Ontario isn’t exactly everyone’s first stop for wine tasting, but along with all the loveliness of Prince Edward County, wine tasting certainly is a welcomed addition to a trip to the county for any wine enthusiast. 

Most known for the Provincial Park, the Sandbanks, PEC or “The County” is held very highly for its cute towns, antiques, and quality flavours. When visiting the area, a day of wine tasting is a great adventure to add to your time there, or as a day trip from a nearby location. Wineries have embraced tourism and most are open for walk-in tastings. 

Just off the 401 highway, situated 2 hours east of Toronto, Prince Edward County truly does have a unique character and charm. Wine growing has not always been a staple of the area, but the oldest wineries began experimenting with grape growing in the 1980s. Located on Lake Ontario, the last lake in the Great Lake system, the growing area is almost completely surrounded by water. This unique location holds meso-climates, resulting in the ability to successfully grow grape vines (that can survive the harsh Ontario winters).

The vineyards must be delicately cared for, using a technique to cover the vines with soil in the winter to protect them. Cool climate varietals such as pinot noir, pinot gris, riesling, vidal, cabernet franc, and the ever-versatile chardonnay are common grapes in the region. Of course, with only about 30 wineries, yields are low, and pressure is high, but this has resulted in some very interesting wines. 

After finding myself in PEC’s wine country multiple times over the last year, I’ve decided to compile a list of my favourite wineries that I have visited to make your trip that much easier. Some wineries stood out for their wines, some for the location, and some for the people. The County has pleasantly surprised me in an area where I originally thought no one grew/made their own wine. 

Itineraries:

While it can be done, I will break up 7 wineries into 2 days because 7 is a lot of tastings in one day.

You will most likely stay somewhere in the town of Wellington; The Drake Devonshire is extremely popular (and lovely), as well as The Lakeside Motel. I have also enjoyed my time staying at Twin Birch Cottages (and they allow dogs if you are travelling with a pet). 

A google maps link to the routes: day 1, and day 2.  

Day 1 (above) 

Coming in off the highway, make a quick stop in Carrying Place at Fawn Over Market for a made-from-scratch takeaway lunch or baked goods, and browse the shelves of their unique, high-quality snacks and pantry essentials. Begin your wine tasting at Hinterland Winery with sparkling wines. Just down the road, you will find Trail Estate Winery, offering a lovely setting for a tasting or a single glass of wine; try their unique red blends and fun pet nats. Lastly, making your way back to your accommodation Rosehall Run offers a high class experience. 

Day 2 

Start off at Terracello Winery for the best pizza in the county, this is a unique Italian experience in Ontario. Moving on, enjoy Closson Chase Vineyards unique character and lovely wines. Next, visit Sugarbush Vineyards a small family-run winery. Next, Keint-He offers a great selection of wines made with great care, and friendly staff. And lastly, find your way back to Wellington for an aperitif at Piccolina Mercato, offering carefully selected Italian goods.

Whether there for wine, the beach, or antiquing, enjoy this unique pocket of Ontario – it has so much to offer and is quite relaxing to be in. 

I’d love to hear any feedback if you go visit these wineries, and about any other places I should put on my list!