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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