In the past 12 years Prince Edward County has burst onto the national wine scene with the establishment of vineyards and over 30 distinct wineries producing award-winning vintages. PEC has also been growing a reputation as the Gastronomic Capital of Canada for its bounty of artisan producers: cheese makers, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, ciderers, heirloom vegetable heros, beekeepers, brewers  and even hotdoggers – its celebrated chefs like Scott Kapitan, Jamie Kennedy, Matty DeMille & Lili Sullivan – and finally its remarkable island mentality that result in an interweaving of our robust arts community into each. Simply put, the County is a hotbed of, and for, people who love life. When we chose to test the Terroir Run idea of bringing this all together with a healthy activity we spoke with several of the following wineries – needless to say Hillier was chosen for the inaugral run due to the concentration of talented wine makers and their collective enthusiasm for the project. A special thanks to each and every one. Santé.

The Old Third is a small burgundian-style vineyard and winery growing pinot noir. They are located on Closson Road, Hillier, Prince Edward County.

http://www.theoldthird.com/vineyard.html Twitter @TheOldThird

Deborah Paskus, one of Canada’s premier winemakers, is using centuries-old European traditions to create the exceptional Pinot Noris and Chardonnays on which the County is building its reputation. Visitors are invited for daily tastings. Hours: 11 am – 5 pm, Mon., to Thur., 10 am – 6 pm, Fri., to Sun., April 15 to Nov 30; by appointment Mon., to Fri., 11 am – 5 pm Sat., & Sun., Dec 1 to Apr. 14.

http://clossonchase.com/ Twitter @ClossonChase

Making quality a family tradition. The family owned and operated winery produces estate-grown terroir inspired wines that blend old world and new world techniques. Thier focus is to produce small bates of high-quality wines.

http://www.laceyestates.com/ Twitter @LaceyEstates804

Home of the award-winning wines of Trumpour’s Mill. Twenty-four hectares (60 acres) of lush vineyards and a dramatic tasting room housed in an historic barn. Loyalist version of a French wine estate complete with rich textures and old-world charm. Open daily for wine tasting, lunch and tours.

http://grangeofprinceedward.com/ Twitter @grangewinery

Jonas Newman and Vicki Samaras, the innovative sparkling wine specialists of PEC, have made a delicious, light (seven percent alcohol), off-dry pink, gamay fizz they call “The Babymaker.” Ancestral takes its more serious name from a process used in Bugey, a village along the Rhône River in eastern France. The fizz is created by capturing the CO2 of the primary fermentation (which occurs at very low temperature) to preserve the fruitiness. It’s pale pink and very bright, with a fresh nose of raspberry-redcurrant fruit jam. It’s medium-sweet yet delightfully fresh and pure, with a lingering redcurrant fruit. Great wine in bed — Valentine’s Day or not.

http://www.hinterlandwine.com/ Twitter @hinterlandwine

Their wine and services are based on a simple philosophy – good wine, good food, good friends, and a great location – with overtones of culture and heritage thrown in. They look forward to providing you with an experience filled with passion, tradition and inspiration.

http://www.casadeaestates.com/ Twitter @Casadeawinery

A charming destination, west of Wellington, where you are invited to experience estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Enjoy a glass of wine on thier vineyard-deck or in our picnic area. Weekend guided tours. Open seasonally, 11 am – 6 pm, daily.

http://www.rosehallrun.com/ Twitter @Rosehall_Run

A small boutique winery carved into a gentle sloping hill. Our entire focus is growing the highest-quality grapes and crafting outstanding wines. Hours: 11 am – 6 pm, daily, Terroir weekend to Christmas; off-season, by chance or appointment. Group tours over 15 people, please pre-book.

http://www.normanhardie.com/ Twitter @normhardie

Karlo Estates is ideally situated close to the shores of Lake Ontario, creating moderating effects which help alleviate Canada’s cool climate. With latitude and soil similar to the Burgundy region of France, they produce great Canadian wines with distinctive terroir.

Thanks to limestone soils, hand crafting and low yields; expect delicate complexity in a lighter weight with a refined texture. Karlo Estates joins the pioneering spirit to offer 100% premium Canadian wines in beautiful Prince Edward County.  http://karloestates.com/ Twitter @karloestates

By Chadsey’s Cairns makes wines that are boldly refreshing or beguilingly reflective. Their vineyards are planted in ancient bench soils that stretch along Lake Ontario. Located in a glorious and storied setting amid a cluster of historic buildings, the farm has preserved a sense of intimacy with the land. http://bychadseyscairns.com