The County Road Wine Trail

Prince Edward County has over 40 wineries, and the densest concentration of them lines a network of quiet country roads in the heart of the peninsula. This stretch, loosely known as the County Road Wine Trail, connects some of the most respected and innovative wine producers in Ontario. It is not a single marked road or an official trail with signs and maps. It is more of a natural route that formed organically as winemakers settled along Closson Road, Greer Road, Loyalist Parkway, and the county roads that link them.

Driving the wine trail is one of the essential Prince Edward County experiences. The route passes through some of the prettiest countryside in the region, with vineyards spreading out on both sides of narrow two-lane roads, old barns converted into tasting rooms, and views that stretch to the lake on clear days. You can visit two or three wineries in a morning, or you can make a full day of it, stopping for tastings, picnic lunches, and vineyard walks along the way.

The Route

There is no single correct way to drive the wine trail, but a common route starts in the Bloomfield area and loops through the countryside south and east of town. From Bloomfield, head south on County Road 1, then turn onto Closson Road. This stretch alone connects several of the County's most notable producers.

From Closson Road, you can loop back north through Greer Road and the side roads that run parallel, picking up additional wineries along the way. The full loop brings you back toward the Highway 33 corridor between Bloomfield and Picton, where more wineries and a few cideries cluster near the road.

The entire trail covers roughly 30 to 40 kilometres of driving, depending on your exact route and detours. Distances between wineries range from a couple of minutes to ten minutes. The roads are paved and well-maintained, though narrow. Drive slowly and watch for cyclists, farm equipment, and the occasional wandering turkey.

Notable Wineries Along the Trail

The County's wine scene is diverse, with producers ranging from established estates to small-batch artisan operations. Here are some of the wineries you will encounter along the trail, though this is far from a complete list:

Closson Chase Vineyards

One of the County's founding wineries, Closson Chase has been producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay since 2000. Their wines are rooted in the limestone soils of the region and consistently rank among the best in Ontario. The tasting room is welcoming, and the vineyard views are excellent. They also operate a small on-site restaurant during the warmer months.

Norman Hardie Winery

Norman Hardie is perhaps the best-known name in County wine. His Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have drawn critical acclaim and helped put PEC on the international wine map. The winery has a wood-fired pizza oven and a patio that gets busy on summer weekends. It is worth arriving early or visiting midweek for a more relaxed experience.

Rosehall Run Vineyards

Rosehall Run produces a wide range of wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, and offers one of the more approachable tasting experiences in the County. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide newcomers through the lineup. Their Hungry Point Pinot Noir is a perennial favourite.

Hinterland Wine Company

If sparkling wine is your thing, Hinterland is a must-visit. They specialize in traditional method sparkling wines made from County-grown grapes, and the quality is genuinely impressive. The tasting room has a modern, minimalist feel, and the vineyard setting is beautiful.

Trail Estate Winery

Trail Estate focuses on natural and minimal-intervention winemaking. Their wines tend to be expressive and a bit unconventional, which has earned them a loyal following among wine enthusiasts looking for something different. The tasting room is casual and unpretentious.

Other Stops

Beyond these, the trail passes near dozens of other producers worth exploring, including Grange of Prince Edward, Lighthall Vineyards, Karlo Estates, and Stanners Vineyard. Part of the joy of the wine trail is discovering a small winery you have never heard of and finding something wonderful.

What to Know Before You Go

Tasting Fees and Etiquette

Most County wineries charge a small tasting fee, typically between $5 and $15 per person. At many wineries, this fee is waived or applied to bottle purchases. Tastings are usually offered as flights of three to five wines, chosen either by you or by the staff.

The atmosphere at County wineries is generally relaxed and welcoming. This is not Napa Valley, and there is no dress code or pretension. Ask questions, take your time, and buy a bottle if you find something you like. The staff at most wineries are genuinely passionate about their product and happy to share what they know.

Hours and Seasons

Most wineries are open for tastings from May through October, with peak hours on weekends from 11 AM to 5 PM. Some wineries maintain year-round hours, while others close or reduce operations from November through April. Always check online or call ahead, especially if you are visiting in the off-season.

During the summer months, some wineries host events, live music, or special dinners. The Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association maintains a calendar of events and a directory of member wineries with current hours.

Designated Drivers and Alternatives

This one matters. If you are tasting at multiple wineries, you need a plan for getting home safely. Options include:

• Designate a driver in your group who skips the tastings or sticks to the spit bucket.
• Use a local taxi or ride service. Options are limited in the County, so arrange this in advance.
• Book a guided wine tour. Several operators run van and bus tours along the wine trail, handling all the driving and often including lunch.
• Pace yourself. Tasting portions are small, and spacing your visits with food and water keeps things manageable.

Pairing the Wine Trail with Other Activities

The wine trail sits in the heart of the County, which means you can easily combine winery visits with other activities. A morning on the wine trail followed by an afternoon at Sandbanks or North Beach is a classic County day plan.

The trail also passes near several of the County's best restaurants. A leisurely lunch at a winery restaurant or a farm-to-table spot in Bloomfield makes a natural midpoint in a tasting day. For dining options, check our restaurant guide.

Cycling the wine trail is increasingly popular. The roads are flat to gently rolling, and the distances between wineries are manageable by bike. Several outfitters in Picton and Wellington rent bikes and can suggest routes. Just remember that tasting and cycling combine the same way tasting and driving do. Pace yourself.

The Wine Itself

Prince Edward County's wine region is relatively young. Serious grape growing started here in the late 1990s, and the industry has grown rapidly since. The County's cool climate and limestone-rich soils produce wines that are distinct from other Ontario regions. The hallmarks are bright acidity, mineral character, and a restrained elegance that reflects the northern terroir.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the signature grapes, and the best examples rival anything produced in Ontario. But the County also grows excellent Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and various hybrid varieties. The winemakers here tend to be experimental and open-minded, which means you will encounter styles and blends you will not find elsewhere.

The region holds VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) status, and wines bearing the Prince Edward County appellation must meet strict standards for grape sourcing and production. When you buy a bottle with the PEC designation, you know the grapes were grown in County soil.

Planning Your Wine Trail Visit

For a first visit, plan to stop at three or four wineries over a half-day. This gives you enough time to taste, talk with the staff, and enjoy the drive between stops without feeling rushed. If you try to hit more than five in a single day, the experiences start to blur together.

Start with one of the better-known producers to get a feel for the County style, then branch out to smaller or newer wineries where you might discover something unexpected. Talk to the tasting room staff and ask for recommendations. The County wine community is tight-knit, and people are happy to point you toward hidden gems.

Build your wine trail visit into a broader weekend itinerary that includes village exploring, beach time, and the County's excellent local food scene. Wine is one thread in the County's fabric, and it is best enjoyed as part of the bigger picture. The trail is always there, winding through the vineyards, waiting for you to slow down and follow it.