Over the past two decades, Prince Edward County (aka “the County”) has burst onto the national wine and culinary scene with the establishment of dozens of vineyards, distinct wineries producing award-winning vintages, fabulous craft breweries, several cideries, and an artisan distiller. The County has grown a reputation as the Gastronomic Capital of Canada for its bounty of artisan producers: cheesemakers, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, cideries, heirloom vegetable heroes, and beekeepers. It is home to celebrated chefs like Jamie Kennedy, Neil Dowson, Albert Ponso, and Amanda Ray to name a few. Simply put, The County is a hotbed of, and for, people who love life and celebrate the taste of place.
In 2011, when we chose to test the Terroir Run, the idea of bringing all of these elements together with a healthy activity, we spoke with several community partners who were “all in”. Needless to say, Hillier was chosen as the route for our run due to the concentration of talented winemakers and their collective enthusiasm for the project, in addition to a gorgeous running route. A special thanks to each and every winery that supports our run! Santé.
The Old Third is a small Burgundian-style vineyard and winery growing pinot noir and cabernet franc. They are located on Closson Road, Hillier, Prince Edward County.
Their vineyard is planted high density of 3,400 vines per acre on a south-south-east ridge. They also sell a chardonnay, Gamay noir, and a traditional method cider from golden russet apples – fabulous!
On the weekends in the summertime, they have a pasta bar serving freshly made pasta for lunch.http://www.theoldthird.com Instagram @TheOldThird
Closson Chase is a quality-driven winery that helped spearhead the birth of the Prince Edward County wine industry, using centuries-old European traditions & sustainable, innovative techniques to create world-class wines.
Winemaker Keith Tyers is using centuries-old European traditions to create the exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays on which the County is building its reputation. Visitors are invited for daily tastings at The Purple Barn from 11 am – 5pm. Visit our website for seasonal hours.http://clossonchase.com/ Instagram @clossonchasevineyards
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. Their 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 a 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 a 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
Founded in 2001 by the grape grower and winemaker Dan Sullivan, Rosehall Run has been at the forefront of Prince Edward County winemaking. Dan is critically acclaimed for his consistent, elegant, approachable Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Sparkling wines as well as his innovations with unique varietals. Visit the newly renovated Tasting Space, opening June 2022. Open daily, 11 am – 6 pm.
http://www.rosehallrun.com/ Instagram @Rosehall_Run
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, handcrafting, 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
One of the newest wineries in PEC, Trail Estate Winery opened in 2014 and is along our route on Benway Road. This small-batch winery focuses on Pinot Noir Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and their Estate Wine (Riesling & Gewürztraminer blend). http://trailestate.com Twitter @TrailEstateWine
A dynamic boutique winery in the heart of Prince Edward County wine region.
Our mission: grow the highest quality grapes and craft world-class wines.
https://www.brokenstonewinery.com Twitter @brokenstonewine
A County original. Casa-Dea Estates Winery is one of the la
rgest and most established wineries in Prince Edward County. We have been growing with pride since the year 2000 and with over 65 acres of planted vines, we are one of the very few wineries that are capable of producing true Prince Edward County VQA wines.