Noirs.
Here are our favourite Prince Edward County wineries and our top picks for local wines:
Trail Estate Winery
- Small-batch, single vineyard wines – most wines exclusively available at the winery
- Offers tours and tastings, harvest events – there’s a Vintner’s Cottage you can rent too
- Our wine picks: Vitner’s Weiss (a combo of Reisling and Chardonnay Musque – we buy it by the case); Cabernet Franc
- 416 Benway Road, Hillier
Karlo Estates
- The world’s first vegan-certified winery, making artisanal single varietal wines and eclectic blends
- Tasting lounge in a circa 1805 post and beam barn, back patio and year-round events and parties
- Our picks: Gewurztraminer and Triumvirate261 Danforth Road, Wellington
Rosehall Run
- Sustainable winemakers, with many award-winning wines to their credit
- Offers a tasting bar and tours, an on-site gourmet food section; the Picnic food truck is often onsite
- Our favourite wines: Pixie (a sparkling rose, we buy this one by the case too) and the Riesling
- 1243 Greer Road, Wellington
Closson Chase Winery
- One of the early winemakers in the County focused on centuries-old European winemaking traditions
- Elegant wines – on the slightly more expensive side
- Our picks: the Chardonnay and the Pinots629 Closson Road, Hillier
Sandbanks Winery
- A County classic, with a laid-back atmosphere and lots of wine options
- Tasting boutique and tours, live music and yoga in the vineyard, outdoor picnic area
- Our picks: the Rose and the Baco Noir
- 17598 Loyalist Parkway, Wellington
Huff Estates
- High-quality wines produced in a state-of-the-art facility
- Tastings and tours, on-site art gallery (Oeno), live music on summer weekends, an inn and restaurant
- Our favourite wines: the Cuvee Peter F. Huff and the Riesling Off-Dry
- 2274 Prince Edward County Road 1, Bloomfield
The Grange of Prince Edward
- Stunning winery in a barn with gorgeous vineyards and views
- Offering tours and tastings, gourmet picnic baskets and private events
- Our picks: the Chardonnay and the Pinots
- 990 Closson Road, Hillier