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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