Head out from Kingston on a guided day-trip to the County, where the charms of the countryside pair perfectly with the allure of a burgeoning wine scene.
Prince Edward County Primer
Just a short day trip from Kingston, pastoral Prince Edward County is known for its temperate climate, family-run farms, the charming towns of Picton and Bloomfield, stunning beaches and — most recently — its wine-making. Turns out the limestone-rich soil provides the perfect terroir for producing award-winning wines. There are now more than 30 wineries in the County, many of which are open year-round for tours and tastings. The most popular wine varietals here include pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet franc, riesling, and gamay noir.
The wine boom has coincided with a restaurant renaissance, with many world-class chefs moving into the region to open restaurants that take advantage of the bounty of the County — so much fresh produce to work with and wines to pair! Artisanal food producers are thriving, as are local inns, B&Bs, and independent boutiques. Nature lovers also converge on Prince Edward County, drawn by the beaches and dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park, world-class birding, and scenic trails.
Sandbanks Vacations’ Guided Tours
Travellers based in Kingston will be thrilled to learn that Sandbanks Vacations offers a convenient guided wine and cider tour out of the Kingston. The daily tour picks up guests each morning from local hotels and residences.
A comfortable air-conditioned minivan or shuttle bus follows the scenic Loyalist Parkway along the shores of Lake Ontario to Adolphustown. There, guests visit a local winery and taste estate-grown wines and ciders before boarding a ferry and heading across the Adolphus Reach to the Waupoos sector of Prince Edward County. The tour then makes stops at a cider company and two more wineries, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic surroundings (along with tastings, of course). If the weather’s fine, there’s a gourmet picnic lunch, while on blustery days lunch is served indoors.
Book ahead
Enjoy a day of wine with County Sips; fun and educational wine tours hosted by Ian Nicholls, Sommelier. 613-329-6563, countysips.com. You can also book a Sip and Stay hotel package with participating accommodations. View offers here.
