Sandbanks Winery is located on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario along the Loyalist Parkway in Prince Edward Country.

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, Black Prince, Waupoos, Huff Estates, and Kent-he.

Sandbanks Winery

Sandbanks Winery is stationed along the pictorial and scenic shores of Lake Ontario in the core of PEC. Catharine Langlois established the winery in 2001 and planted Marenchal Foch, Geisenheim, Vidal, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Baco Noir. Catharine’s vision for Sandbanks Winery ‘was to produce quality, award-winning wines at an approachable price, that pair, perfectly with delicious food, that is meant to be shared in harmony with family, friends, and that celebrate life.’

Sandbanks Winery is the ideal place to spend a summer day tasting wine in the tasting room, shopping in the boutique, and enjoying the large picnic area.

Sandbanks Winery was established by Catherine Langlois in 2001 who planted seven acres of vines. PEC became VQA designated area in 2007 and Sandbanks got its listing at the LCBO and has taken off since then. Arterra Wines purchased it in 2020.

Wine Tasting

There is a selection of wines to choose from White, Rose, Red, and Sweet. My favorites are the Sauvignon Blanc and Late Harvest (Vidal).

Sandbanks Winery is located at 17598 Loyalist Parkway in Wellington Ontario. It is open seven days a week from 11 am to 6 pm. Please make a reservation for wine tasting and always ask about the wine tour.

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Waupoos Estates Winery has the entire package needed in a 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 that allows the vines to go deep in the Indian summer, and yield a 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 2019, I covered Harwood, Casa-Dea, Rosehall Run, Norman Hardie, By Chadsey’s Cairns, and Kent He.

In 2020, I covered the Black Prince Winery.

In 2021, I will be covering Waupoos Estates Winery.

Waupoos Estates Winery

Waupoos Estates Winery occupies a dazzling and beautiful 100-acre waterfront property and was the first winery in PEC. Waupoos grows 18 different varieties on 20 acres of vineyards.

The Farm House 

The Farm House is the showcase of restored century home snuggled on the Waupoos Estates Winery’s pictorial terrace. The heart-stopping all-embracing glimpse of the Prince Edward Bay and the manicured vineyard is the piece de resistance of The Farm House. This jaw-dropping scenery is impeccable for your stay. The Farm House consists of four bedrooms on the upper level. The advantage of renting a room is that it grants access to the front parlor room and the balcony overlooking the Bay. The entire house, upper floors, or individual bedrooms can be rented.

The Restaurant

The Restaurant at Waupoos Estates is towards the water’s edge. The restaurant is gazebo style fully enclosed and far-reaching views of Lake Ontario.

The spotlight is on Farm to Table. The estate raises game birds, poultry, rabbits, goat, lamb, pork, and cattle in a fully operational farm. Fresh vegetables and herbs come from the garden plots. You also have a choice of pickles and preserves to take home.

Executive Chef Scott McInerney is a foodie who was educated in France, Australia, and Canada in viticulture, culinary arts, and wine, brings his magic to the restaurant.

Head Winemaker: Amy Baldwin

Amy is an alumnus of Niagara College in the Winery and Viticulture program. She believes in finding the balance between nature and science. She believes in the creative possibilities of the wine and is excited to add her touch.

Estate Experience Tour

I highly recommend that you take this tour. It is a private tour of the estate and the philosophy of the property, winemaking, and what farm to table is all about. After the tour, you get a four-course meal that is amazing.

For the Family

The petting zoo is amazing as you can pet the baby sheep and goats and can feed them grain.

The chocolate and candy store is full of stuff sourced locally and also has gelato, novelty candy, gourmet popcorn, and fudge.

My Favorite Wine

The Maple Ice is an amazing dessert wine with the aroma of maple, peach, and apple hitting your palate. Try it with any dessert or blue cheese.

Location

Waupoos Estates Winery is located at 3016 Prince Edward County Rd 8, Picton, ON K0K 2T0. It is worth visiting as a family or for a romantic weekend or as a group of friends.

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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 that allows the vines to go deep in the Indian summer, and yield 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 2019, I covered Harwood, Casa-Dea, Rosehall Run, Norman Hardie, By Chadsey’s Cairns, and Kent He.

In 2020, I will be covering Black Prince and Waupoos.

Black Prince Winery

Black Prince is the granddaddy of PEC with a wide selection of wines started in 2001. The winery is on a 50-acre estate, hosting a wine shop, gourmet wood-fired pizza, tasting center, make your own wine facility, and some of the best aged wine and fruit vinegar I have tasted.

The Black Prince was an Edward, eldest son of Edward III, and became a legend in his own lifetime. Edward was one of the most successful commanders during the 100 years war (Battles of Poitiers & Crecy) and a model of both chivalry and courtesy.  Edward ruled over a large area of Aquitaine which included Bordeaux, so the relevance to wine was a deciding factor in naming the winery.

I admire the unique concept of total terroir; local grapes, aged in local wood by local winemakers. The COACH barrels locally made consist of Canadian hickory, cherry, ash, and oak which boosts the flavor.

Barrel House Pizza

The wood-fired pizza is one of the best pizza’s I have eaten in a long time. It was just delicious.

There is a whole selection of pizzas and picnic tables to sit and eat.

Canadian Vinegar Cellars

I love vinegar. Pete Bradford operates Canadian Vinegar Cellars on the property. These gourmet vinegar are just delicious. Take a few, mix with extra virgin olive oil, Maldon salt, fresh Malabar crackled pepper, and dip a warm Calabrese bread and you are in heaven.

The Wine Barrel

The Black Prince Winery also offers a full-service facility to make your own wine. The wine kits vary from premium to budget.

PECLab

This is a unique service offered by the Winery. The unique laboratory services offered to cideries, breweries, and wineries include VQA/LCBO compliance, spectroscopic analysis of juice, and reverse osmosis to make the wine better.

The Winemaker

Geoff Webb is serious about wine. His first exposure to viticulture started at The William Hill Wine Company in Napa, California. He honed his skills at Legendary Wines. Geoff started Wines By Design and became a premium importer of wines. Geoff still calls upon his mentor Michael Fallow and Terence Van Rooyen for advice and has made Black Prince a destination for families, love birds, and anyone else who wants a unique experience.

My Recommendation

A medium red, refreshing, taste of plum and chocolate and a good pairing with steak, roasted pork, and grilled chicken.

Black Prince Winery is located at 13370 Loyalist Parkway, Picton, Ontario, is open 7 days a week all year round.

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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.

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards

Keint-he is the French take on the word Quinte (Bay of Quinte region).

The focus of Keint-he is to follow in the footsteps of the vineyards in Burgundy. The vineyards at Keint-he were chosen based on geography, the glare of the sun and the type of soil. These slight, ingenious characteristics create a unique grape.

The Big Lake Vineyard planted in 2007 is located at the winery and takes advantage of the airflow from Lake Ontario. At this vineyard Melone de Bourgogne, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are grown.

The Little Creek Vineyard planted in 1997 consists exclusively of Pinot Noir.

The Foxtail Vineyards were planted in 1999 and consists of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

The Pinot Noir produced here has a cosmopolitan tone to it because of the perfect mix of the Burgundian approach with the County climate. The high-density planting and the work with hand results in a balanced wine.

The sun-soaked patio faces the lake and you get snacks. Just sit here for a while and try one of their great Pinot Noirs.

Top Recommendation

Keint-He 2015 ‘Portage’ Pinot Noir

The definition of Pinot Noir from PEC. A Medium body, robust wine good with a nice BBQ.

I am really fascinated by the label. Canoes in a Fog, Lake Superior is painted by Canadian artist, Frances Anne Hopkins (1838-1919).

Keint-he Winery & Vineyards is located at 49 Hubbs Creek Road in Wellington, Ontario.

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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 that allows the vines to go deep in the Indian summer, and yield a potent, rich, full-bodied, and robust flavor. 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.

Rosehall Run

Rosehall Run was established in 2000 by Dan and Lynn Sullivan. The farm is one to two kilometers on three sides of Lake Ontario. On the 150-acre working farm, 25 acres are dedicated to Tempranillo, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewurztraminer.

The name Rosehall comes from the historic hamlet just south of the vineyard set up in 1820 and has about 50 full-time residents.

Rosehall Run is known for its ornate and exquisite wines that are balanced and reflect the terroir. The 2005 Pinot Noir was described as the wine of Canada’s future. The sparkling wines produced here are ready to define the pronunciation of PEC.

Rosehall Run uses sustainable farming with organic compounds. The focus is on cluster thinning, shoot positioning and leaf pulling, allowing it to basic maximum fruit extraction with minimal intervention. Each grape is harvested when they are ripe under sunny skies and cool nights. The reds are soaked for a few days while the whites are pressed and processed right away.

Tasting Bar

The winery facility is state of the art and the cellar is embedded deep in the limestone foundation.

The tasting room is warm, modern, and inviting. Visitors are encouraged to try the critically acclaimed wines. The room has glass enveloped on all sides and you can see the gorgeous vineyard.

The tasting room has plenty of artwork from local artists.

The flight is $ 5 for tasting three wines.

Rosehall Run has an outdoor picnic area and one can enjoy a nice glass of wine.

Rosehall Run is the perfect place to have a picnic. Order a Foodie Box which includes charcuterie and artisan cheese locally sourced and everything else from County producers.

Greer Road Grocer

The tasting room also has an area that has a choice of cream-of-the-crop products from the County. The variety of gourmet food items and wonderful gift ideas is amazing.

Top Three Recommendations

I am impressed with their cellar. Dan selects each barrel himself.

For a white, my top pick is the 2016 JCR Rosehall Vineyard Chardonnay ($34.95).  It won Gold at the National Wine Awards of Canada in 2018. 2016 was hot with minimum rain in PEC. The wine is intense. It was fermented in oak puncheons and aged in new oak. Drink a glass of this fresh wine on the patio this summer.

For a red, my top pick is the 2017 JCR Rosehall Vineyard Pinot Noir (#39.95). It won Gold at the National Wine Awards, Wine Align, and Gold at the All Canadian Wine Championships, in 2019. I love the berry notes and if you do not drink it you can put it in your cellar for 3 to 5 years.

The Rosehall Run Just One Rose ($17.95) is a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay and as you sip it the berry flavor explodes in your mouth. Try it with a nice garden salad and grilled seafood.

As Rosehall Run proclaims ‘From the field to your table, this is Ontario winemaking at its best!’ I agree.

Rosehill Run is located at 1243 Greer Road, Wellington and open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

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Casa-Dea Winery is the ultimate romantic getaway.

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, Black Prince, Waupoos, and Kent-he.

Casa-Dea Estates Winery

Casa-Dea Estates Winery at 65 acres is one of the biggest, entrenched, romantic wineries in PEC with the best website. Casa-Dea produces pure PEC VQA wines using grapes grown only on their vineyard. Casa-Dea is on Greer Road and along with Norman Hardie and Rosehall Run is called ‘Three on Greer’.

The founder Domenic Di Pietrantonio studied to become a priest and was responsible for the wine cellar at the monastery. I am glad he did not pursue the priesthood and instead pursued his love for wine and the cardinal paroxysm resulted in Casa-Dea Estates in 2000.

I am a die-hard romantic so am fascinated by the name. I get my answer. The name is all about romance. In Italian ‘Casa’ means home and ‘Dea’ means Goddess. Dea is the name of Domenic’s wife of six decades. The symbol of the winery is the Goddess and represents Domenic’s village in Italy.

Casa-Dea has the complete package for a romantic getaway or just a day visit. The winery was founded on love. It has a goddess name attached to it. The logo is a goddess.  There is a winery, a tasting room, a restaurant, and a guest house. If you want to impress your significant other, this is the place to be.

Winemaker

Paul Battilana graduated from the Niagara College, School of Viticulture and brings his passion, dedication and looks at the whole process of wine in detail. The terroir, varietals, clones, rootstocks, pruning, cropping, hang time, press method, barrels, time in oak, blending and aging is studied in detail to give you the classic VQA PEC wine.

Wine Categories

Casa-Dea produces three categories of wines. The Estate Wines are good for sipping and are of great value. The Reserve Wines should be used for a special get together as they have the perfect match of vignette and finesse. The Limited Edition is a wine of premium quality with limited availability.

La Pergola Restaurant

The La Pergola Restaurant & Patio is located right next to the tasting room and has appetizers and pizza inspired by Italian cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its charcuterie board. It is open daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Guest House

The Guest House is called ‘Casa del Silenzio’, near the vineyard, tasting bar and patio restaurant. There is a minimum two-night stay. The house is 1400 square feet. A couple, a group of friends or a family will have ample space with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, fireplace, a dining room, and patio furniture and BBQ.

I will recommend that you buy one of the three bottles mentioned here. I like their Rose bubbly. You have come here for a romantic date. Have some food at the restaurant and order the bubbly. The Gamay grape gives you the berry flavor. The classic Charmat method is used. The bubbles are fine. The light flavors give you the definition and enunciation of PEC wine. If you buy a bottle and take it home, it is perfect with turkey or a chicken dish.

The Cabernet Franc Reserve is my second choice. This wine is aged for two years in French oak barrels which gives it an amazing finish. This wine is perfect with any beef dish.

In keeping with our theme of romance and love, here is one wine you need to buy. Amore means to love and this is the best of the reserve barrels which is balanced and makes you joyful.

Casa-Dea is the pride of PEC. It is located at 1186 Greer Road in Wellington. The tasting bar is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.

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