Harwood: Canada’s Only Solar Powered Vineyard

Harwood Estate Vineyards is the only solar-powered winery in Canada and it is located in 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.

Harwood Estate Vineyards

Harwood Estate Vineyards is the only solar-powered winery in Canada. It is open year-round. Harwood is located in Hillier, Ontario where Frontenac Gris, La Crescent, Marquette, St. Laurent, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are grown. Harwood has won many wine awards in competitions held in Canada and the United States.

Harwood was founded in 2007 and the tasting room is surrounded by three vineyards. John Rode works his magic by creating unique wines for the palate. Harwood produces 5,000 cases on its 20-acre vineyards. You can purchase their wines on-site, online, in the LCBO, Farmer’s Market, and in restaurants.

Harwood is entertaining for families and kids and is a bus, car, bike, RV, and wheelchair friendly. Harwood practices a 100% local employee policy and uses sustainable farming practices.

Paired Flights

I decide to enjoy the wines by tasting the Bow to Stem and Starboard flights on the patio where you can enjoy the fabulous vistas of the rustic estate vineyard.

The Bow to Stem flight includes a 1-ounce sample of Windward White, Chardonnay, Admiral Blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon paired with meat, cheese, or biscuits. The dried meats and biscuits are to die for.

The Windward White 2015 has Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, and Riesling blended to give aromas of citrus which are well balanced and would go well with fish. It won bronze at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. This wine is dry.

The Chardonnay 2015 is fresh, vibrant and I get all kinds of fruit aromas hitting my palate.

After two dry white wines, I look forward to the Admiral Blend which is complex and a blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet France, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vanilla hits my nose and this would be great with any of your BBQ dishes.

After tasting the different blends, I am excited to taste the Cabernet Sauvignon. This is extra dry, strong and fruity and would go great with pasta.

The Starboard Flight includes an ounce of Gamay Noir, Gewurztraminer, North Beach Rose and Just Desserts paired with biscuits.

The Gamay Noir has been aged in neutral oak for about 15 months and has a magenta tint and I can get an aroma of cherries and spiced and this is best for your pasta or pork dishes.

The Gewurztraminer is dry, with the aroma of lychee. This would go great with any spicy food you have.

I love rose and dessert wines so I am like a kid drooling to get ice cream. The Rose is off-dry and has a Riesling and Vidal blend. The melon and peach flavors hit me and enjoy a glass on your deck with a nice grilled corn salad.

I ask for a separate glass to taste the dessert wine. Those that are expecting the sweetness and freshness of ice wines from Niagara or a German Riesling will be disappointed as Just Desserts is at 14 and is intense.

After the tasting, I do take a look at the store. They also have a menu for food. I am fascinated with the 2014 Marquesa. The winery cannot call it Port. This is a classic fortified sweet wine and you can get a hint of all the berries in them. I taste a glass and this is the perfect match for dark chocolate.

Harwood Winery is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm and is only closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. You can get a tour if you make an appointment. It is located at 18908 Loyalist Parkway, Hillier, Ontario.