Prince Edward County is a very special place in Ontario famed for its beautiful vineyards, top-notch wineries, and tasty food choices. This region is in full bloom in fall and undoubtedly a weekend here is the best time when trees burst into incredible colours and the air gets sharp and crisp.
If you are a wine expert or a person who enjoys the flavour of the local apple cider only, the PE County wine and cider tours are the best you must go. In this ultimate guide, we at Oasis of Sandbanks will take you through the best wineries in Prince Edward County and introduce you to artisanal wines and the fascinating world of cider tours.
Why Visit Prince Edward County in the Fall?
Prince Edward County in the fall is the perfect destination when the harvest season kicks off and the County’s vineyards and orchards become alive. The routes through the wine country and cider tours will be pretty much the same but the scenic views of the rolling hills with the rich autumn hues of red, yellow, and orange will be a great backdrop for the tours.
The low temperature, relaxing cottage rentals, as well as fewer crowds, allow for a period of the year when people can go on a journey full of sensory pleasures and relaxation lasting through the region’s wineries and cider houses.
The county is famous for its wine and its wineries are some of the best in Ontario. The unexpected weather patterns and soil conditions sometimes result in making this region different from others in producing outstanding wines, offering a unique experience for both wine lovers and casual drinkers visiting the area.
However, it is not only wine that the county provides but also some of the rapidly rising numbers of orchards that produce ciders, which are sharp, crisp, and incredibly thirst-quenching, one could almost say that they are the true flavour of the season.
Discover the Best Wineries in Prince Edward County
The best wineries in Prince Edward County are scattered throughout the region, offering everything from large estates to intimate boutique experiences. Here are some top picks for wine lovers looking to explore the county’s rich offerings:
Sandbanks Estate Winery: Located in the picturesque Sandbanks winery in the Lake Ontario area, Sandbanks Estate Winery is a true star among eye-catching landscapes. The winery, which has pretty views and good wines that are red, white, and sparkling types among them, is very captivating. Their initial plan for sustainable farming is why every bottle is manufactured with the spirit of the land.
Norman Hardie Winery: Unanimously considered to be the greatest vineyard in Prince Edward County, Norman Hardie Winery is well-known for its Pinot Noir and crisp Chardonnay. Located in the centre of the county, the property arranges tastings in a quaint, inviting atmosphere where educators will share winemaking procedures with the visitors.
Closson Chase Vineyards: Another jewel in the Prince Edward County wineries’ collection is Closson Chase Vineyards. It is a trail estate winery known for its smooth Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. The winery’s tasting room is an outdoor oasis where guests can enjoy world-class wine as well as the refreshing natural landscape surrounding the premises.
The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery: The farmhouses owned by the Hillier business are located within the Grange and the first winery of the Grange is an objective owned by the family, the main aim of which is to produce the highest quality wine. The Cabernet Franc and the Merlot are the estate-grown wines that are the most representative of the county’s terroir, which are excellent to cultivate and sufficiently describe the kind of land. In addition, the establishment also has a cozy tasting room, which serves guests in a more personalized way by the staff.
Karlo Estates: You should absolutely visit this family-run estate winery alongside its small-scale production and international award-winning wines if you want the most wineries experience in Prince Edward County. Their organic farming techniques facilitate the health of the land therefore their wines do too. As a result, the tasting experience is like a tasting bar no other you will remember.
Experience the Best of Prince Edward County’s Cider Tours
Although Prince Edward County has been known for its premium wine, the region’s cider profile has been adding the pace to the forefront.
Hence, a couple of local cideries serve up different tasting experiences for lovers of craft drinks made from locally sourced apples. Here are a few cider tours you should consider:
The County Cider Company: A stone’s throw away from Picton, The County Cider Company is a must-see for the best cider tour in the area. The cider brand has been producing excellent ciders for about 20 years now, and the orchard is magnificent, in particularly, during the fall. Enjoy the orchards, savour their ciders, and indulge in a lovely afternoon in the hills with stunning views.
Redtail Cider Co.: is the top choice of people who prefer handmade ciders because of its specific manufacturing process of craftsmanship. Redtail makes small-batch ciders with quality and craftsmanship as the core value, this gives the customer the chance to taste the varieties of apples from the area. The site offers a tour of the orchard, cider, and wine tastings, and certain events like workshops on cider making.
Waupoos Estates Winery and Cidery: Nestled in the beautiful village of Waupoos, this cider house is well-known for its sparkling wines and mouthwatering apple ciders crafted from locally grown fruit. Waupoos Estates is your one-stop shop for both wine and cider. It is thus an ideal place to sample the county’s two signature beverages. The scenery and cheerful ambiance are two major reasons why it is a wonderful destination to get out of the house.
Explore Prince Edward County Culinary Delights
While enjoying orange wine on a tour in Prince Edward County, a wine or cider one shall not forget to savour the region’s culinary creations. The county contains all types of restaurants, cafes, and farm-to-table places that have the best combination with the local wines and ciders.
Thoughts of dinner may arise during your day of wine tasting and cider tasting but relaxing at one of the best restaurants which happens to be The Agrarian Bistro & Bar, with its farm-to-table menu featuring seasonal ingredients or The Drake Devonshire where you can relish delightful dishes alongside the stunning view of Lake Ontario is definitely a better option.
Plan Your Fall Wine and Cider Tour
Prince Edward County’s best wineries and cideries are the ones that come in all sorts for you whether you are a professional wine drinker or a person newly entering the sphere of wine. Autumn is indeed the best time to come, as crops are being harvested, and the beautiful cool weather delivers the perfect setting. Therefore, your friends should be your first quest in recognizing this path that leads to the country, in which you not only enjoy nature but also its taste world-class wines and the warmheartedness of Prince Edward County.
For more information and to plan your visit, be sure to check out the individual winery and cidery websites for booking details and to discover special events during your stay. Happy sipping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Prince Edward County for wine and cider tours?
During fall, September-end to mid-November is the most beautiful time to be around due to the highest point of the harvest season. All the attractions of fall will be in full bloom this time of year with the clear cooler temperatures, crisp fresh air, and picturesque scenery which is why there are a number of different wineries and cideries holding special events and tastings during the harvest season.
Do I need to book wine and cider tours in advance?
Booking your tours early is important, especially in the fall peak season, it is highly advised. The finest wineries in Prince Edward County offer guided tours and tastings, which get booked up quickly. When you pre-book, it guarantees your spot and you can plan your visit around it.
Can I visit multiple wineries and cideries in one day?
No doubt, a lot of wineries and cideries in Prince Edward County are so close to each other that you can check more than one place on the same day. However, if you set the route to Three Dog Winery first with a full schedule you will be able to feel the spirit of each taste without the hurry.
Are there transportation options available for wine and cider tours?
Of course, if driving by yourself isn’t your thing, there are still many transport options. A few travel companies in the area even go as far as providing shuttle services and guided tours to the wine and cider farms. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or go with service cars like taxis and rideshare apps for a safe journey.
What types of wines and ciders are popular in Prince Edward County?
Prince Edward County is a wine region that creates unique and wonderful wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc along with some marvelous shimmering wines. In terms of cider, expect to find a variety of craft ciders made from locally grown apples, with some ciders being more traditional, while others are innovative with unique flavour profiles.