Last week I made my first trek to Prince Edward County (thanks to the LCBO!, which launches its Go Local promotion of Ontario wines this week) for a day of local wine, amazing food and gorgeous scenery. One of only four wine regions in Ontario, the County is about a two-hour drive from Toronto, making it a perfect day trip (even better if someone else is driving!).
Our day started at the Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards & Estate Winery, a centuries-old farm that's now one of the largest and most impressive wineries in the region.
Our host, Caroline Granger, who, with her father, established the family-run Grange in 2002, gave us a tour of the vineyards, which span more than 60 acres, then we headed back inside to taste her wines, before moving on to Huff Estates (which boasts an art gallery, inn and vineyard-side patio, where we lunched), and then to the quaint, family-run Rosehall Run (which launches its exclusive Jamie Kennedy label Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on September 25), before heading home. 
Thinking about a visit? Here are some highlights:
Cheese please: PEC is home to Fifth Town Cheese. Try the Lighthall Tomme, which won first place in the Aged Goat Cheese category at this year's Superbowl of Cheese (aka the American Cheese Society Cheese Competition). Fifth Town features Tutored Tastings (with wine!) every Saturday at 1pm and 3pm until September 19th.
Pack a picnic: Stop in at Pinch Gourmet (280 Main St., Picton) and pick up fresh salads, rotisserie chicken, charcuterie and baguette. The head over to Sandbanks Provincial Park for a dip, or just lounge on the largest sand beach in North America.
Drink up: PEC's terroir is best suited for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay, so those are your best bets, but my personal favourite was Huff Estates' First Frost. It's technically classified as a dessert wine, but because it's nowhere near as sweet as a late harvest or ice wine, I found it just perfect while sitting on Huff`s sunny patio.
County Cuisine: Make a reservation at Harvest and sample chef Michael Potters' (previously of Toronto's Rosewater Supperclub and Accolade) locally sourced menu, including the housemade terrine and County lamb.
Plan to go back: I've only been back in the city for a few days but I'm already plotting my next excuse to return. The County celebrates Taste! A Celebration of Prince Edward County on September 27 and Countylicious from November 4-29.
Been to the County? Have a favourite shop, winery or thing to do? Leave a comment and let me know!
Want to go? Enter to WIN a wine country trek (to both Niagara and Prince Edward County)!
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy:
