“Thanks again for providing a great Prince Edward County wine tasting trip! We never would have had the opportunity to meet the winemakers and plan such a great day without your help!”

The area’s charmed destinations  along with its sights and flavours have made the County a celebrated culinary and vacation destination. Sandbanks Tours, a wine tour company, provides personalized private and group guided winery and wine tasting tours in Prince Edward County. Sit back and relax while enjoying wine tastings of some of the County’s best wines while touring its choice wineries. Along with classic wine tasting tours we also provide county bike wine tours.

What to Expect

Without a doubt, the main attraction to county wineries is the opportunity to taste the County’s many distinctive varieties. What is unique however about the experience is the ability for wine enthusiasts to learn about and participate in the entire evolution of the wine. Regardless if you are a “newbie” or seasoned with years of wine tasting experience, you will be able to enjoy the complete process as you see the art of winemaking from beginning to end.

Your Wine Tour Guide: All of our wine tour guides proudly live in the County of Prince Edward and know the history of the area and wine regions. Whether in a group or private wine tasting tour, you can rest assured that your wine tour guide will personalize the choice of wineries and destinations to your group’s interests, knowledge and mood!

The Terroir: The rolling hills of Waupoos and quaint farm roads of Hillier boast a moderate micro climate perfect for wine due to their proximity to Lake Ontario and limestone rich soils. The distinct climate and soils of Prince Edward County make it ideal to grow vinifera resembling those grown in Burgundy, France.

The Wine: The wines of Prince Edward County are produced in a range of styles from dry, crisp early harvest whites to full-bodied dry reds to sweet and fruity blush wines. The area’s Vinifera varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Reisling in the Whites and Pinor Noir, Gamay Noir and Cabernet Franc in the reds. To put it another way there is a wine for everyone in the County! Along with these varieties the area also offers a variety of sweet fruity wines, ice wines, ciders, specialty beers and spirits at area distilleries and breweries.

More…  Along with its beautiful vistas and wine varieties, the area also offers unique tasting opportunities (cheese makers, farmers markets and gourmet restaurants), shopping destinations (art, antique and local crafts) and sight-seeing opportunities (Sandbanks Provincial Park, Little Bluff, Lake on the Mountain and more).

What is Included in our Wine Tours

Our Group Wine Country Tours cover all the normal tasting fees and combine small groups of guests for a full day wine tasting tours.  Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip – or planning to stay for a couple of days – there’s plenty to see and do here in Prince Edward County.

For more information on a Wine Tour in Prince Edward County or to book your next PEC getaway visit Sandbanks Vacations Website. For more information on what you’ve read or we offer contact us directly either by email hello@countyvacation.com or at 1-877-399-2508  

Sandbanks Tours is operated by Sandbanks Vacations which is based in Bloomfield, Prince Edward County, Ontario. Along with offering wine tours, wine tour packages and bike wine tours, we also rent bikes and kayaks, offer a variety of vacation rentals and orchestrate unforgettable group and corporate events. We look forward to helping you experience the best the County has to offer.

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Prince Edward County 

Prince Edward County is located in south eastern part of Ontario: one hour from Kingston, two hours from Toronto and three hours from Ottawa. The County is surrounded to the north and east shores by the Bay of Quinte and to the south and west shores by Lake Ontario. Long known for its history, scenic shorelines, and friendly “County Folk”, this unique island can now boast being Eastern Canada’s newest wine destination!

Prince Edward County Wineries and Vineyards

Located on an island like peninsula on the oppiste side of Lake Ontario to the Niagra region the “County” is Ontario’s newest Designated Viticultural Area (DVA). The area now represents one of four VQA regions: Prince Edward County, Niagara Peninsula, Pelee Island, the north shores of Lake Erie. Its limestone rich soil and moderate climate make it ideally situated for viniculture and in particular the growing of Burgundy varieties (ie. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay).

The County hosts over 30 commercial wineries (as of 2010) and over 50 wine grape growers. The combined effort of the group results in the cultivation of more than 1800 hectares of vineyard which  produce over 800 tons of grapes and more that 600,000 litres of wine annually. 

The Terroir

The terroir of the region is special both because of the microclimate created by lake Ontario; the lake effect softens the cold winters and cools the summer; and its limestone rich soils which help produce wines of distinctively character.  The climate has its unique challenges (ie. The need to burry all exposed vines every winter) but the soils stark resembleces to Burgundy France have feed an almost unmatched growth in the number of wine makers willing to face these challenges(averaging 3 new producers a year over the last 10 years).

What Types of Wines are Produced in Prince Edward County?

Prince Edward Counties Vinifera varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Reisling in the Whites and Pinor Noir, Gamay Noir and cabernet Franc in the reds. Along with these vinefera varieties the County also produces a variety of sweet fruity wines, ice wines, ciders a variety of specialty beers and spirits at area distilleries and breweries.

For more information on a Wine Tour in Prince Edward County or to book your next PEC getaway visit Sandbanks Vacations Website. For more information on what you’ve read or we offer contact us directly either by email hello@countyvacation.com or at 1-877-399-2508  

Sandbanks Tours is operated by Sandbanks Vacations which in located just east of Picton in Bloomfield Prince Edward County Ontario. Along with offering wine tour packages we also proudly provide alternative escapes (cycling wine tours), rent bikes and kayaks, offer a variety of vacation rentals and build custom group and corporate event. We look forward to helping you experience the best the County has to offer.

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Enjoy the company of a knowledgeable local wine tour guide with a hands-on, fun filled wine tasting adventure around the area’s distinctive wineries, breweries, cideries and more. With Sandbanks Vacations as your guide you will leave wine country enlightened and rewarded with the perfect Prince Edward County wine tasting experience!

Sandbanks Tours Wine Tasting Tours

Sandbanks Tours provides exclusive, personalized and private wine tours in Prince Edward County Ontario’s Wine regions (Waupoos and Hillier). Whether you’re returning to visit your favourite wineries or experiencing the splendour of the County for the first time let us be your guide to our home! A Prince Edward County wine tasting tour is fun and exciting and can be enjoyed any time of the year. Regardless of whether its spring, summer or fall the county offers world class hospitality, scenic views and unforgettable culinary experiences that keep wine lovers coming back.

What is the Prince Edward County Wine Tasting experience Like?
Wine tasting in Prince Edward Country is a world-class experience in a quaint and charming atmosphere. Most wineries have a small tasting fee—averaging at $2 or $3 per person—which is often refunded with a purchase of wine.   Most of the wineries are open year-round though during the winter some do close for the season or have limited visiting hours.  Unlike in other wine destinations, like Napa Valley, tasting appointments are not generally needed.  However it is always helpful to check ahead with the wineries you plan on visiting for special events and promotions.

Prince Edward County Wineries and Vineyards

Prince Edward County Ontario is home to almost 40 wineries and dozens of vineyards centered around the three main towns:  Wellington, Picton, and Bloomfield.  The county has quickly become recognized as a world-class wine producing region that specializes in aromatic venifera varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Reisling in the Whites and Pinor Noir, Gamay Noir and cabernet Franc in the reds. The charmed wine of the county is its award winning Pinor Noir.

For more information on a Wine Tour in Prince Edward County or to book your next PEC getaway visit Sandbanks Vacations Website. For more information on what you’ve read or we offer contact us directly either by email hello@countyvacation.com or at 1-877-399-2508  

Sandbanks Tours is operated by Sandbanks Vacations which in located just east of Picton in Bloomfield Prince Edward County Ontario. Along with offering wine tour packages we also proudly provide alternative escapes (cycling wine tours), rent bikes and kayaks, offer a variety of vacation rentals and build custom group and corporate event. We look forward to helping you experience the best the County has to offer.

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As a designated VQA region, the area is home to over 50 vineyards and 35+ wineries. The majority of the wineries are situated in the south-western part of the County. Below is a list of some of the area’s wineries as well as a brief overview of what they have to offer.

Videos Presented by Canadian Tourism

Prince Edward County Wineries:

Interested in booking a Wine Tour in Prince Edward County?  Why not book a Custom County Tour with Sandbanks Vacations?

*If you click on the winery name you will be re-routed to the winery’s website.

33 Vines Inc Adolphustown

Boutique vineyard and winery located 10 kms east of the Glenora Ferry producing premium red and white wines including: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot (View Winery Video)

Bergeron Estate Winery Adolphustown

Waterfront winery and vineyard located on the shores of Adolphus Reach close to the Glenora Ferry. Varietals include: 2006 Chardonnay, 2007 Gamay Noir 2007 Pinot Noir, 2007/2008 Vidal/Riesling and a 2008 Cab Franc & 2008 Pinot Noir/Gamay Noir Blend

Barley Days Brewery Picton

Barley Days Brewery is located between Picton and Wellington. Its staple beers are its Wind & Sail Dark Ale and Harvest Gold Pale Ale. Other specialty brews are produced seasonally.

Black Prince Winery Picton

Located on the outskirts of Picton, the Black Prince Winery boast 10 acres and varieties including: 2009 Vidal Icewine, 2009 Chardonnay, 2009 Vidal, 2009 Pinot Gris, 2008 Chardonnay Terroir Elite, 2005 First Crush Chardonnay and more. The winery offers tasting of its wines and possesses a variety of labels from other local vineyards which are available for tasting as well. These vineyard partners include: Harwood Estates, Bella Vigne and Hillier. (View Winery Video)

Waupoos / Black River Region Wineries

The Waupoos region is where the modern wave of Prince Edward County wineries first got started.  Chosen for its spectacular views, soil and climate, the area offers an altogether unique tasting experience. Its unique collection of vineyards make it a must when visiting the County. While in the area, we suggest you add to your tour a stop at Lake on the Mountain and Frank De la Roche at La De Dah Studio

Thinking of visiting the region? Check out our Waupoos Wine and Cider Tour

Long Dog Winery

Boutique winery located minutes from Milford on 300 sprawling acres. The winery’s varieties include three reds (2006/2007 Pinot Noir and 2007 Gamay / Pinot Noir) and three whites ( 2007/2007 Riserva Chardonnay and 2007 Francesca Pinot Gris).

Waupoos Estates Winery

A beautiful Hillside winery overlooking lake Ontario. It offers a full range of wines including a selection of reds, whites, rose’s as well as ice-wines. View winery video

County Cider Company

County Cider Company, as its name suggests,  specializes in Ciders. What might suprise you is that, along with their famous County Premium Cider and traditional cider varieties, the winery also offers a variety of wines, sparkling (or champagne method) ciders and ice cider. View winery video

Del-Gatto Estate Ltd

Pat and Heidi Del-Gatto Winery specializes in hybrid grapes and wines.  Red, white, and rose varieties offer a welcome alternative to the mainstream Cabs, Merlots and Pinots.

Exultet

“Family owned and operated, we are a small hands-on operation from vineyard to bottle. Our goal is to make the most elegant expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that this land is capable of. To make a wine that says by its taste that it comes from our particular vineyards. Wine that exults!” From Website

Half Moon Bay Winery

Visit website for more information.

Hillier Region Wineries

The Hillier region’s unique soil, climate and Loyalist history have made it a popular spot for wineries and an ideal destination for wine experts and novices alike.  The stark simularity of the Hillier Region’s soil to that of France’s Burgundy Region has drawn wine makers to the region while simultaneously inspiring the typically French varieties (ie. Pinot Noir) of wines that  now populate the shelves of Hillier region wineries. While in the region, our wine tours often make special stops at P.E.C. Lavender and The Carriage House Cooperage

Thinking of visiting the region? Check out our Classic Hillier Wine Tour

By Chadsey Cairns

This eclectic winery overlooking lake Ontario offers red, white and rose wine varieties that are sure to please. The wine is described as ranging “from bold, energizing, refreshing Riesling to something more contemplative and mellow, like a barrel-aged Pinot Noir or Chardonnay”.

Casa-Dea Estates Winery

Located just west of Wellington, the Casa Dea Estate Winery is composed of two vineyards that offer a wide range of wine varieties, including: Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, Gamay, Zwiegelt, Pinot Gris, and Melon de Bourgougnon.

Closson Chase

A 30 acre Estate and Winery that produces classic varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Burgundian grape varieties in 100% French oak barrels. View winery video

Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery (The)

Situated on a two century old farm, Trumpour’s Mill wines are “…meant to be delicious table wines that pair well with the foods that grow in our region.” Its 2007 Vintage varieties include”exceptional examples of Chardonnay from our Victoria Block, Pinot Noir from our Diana Block, Cabernet Franc from the Northfield and Prince Edward county’s first VQA approved sparkling wine, a traditionally made blend of pinot noir and chardonnay that quickly sold out.” View winery video

Harwood Estate Vineyards

Harwood wines are made entirely from grapes grown on the Estate’s three Vineyards in the Hillier region which are virtually tended by hand. Its award winning white and reds are sure to please.

Huff Estates Winery

Huff Estates winery is located on County Rd 1, just minutes from Bloomfield. Owned by County Locals Lanny and Catharine Huff, the winery offers a full range of award winning red, white, rose and sparkling wines to enjoy. (View winery video)

Hillier Creek Estates

Enjoy sipping Hillier Creek’s award winning white, red, rose and ice wines in its 160 year old barn while overlooking the beautiful vineyards. Here Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Vidal varieties are grown.

Hinterland Wine Company Hillier

Specializing in sparkling wines, Hinterland offers a variety of wines which are sure to please.

Karlo Estates Winery

Located just minutes from Wellington, Karlo Estates Winery is built on the historic 93 acre Stevenson family farm. The varieties offered include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Frontenac, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay Musque.

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards Ltd

This Vineyard’s focus is largely on well-crafted premium pinot noir. Along with Pinot varieties, the winery’s three vineyards: Big Lake Vineyard, Little Creek Vineyard, and Foxtail Vineyard produce Pinot Meunier, St. Laurent Chardonnay and Sparkling wine.

Lift Haus Winery

Lift Haus winery is a family run “farm” vineyard whose varieties include a Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

Lacey Estates Vineyard and Winery

A family owned and operated winery whose varieties include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their 2008 is described as “blacker than SIN – that’s the only way to describe the colour – and the aromas and flavours are equally sinful”.

Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard

Situated in the heart of the Hillier Region, Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard is perfect for anyone looking for a more refined tasting wine. Varieties include Pinor Noir and Chardonnay. View winery video

Redtail Vineyard

As the only “off-grid” winery in Canada, Redtail Vineyard’s solar powered, organic operation is dedicated to the production of two varieties, one red (Pinot Noir) and one white (Pinot Gris), both worth tasting.

Rosehall Run Winery

Rosehall Run’s Pinot Noir, Reisling, and Cabernet Sauvignon can be found in the LCBO or enjoyed within its picturesque tasting room. View winery video

Sugarbush Vineyards

“Sugarbush Vineyards is a small family owned (Robert & Sally Peck) and operated vineyard and winery located in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada.  We are the garagiste winery of Prince Edward County.”

Sandbanks Estate Winery

Located just west of the historic Village of Wellington, Sandbank’s herbicide and pesticide free vineyard uses hybrid varieties of grapes (Giesenhiem, Marechal Foch, Vidal Blanc) designed to handle the Canadian Winters. Find their wines at the LCBO or enjoy them within their tasting room. View winery video

Stanners Vineyard

A unique winery in that the walls of the barrel room are built entirely of straw bales, a first for Eastern Canada. ”We made our first wine from the 2007 harvest and the result was striking: a varietally true Pinot Noir with complex and vibrant fruit tastes that are vital and original. Our 2008 Pinot follows the same pattern but is perhaps even better balanced, as the wine critics who have tasted it agree.” From Website

The Old Third Vineyard and Winery

“The Old Third Vineyard is located on a steep south-east slope in Hillier, Prince Edward County. The soil, Hillier Clay Loam, overlays a friable Ordovician limestone bed about 450 million years old. Heavy and thin, it is mixed with an abundance of limestone gravel and fossils. The Old Third Vineyard contains an unusually large amount of glacial till in the form of granite, sandstone, quartz, and marble dragged down by the last ice age from Northern Ontario.” From Website

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For a Prince Edward County Wine Tour or any other inquiries visit Sandbanks Vacations Website, browse County Vacation Rental  Properties, or contact us directly either by email hello@countyvacation.com or by phone at 1-877-399-2508

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The planned festivities are too numerous to mention here. Some of our staff favourites include wagon rides, pancake and waffle breakfasts, visiting sugar shacks, eating kettle corn and watching maple syrup being made.

This year our staff will be celebrating “Maple in the County” by touring the festivities by bus. If you care to  join us or would like to schedule your own tour of the festivities, please give us a call at 613 393 2424 and talk to Sheena.

Official Maple in the County website – http://www.mapleinthecounty.ca/

Sandbanks Vacations is your premier provider of Wine & Specialty Tours provider in Prince Edward County (PEC). For more information visit www.sandbanksvacations.com

While you might come for the wine and beaches (and possibly cheese) you can be sure that you will be left with so much more. With a rich loyalist history that infiltrates both the area’s architecture and fills its store shelves Prince Edward County  will be sure to remind you of a simpler, richer and more relaxed time.

There is no better way to experience this than have a someone who lives and loves the County guide you around it.

Here is but one of the many such tours that we gave this summer.

Enjoy.

1. Start your day like the locals do! Begin with a coffee from  the Tall Poppy Cafe in Wellington where you can appreciate  local art in a funky atmosphere and savour the best direct-trade brew.

2. Next, take in some County Artists. Meet Mark Armstrong of Armstrong Glass who will demonstrate the art of glass blowing live in his studio workspace.

3. We will then meet Pete Bradford and Marla Cameron  at the Carriage House Cooperage who have brought a  new level of skill to the local wine region and are ‘pushing the envelope’ with innovative ideas, including barrel flavoring with locally sourced wood.

4. We take a scenic drive through the world famous Sandbanks Provincial Park, known for

its giant sand dunes and golden beaches. The beaches at Sandbanks are from two of the largest freshwater bay-mouth sandbars in the world, and you’ll visit them here on the shores of Lake Ontario.

5. Mad Dog Gallery has been operating in Prince Edward County since 1990, located in a large renovated timber-framed barn. The gallery features traditional and contemporary fine art created and curated by some of the County’s most talented artists.

6. Blumen’s Garden Bistro will be the lunch stop with a modern home-style menu featuring old world favourites and fresh new inspiration every season. The bistro serves local seasonal County produce.

7. In the afternoon, stop at Fifth Town Artisian Cheese, an environmentally and socially responsible cheese maker producing fine handmade cheeses using fresh, locally produced goat and sheep milk.

8. Next stop, the County Cider Company! The County Cider Company & Estate Winery is a family-operated winery that specializes in mouth-watering hard ciders. Carefully crafted from the best apples grown on the family farm and nearby orchards, their ciders are made with 100% pure apple juice

9. Time permitting, there will be two other stops! We’ll visit Del Gatto Estates Winery, family owned and operated, and specializing in hybrid grape varieties. All the wines are hand planted, handpicked and hand crafted.

10. Lake on the Mountain may also be a stop! Cloaked in mystery and legend, the turquoise lake is a source of amazement and a beautiful setting for activities in the park. Lake on the Mountain is a natural curiosity: it has a constant flow of clean, fresh water, with no apparent source, as it is situated 60 metres above Lake Ontario. The Mohawks offered gifts to its spirits and the settlers thought it was bottomless. Come for the view of the Bay of Quinte! Bring along your camera to capture nature’s beauty while contemplating the secrets hidden in this truly memorable place.

For more information on a Wine Tour in Prince Edward County or to book your next PEC getaway visit Sandbanks Vacations Website. For more information on what you’ve read or we offer contact us directly either by email hello@countyvacation.com or at 1-877-399-2508  

FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

Need help deciding what to do while in the County with the family? May we suggest the Arts Trail, Taste Trail or one of the many up and coming events:

Spring and Fall Countylicous Late March / Early April

Maple in the County  Late March

The Great Canadian Cheese Festival  Early June

Art in the County  Mid June until Early July 

Eastern Ontario Photo Show Late July until early August

Jazz Festival Middle to Late August

Prince Edward County Music Festival Middle of September

Prince Edward County Studio and Gallery Tour Mid to Late September

Taste Late September

Makers Hand Early November

FAMILY FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO AND SEE

1.Grab a Movie at the Cinema or Drive In:

You can either relax in Picton’s historic Regent Theater or kick back in the comfort of your own car at the Mustang Drive In.

2. Explore the Millennium Trail.

At 49 Kilometers long, the Millennium trail stretches from Picton to Wellington and is one of the area’s best kept secrets.

The trail welcomes walkers and bikers alike.

For more information read Terry Sprague’s write up on the trail here.

3. Check out the local Museums.

Ameliasburgh Historical Museum and Pioneer Village

Macaulay Heritage Park

Mariners Park Museum

Rose House Museum

Wellington Heritage Museum

4. Take a Ferry Ride or go Dock fishing.

5. Hit the Beach: Swimming at Sandbanks and Explore the Dunes.

6. Cool down with Ice-cream or Warm up with Coco or Coffee.

Want soft serve ice-cream? check out the Black River Cheese Factory

Want regular ice-cream? check out Slickers

Want the ultimate coffee and gelato combo? Check out the Bean Counter

Want great coffee or Coco? Check out Chesterfields and The Sailors House

7. Visit a local Farm or Farmers Market

Alpaca farm

Campbells Orchard

Hagermans Market

Graham Farms

The Corn MAiZE

8. Visit a Local Cheese Factory

BlackRiver Cheese

Fifth Town Cheese

9. Explore the Great Outdoors

Prince Edward County Lavender

Little Bluff Conservation Area

Lake on the Mountain

MaCaulay Mountain and MORE

For more information about our Vacation Rental Packages in Prince Edward County either give us a call or visit the Sandbanks Vacations Website. To view a vacation rental in the region browse County Vacation Rental  Properties, or contact us directly either by email hello@countyvacation.com or by phone at 1-877-399-2508

VACATION RENTALS

There is a lot to consider when taking a family vacation. No matter where you go, one thing remains constant: accommodations can make or break the stay.  Our task here at Sandbanks Vacations / County Vacation is to find the vacation property that suits your family’s needs. Along with checking availability and finding a property appropriate to your  family’s spatial requirements, we also consider the property price, its proximity to area destinations and, most importantly, the kinds of comforts and amenities that you’re  looking for.

Have a look at these properties and see what you think. If you need assistance in making your selection, we are here to help so please feel free to e-mail us or call our toll-free number at 1-877-399-2508

***For pricing either view the property or check out the Google map listed below the properties. The icons are color coded based on price and whether or not they are pet friendly. Also remember that booking in low season or booking extended stays significantly reduces the rental rate.

To see all our properties either visit our County Vacation website or check out our properties on Google.

If you, like most, prefer to avoid the wind and waves of lake Ontario we suggest West Lake. West Lake is an absolute dream for water enthusiasts. It’s shoreline is adorned by countless dunes and its gently sloping shore is perfect for those new to boating. We suggest you pack a lunch and find a secluded beach along the long sandbar that separates West Lake from Lake Ontario.

Sandbanks Vacations has your Prince Edward County boating needs covered. Whether you simply want to rent a boat or need us to drop you off, pick you up and pack a lunch, we’ve got you covered. With the full line of kayaks offered by Clearwater Designs to choose from, you’re assured your day on the water will be one to remember.

For information on our boats and pricing please call 1-877-399-2508

For more information on the area, our rentals or any other inquiries either visit the Sandbanks Vacations Website, browse County Vacation Rental  Properties, or contact us directly either by email hello@countyvacation.com or by phone at 1-877-399-2508

and biker friendly.

If you are planning on departing from our office you are ideally situated on the edge of Bloomfield from which one can bike to Bloomfield, Picton, the Sandbanks Provincial park as well as many other area destinations.

Once know as the “Garden of Canada” Prince Edward County has a deeply rooted agricultural community. In times now long past the area canned over a third of the produce supplied to Canadians and was a major supplier for Cheese (BlackRiver Cheese  or Fifth Town Cheese ).

The area is now know as a culinary desitnation in large part due to the over thirty wineries and countless vineyards that sprawl mainly its Waupoos and Hillier regions. Reflective of its now broadly recognized success as a culinary destination the area boasts various cherished and heralded restaurants.

Restaurants and Cafe’s

Included in this list  of fine dining establishments are Blumens Garden Bistro, East and Main Bistro , Portabella on Main, Angéline’s, The Devonshire, the Merrill Inn and  the  Bloomfield Carriage House. 

In addition to these fine dining establishments the county has a handful of great Cafe’s (Miss Lilies, Chesterfields, The Tall Poppy Cafe) and family restaurants (The Williams Family Dinner, Gus’s Family Restaurant and the Island Family Restuarant)

Of course there are countless more that could make these lists but these are the ones that come to mind! (Suggestions? Please Email!)

Trails and Events

The most popular way to explore the flavors of the “County” is via the popular Taste Trail (tastetrail.ca), the annual celebration of regional cuisine Taste (www.tastecelebration.ca), the spring and fall culinary celebration County-licous (countylicious.ca) or the the annual celebration of maple syrup Maple in the County (www.mapleinthecounty.ca).

These flavorful ways to explore the County wondefully completmented by the Arts Trail (artstrail.ca) and Studio Tour (pecstudiotour.com) which showcases some of the best regional artists.

The Area as a Culinary Destination

Video Presented by Canadian Tourism

For those unfamiliar with the area, a wonderful overview of it is presented in Dave Eckert’s “Culinary Travels”. This PBS produced show “takes you to the source” of great wine and food. Since the shows production, over two years ago, the County’s culinary scene has grown dramatically. This is true both in terms of choice destinations (restaurants, wineries, farms etc) and as a culinary destination.

Part 1: Dave Eckert’s Culinary Travels to Prince Edward County

Part 2:  Dave Eckert’s Culinary Travels to Prince Edward County

Need some suggestions? Some of our favorites include:

For a Prince Edward County Wine Tour or any other inquiries visit the Sandbanks Vacations Website, browse County Vacation Rental  Properties, or contact us directly either by email hello@countyvacation.com or by phone at 1-877-399-2508