By Chadsey’s Cairns Winery

Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County (PEC) is located 220 km east of Toronto. It is just south of Belleville. The ground is atypical with many valleys and the foundation is limestone. The cracked limestone base and the stony soils allow bilge in the spring, take in all the water which allows the vines to go deep in the Indian summer, and yields a flavor that is potent, rich, full-bodied and robust. The breeze from Lake Ontario gives maximum benefit to the vineyards of PEC.

As you exit the 401 and go south towards PEC, it is an amazing escape from the boring monotony of the 401. You are transformed into the countryside lined with unique vineyards in a succulent canvas of agrarian serenity.

Welcome to my series on vineyards in PEC. Before you head out to a vineyard please read this guide on how to enjoy your trip. In this series, I will cover the following vineyards: Harwood, Casa-Dea, Rosehall Run, Norman Hardie, By Chadsey’s Cairns  and  Kent He.

By Chadsey’s Cairns Winery

As you enter the winery, there is a decent parking lot and several picnic tables. A nice walk from the parking area to the tasting area. I notice a unique cemetery that is on my left-hand side and on the right is the vineyard itself.

This is as rustic as it gets in PEC.

Richard Johnston and Vida Zalnieriunas started planting vineyards in 1999 which was originally the Chadsey family farm.  The vineyard is about 24 acres consisting of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, St. Laurent, Gamay and Pinot Noir.

Epochal Tasting Room

The tasting room is in an exemplary apple house from the 1850s.  This is one of the most authentic PEC wineries that has maintained an affinity with the land. The barn is illustrious and triumphant overlooking Lake Ontario.  As you enter it, a frame is formed for the vineyard. History is laid out for you.

Winemaker

Vida’s philosophy matches with Sartre and Confucius. Her past career as a journalist and a psychotherapist has allowed her to be analytical and have an approach of a midwife.

Farmhouse Rental

If you want to experience living in a vineyard, help out in the field and watch the sunset then this is the perfect place to come. The 5 bedroom comes with a well-equipped kitchen with a gas stove and a dishwasher. Guests get complimentary passes to Sandbanks and North Beach and complimentary tastings.

Top Recommendation

2017 Roxey Rose

The rose is oaked and you can get the strawberry freshness and a great wine to sip on your patio.

By Chadsey’s Cairns is located at 17432 Loyalist Parkway in Wellington, Ontario. You have to make a pilgrimage here to this iconic winery.

Photo Credits: By Chadsey’s Cairns Winery by Suzanne Schroeter CC-BY-SA 2.0, Chadsey Pioneer Cemetery by Leonora (Ellie) Enking CC-BY-SA 2.0, The vineyards by Leonora (Ellie) Enking CC-BY-SA 2.0,