Prince Edward County doesn’t just do wine—it lives it. And in true County fashion, it does so with charm, quirks, and views that make you forget about your email inbox or that you ever owned a smartwatch. Here, a glass of Pinot isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, preferably enjoyed while staring across a field dotted with sheep, a shimmering lake, or a tractor that looks like it’s from the 1940s but still runs.
So grab your sunhat, leave your pretensions at the County Road 1 turnoff, and join us as we visit five of the most scenic—and delightfully down-to-earth—tasting rooms in PEC.
1. Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards & Estate Winery
990 Closson Road, Hillier
Let’s start with the Grange, where the wine is as unpretentious as the barn cat who runs the place (or at least thinks he does). Set on 600 acres of heritage farmland, this place has that “time stood still in a good way” vibe. You can sip their estate-grown Gamay or unoaked Chardonnay in a 19th-century barn that smells faintly of cedar and decades of good stories.
Locals swear by the “Picnic in a Basket” experience—grab a basket of local goodies (shout out to Fifth Town Cheese and Humble Bread bakery) and find a shady patch by the creek. You’ll be rubbing elbows with picnic pros who bring vintage quilts and dogs named things like “Barley” and “Pickle.”
Best time to go: A lazy Saturday around noon. Beat the bus tour crowds and claim a shady picnic spot early.
2. Norman Hardie Winery
1152 Greer Road, Wellington
“Norm” as he’s affectionately known, is PEC wine royalty. But don’t expect a red carpet—unless it’s covered in wood-fired pizza crumbs. At Norman Hardie Winery, you’ll find earthy Pinot Noir, pitch-perfect Chardonnay, and a patio with a view that looks like Tuscany met Lake Ontario and decided to stay forever.
The winery draws a mix of local farmers, Toronto foodies, and the occasional cyclist who vastly overestimated their fitness. But all are welcomed the same—with a pour and a story. Bonus? The wood-fired pizzas are legendary. And yes, you should get the mushroom one with truffle oil and a glass of the 2020 County Pinot.
Best time to go: Weekdays in late afternoon—less crowd, golden hour glow, and a chance to chat with Norm himself if you’re lucky.
3. Closson Chase Vineyards
629 Closson Road, Hillier
You’ll spot Closson Chase by its iconic purple barn—because of course a top-tier winery in PEC would paint its barn like Prince lived there. But don’t let the colour fool you: this is serious Chardonnay country.
Inside, you’ll find knowledgeable (and often hilarious) staff who’ll talk terroir without making you feel like you flunked wine class. The outdoor patio offers a panoramic view of vineyards rolling over limestone-rich soil, framed by aged maple trees and the occasional vintage truck rolling by.
Local artist Chrissy Poitras from Spark Box Studio occasionally pops up here, adding a dash of County art flair to the experience. And the garden? A butterfly’s dream.
Best time to go: Mid-May to early June—before the tourist rush, while the wildflowers are out.
4. Hinterland Wine Company
1258 Closson Road, Hillier
Hinterland specializes in bubbles—and not the kind you get from soda. These are méthode traditionnelle sparklers that could give Champagne a run for its Euros. The vibe is hip-meets-heritage: old farm structures, a cool shipping container bar, and lots of benches for lounging.
On weekends, it feels like a County block party—live music, people in floppy hats comparing Pet Nats, and kids running around while parents pretend they’re just “sampling” the Rosé.
Their Borealis sparkling rosé is a local favourite, and often shows up at County weddings and potlucks alike. Staff are warm, chatty, and love to hear which back road you took to get there.
Best time to go: Sunday afternoon. Think: mellow music, less lineups, and a perfect wind-down from the Wellington Farmers’ Market.
5. Waupoos Estates Winery
3016 County Rd 8, Waupoos
Ah, Waupoos. The original gangster of County wineries. Perched right on the water with views of Prince Edward Bay, it’s where you take your out-of-town guests to make them gasp and consider moving here “just for the summers.”
The estate itself is stunning—think manicured lawns, flower beds that look professionally fluffed, and a dock where you might see a wedding or someone proposing (usually to their partner, sometimes to the wine). The on-site restaurant serves seasonal fare, and their Baco Noir has been a longtime local table favourite.
Waupoos also has a petting zoo. Yes, a petting zoo. Go ahead, drink sparkling cider and feed a goat. This is the County, after all.
Best time to go: Sunset. Trust us—bring your camera, or just burn it into your memory.
Final Sip
Wine in the County isn’t just about flavour. It’s about place. It’s where limestone soil meets small-town charm, where conversations drift from weather to winemaking to which local sheep is the sassiest. So whether you’re a sommelier, a casual sipper, or someone just looking for a view with their vino, PEC’s tasting rooms offer something far richer than a flight list: a little taste of the good life, County-style.
Go to the County Life section