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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