Prince Edward County, Canada: A Tasting Tour

Prince Edward County newbies are frequently blown away at how such a small region can pack such a big gastro-punch. The options are numerous, but you can’t do much better than Agrarian for a rustic farm-to-fork fare (not to mention its grocery selection), or Sand & Pearl Raw Bar & Fish Fry, whose name says it all.

For a modern take on classic poutine or a ‘Canadian Hangover Cure’ brunch, washed down with a hair-of-the-dog craft beer or cocktail, try The Courage bar.

Then treat yourself to some small-batch artisanal cones at Slickers Ice Cream – the apple pie flavour or toasted marshmallow comes highly recommended.

Thanks to the highly fertile, limestone-rich clay loam soil and the moderate microclimate around Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in Canada. While twenty years ago there was only one winery, there are now over 40 to explore.

Housed in a converted dairy barn, Hinterland specialises in sparkling wines and hosts a monthly farmers’ market.

Long Dog Winery is named after owners James Lahti and Victoria Rose’s beloved daschunds, and is known for its fine chardonnays and pinot noirs.

At Norman Hardie you can enjoy some of Ontario’s best aromatic white wines, as well as excellent wood-fired thin crust pizza, as you relax on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.

Learn more about the winemaking history and the grapes in the region with a tailored experience courtesy of Prince Edward County Wine Tours.

Where Prince Edward County’s all-conquering wineries lead, its craft breweries follow. Country Road Beer Company (right next door to Hinterland winery) boasts a fine beer garden in which to sup their Petite Saison or Belgian Dubbel ales

Not only does Parsons Brewery offer a Crushable unfiltered traditional German Pilsner or a Devil’s Right Hand stout aged in a Jack Daniel’s barrel, but it’ll also sort you out with some ace and authentic Mexican fare.

Meanwhile, at Midtown Brewing Company’s brewpub, you can match an MBC Burger to a nice crisp kölsch.

And if you’re looking for something a little fruitier, there’s always The County Cider Co.

Cheese is big in Prince Edward County. Black River Cheese has been churning up a storm for over a century with its classic cheddars and mozzarellas.

Fifth Town’s award-winning handmade cheeses have been serving the locals with choice sheep’s cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses since 2008.

Prince Edward County teems with opportunities for roadside food shopping, but there’s nothing like rummaging in a great food market. On Saturdays don’t miss the Wellington Farmers’ Market near the shores of Lake Ontario or choose seasonal goodies at Campbell’s Orchards farm market.

You could pick up some artisanal Italian sausages from Angelo Bean, then let him teach you how to incorporate them into a 5-course tasting menu.

Or Pop along to the Waring House Cooking School for a class that includes a nice sit-down dinner with wine for your efforts.