The wine lover's guide to Prince Edward County
Trail Estate Winery, Hillier | Destination Ontario
With sustainable production and innovative crafting, this once very rural area has quickly transformed into one of the most desired wine destinations in Canada, especially for refined sparkling wine.
Join a local guided tour
Leave the planning and driving to a resident expert on a guided wine tour. Customize your perfect day with door-to-door service from pickup and drop-off, tastings and tours at key wineries along the way, snacks, and all the insider information only a local would know.
Explore the wineries
There are close to 40 wineries across Prince Edward County, each with its own specialties, character, and charm.
Home to over a dozen of them, the most concentrated area in the western corner is framed by Belleville Street (rural road 2) and Loyalist Parkway (rural road 33) between the towns of Wellington and Hillier. You could easily spend a full day touring this area, from Broken Stone Winery, Trail Estate Winery and The Old Third Vineyard down towards the lakeshore to Sandbanks Estate Winery and Rosehall Run Vineyard.
As you travel east, you’ll find Black Prince Winery approaching Picton and beyond in the South Bay area, don’t miss Lighthall Vineyards, Long Dog Vineyards, Exultet Estates and Half Moon Bay Winery. Up the coastline will lead you to Waupoos Estates Winery, Del-Gatto Estates and Cape Vineyards.
Several wineries also offer a paired-down menu of sharables, charcuterie boards or seasonal pizzas to complement their tasting flights.
Here are some highlights to get your PEC wine getaway planning started.
Hinterland Wine Company
This Prince Edward County gem is known for its delicious sparkling wines made in the Charmat, traditional and ancestral methods. Find a spot in the scenic seating area to sample the Charmat Whitecap or a traditional Rosé.
Location: 1258 Closson Road, Hillier
Grange of Prince Edward Winery
Founded in 2004, the rustic restored barn tasting room is surrounded by almost 25 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards, allowing this boutique winery to produce an impressive variety of excellent wines, including late-harvest and sparking blends. Savour by-the-glass in the garden seating area or pick up a tasting kit with four samples, a tasting glass and tips from the winemaker.
Location: 990 Closson Road, Hillier
Closson Chase Winery
With its birth back in 1998, Closson Chase was one of the first wineries to break ground in Prince Edward County and thus instrumental in the development of the region as a wine destination. From the cheerful lavender coloured barn to the picturesque tasting garden and vineyards, Closson Chase has been welcoming wine lovers for decades to enjoy finely crafted Chardonnay, Pinot Nori and Pinot Gris.
Location: 629 Closson Road, Hillier
Traynor Family Vineyard
Certified vegan and organic, this small winery specializes in hand-harvested and handmade wines, including unique Pet-Nat (short for pétillant naturel or natural sparkling), Orange Wine, Vermouth and Piquette. Ask about the incredible cocktail concoctions their wines can make over patio tastings.
Location: 1774 Danforth Road, Hillier
Karlo Estates
Another vegan-friendly winery, Karlo Estates produces artisanal wines using traditional ‘old world’ methods and invites guests to tastings in an atmospheric 1805 post-and-beam barn.
Plant-based charcuterie and dairy-free cheeses are available for pairing with their award-winning bubblies and rosé.
Location: 561 Danforth Road, Wellington
Waupoos Estate Winery
One of the County’s most picturesque settings, Waupoos Estate Winery is the ideal spot for a sunset tasting. Check out the delicious vintages before sitting down for a prix fixe meal crafted by master chefs. The seasonal farm-to-table service, featuring ingredients grown and raised right on the property, really enhances the flavour and experience of the thoughtfully crafted wines.
Location: 3016 County Road 8
Amanda’s Vineyards
For delightful table whites and fortified Port-style wines, visit Amanda’s Vineyards. One of the County’s newest additions, this small family-focused winery is located just a few minutes from Lake on the Mountain and the Glenora ferry dock.
Location: 419 County Road 25
Pairs well with wine
In between the rolling vineyards and rustic tastings rooms, stop for other County treats, which incidentally, complement a glass of wine. Personalize your picnic basket or charcuterie board with these local products.
Fifth Town Artisan Cheese
Sample and purchase fresh handmade cheeses from locally produced goat, buffalo and cow milk at Fifth Town farm retail shop.
Location: 4309 County Road 8
The County Chocolatier
From truffle to chocolate bombs, treat yourself to these decadent delights.
Locations: Get your fix at the Agrarian Market in Picton, the Waupoos Market, Cannery Row in Bloomfield or the Lakeshore Farms Market in Wellington.
The Agrarian Market
Find the finest quality local deli items, freshly baked breads and pastries, preserves, dried goods and prepared foods.
Location: 4 Lake Street, Picton
Prince Edward County Lavender
Besides the obvious pleasure of taking a stroll through the fragrant lavender fields, shop for lavender-infused products including chocolate, honey, jelly, syrup, sugar and sea salt.
Location: 732 Closson Road, Hillier
Black Prince Winery
In addition to excellent wines and wood-fired pizzas, Black Prince Winery produces a line of artisan vinegars aged in oak barrels guaranteed to level up your kitchen game.
Location: 13370 Loyalist Parkway, Picton
Where to stay
You’ll find a great variety of trendy rentals, inns, cottages and other places to stay throughout the County.
Here are a few suggestions.
The Lakeside Motel
From poolside to waterfront deck & bar, full-service restaurant to plush rooms, there are a lot of places to relax after a day of wine touring.
Location: 349 Main Street, Wellington
Huff Estates
Wake up to the view of vineyards at this elegant country inn.
Location: 2274 Prince Edward County Rd 1, Bloomfield
Merrill House
Merrill House is a heritage boutique hotel with modern amenities and onsite dining room serving elevated French cuisine under the creative direction of Chef Michael Sullivan and a curated wine selection by Astrid Young.
Location: Picton Main Street, Main Street East, #343, Picton
The Waring House
A historic country inn, restaurant and cookery school in the heart of the County.
Location: 395 Sandy Hook Road, Picton
The June Motel
Whimsically renovated 16-room boutique motel with an Instagram-able lobby bar serving from cappuccinos to cocktail hour.
Location: 12351 Loyalist Parkway, Picton
The Drake Devonshire
Luxury waterfront inn with 13 unique suites, a restaurant, bar and outside patio overlooking the lake.
Location: 24 Wharf Street, Wellington
Wander The Resort
Well-appointed, modern lakefront resort accommodation features 10 full cabins in a cozy Scandi aesthetic.
Location: 15841 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield
Last updated: June 24, 2024