Wine not?
Known for holding some of the most unique and delectable wineries in Ontario, South Eastern Ontario does not run dry when it comes to the grape. You’ll be “wine-ing” for more of everyone’s favourite adult juice after you visit our list of 28 incredible wineries.
Hillier
1. Closson Chase Winery
This winery holds so much history in its grape filled acres, with a focus on generations-old tradition through European routes and creating revolutions for sustainability in their work. Grabbing a bottle of their Pinot Noir or Chardonnay will make any dinner an instant fine dining experience.
2. Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery
In its own words, Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery is ‘perfectly imperfect’. Enter a peaceful and stunning vineyard, owned by a mother-daughter duo with a love for wine and family, you will easily sense the calmness and serenity of this beautiful estate.
3. Hillier Creek Estates
Welcome yourself to one of Prince Edward County’s largest vineyards, spanning a total of twenty-five acres. You can find a wide variety of delicious vino options with their vast tasting menu while you take in the stunning century old barn that has been turned into a cozy tasting room.
4. Hinterland Wine Company
Perfect for groups of pals out for a weekend of wine touring and vacationing in the summer sun, Hinterland’s offers up more than just wine, they also offer cherry ciders and other cocktails.
5. Traynor Family Vineyard
Known for having one of the best Sauvignon Blanc, you can attribute this incredible vineyards end product to the grapes themselves, being grown on limestone gravel as well as clay. With 8 different wines to try, you can delight your palate with experiences such as Barrel Fermented Rose.
7. The Old Third
Blissfully rustic and carefully decorated, The Old Third is home to viticulturists who share their love of vino by inviting you behind the scenes to see how your favourite drink is made. Enjoy a delicious dinner by the water and the lovely company of your favourite person at this boutique vineyard.
7. Redtail Winery
Using only organic practices to create their wines, and located in an ‘off-the-grid’ spot, this hidden gem may end up being your favourite getaway. 2019 is a special year for Redtail, as they will be expanding their offerings to include a restaurant and extended tasting experiences.
Wellington & Bloomfield
8. Karlo Estates
Old traditions and modern trends collide together at this stunning Estate and Vineyard. Karlo Estates offers such a variety of flavours and delightful aromas in each of their numerous blends.
9. Domaine Darius
Small but powerful! The Domaine Darius Winery specializes in small batched craft wine for all those wine lovers out there. If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, look no further. The vintage wine brewed has been dubbed “superb” and “palate please extravaganza.” Joni, the owner, shows much enthusiasm when crafting her flavours. She may even share with you hidden secrets of the wine-making process and show you her stunning garden. This winery is a must, but you must be quick as their wine is so popular that it sells out very fast.
10. Rosehall Run
Surrounded by Lake Ontario, this incredible Winery carries a deep history of farming and winemaking building its simplistic barn into an enormous facility, modern tasting room, and beautiful cellar.
11. Sandbanks Winery
A must see winery on any wine tour. The beautiful and spacious tasting room offers simple snacks to cleanse your palate, provides friendly and helpful staff who are intuitive in your taste preferences. According to Sandbanks Winery, the Queen herself has been known to enjoy a Sandbanks wine from time to time.
12. Morandin Wines
Following traditions is often what makes friends and family bond, and in a modern era, it isn’t always easy to find anything that comes from teachings long since passed. Sangreal Estate Vineyard crafts its Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay using a traditional olde world style, with the owners family passing down its teachings from their origins in Italy.
13. TerraCello Winery
“Il vino è fanatico!” or “The wine is fantastic” here at TerraCello Winery. This is a truly Italian farmhouse winery and vineyard offering homegrown wine and more specifically mouthwatering pizza to complete the true authentic Italian taste. The woodfire lounge and barrel room boosts positivity and embraces the overall ambience making this winery PEC’s “hidden jewel.”
14. By Chadsey’s Cairns Winery & Vineyard
If you like enjoying an idyllic afternoon, drinking great wine while soaking in history, then By Chadsey’s Cairns Winery & Vineyard is the place for you. What boosts attention to this fantastic place is the wine tasting room which is a historic apple house built in the 1850’s. Hear riveting stories about the early Cairns and the location while sipping on classic fine wines including Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
15. Huff Estates Winery & Inn
This is a place you can unpack and stay a while. Huff Estates Winery wants you to be their guest for the weekend. Explore their stunning grounds to view delightful art in the gallery and sculptures in the garden and then sit down for a lovely meal while you sip on some delicious wine.
Picton & Area
16. Lighthall Vineyards
Quality over quantity is a core principal at Lighthall Vineyards, and they will become a light in your life with their eco-friendly efforts and passion. If you needed any more reason to visit this unique winery experience, Lightfall also makes its very own cheese to pair delightfully with their aromatic wines.
17. Three Dog Winery
You’ll want to schedule a weekend off to check out this peaceful location, great for soaking up the sun while trying some of the best wine in the county. Three Dogs Winery is centered in Picton, offering a wide array of tasteful wines, great scenes and fresh homemade pizza made of ingredients grown directly on location. What makes this site a one-of-a-kind must visit is the yoga classes offered, overlooking the vineyards for one of the most peaceful and tranquil settings imaginable.
18. Half Moon Bay Winery
The winemaking process at Half Moon Bay winery will not disappoint, being documented as a work of art, the truth unveils itself by being one of the tastiest wines around. Half Moon Bay Winery prides itself on relying on the natural climate of the bay to produce the best grapes. There is no use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, creating a refreshing fruity taste.
19. Black Prince Winery
Looking for your next atypical experience? Look no more! The Black Prince Winery is the place for you. This winery has been in business for 15 years and puts forward wine, vinegar and reduction tastings. The uniqueness of the vinegar tastings attracts tourists from all over who crave the divergent flavours these wines and vinegar offers. Live demonstrations are included and the location also offers a make-your-own-wine facility.
20. Long Dog Vineyard & Winery
Founded in 1999, the first 1200 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines were planted. It was then that the Long Dog Vineyard & Winery was created, and the rest is history. Today, this winery offers a wide array of tasteful wines including the most popular being the french style Chardonnay. A trip here makes for a day to remember!
21. Cape Vineyards
Explore over 100 acres of prime real-estate and truly experience the delight of tasting wine grown over limestone rock. Owners Kristen and Michael are fifth generations grape growers so you can trust they know how to make a perfect bottle.
22. Bergeron Estate Winery
Pizza, Cider, Wine. Can this winery be any more perfect? With knowledgeable and friendly owners David and Mary Bergeron, you can sense this estate was built on true love. We recommend trying David’s Riesling/Vidal blend and pair it with a slice of freshly baked pizza.
23. Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery
You’re going to want to clear the weekend for a trip to the Rideau Lakes and this five-star spot. Start off by tasting their delectable chardonnay while you tour the scenic vinelands, gardens, and art sculptures. Then take a rest and be served high quality and fine-dining inspired dinner prepared fresh on the grill.
24. Smokie Ridge Winery
Whether you have a particular palette or are trying it for the first time, Smokie Ridge Winery makes sure there is an option for you. Choose from deliciously flavours like sweet apple, peach, and apricot, and enjoy a cozy sit on their patio with your closest pals.
25. Stone Crop Acres Winery
Sip and sample artisanal wines aged in either in stainless steel tanks or French Oak barrels.
26. Stonehouse Vineyard
Try the ‘1793 Fortified,’ which is essentially Christmas in a glass! Please your palate with flavours such as black cherry, plum, baking spice and a sweet kiss of oak.
*Bonus Wine Tours
- Half Day and Full Day Tours – Sandbanks Vacation and Tours
- Sip and Cycle Tour – The County Wine Tour
- Rolls Royce Wine Tour – Prince Edward County Wine Tours
