PEC in Fall

Many locals will tell you that fall is the best season in Prince Edward County. The summer crowds thin, the air turns cool, the vineyards shift from green to gold and red, and the harvest brings a fresh energy to the farms and wineries. From early September through late October, the county is at its most photogenic and its most rewarding for visitors who appreciate food, wine and natural beauty.

September

September is a transition month. The first two weeks feel like an extension of summer, with warm days, swim-temperature water and long evenings. The beaches are quieter because Ontario schools are back in session, which makes this one of the best times for beach visits if you have the flexibility.

The grape harvest begins in September. Vineyards shift into their busiest work season, with crews picking grapes and winemakers beginning the crush. Visiting a winery during harvest is a completely different experience than a summer tasting room visit. The energy is higher, the aromas are stronger and there is a sense of purpose in the air that captures what wine country is really about.

Farm stands are at their peak in September. Tomatoes, corn, peppers, apples and squash fill the roadside tables. The weekly farmers market in Picton is at its best, with the widest variety of produce and products.

October

October is colour season. The county's maple, oak and sumac trees turn brilliant shades of orange, red and yellow. The vineyards add their own colour, with vine leaves shifting to gold against the dark soil. The combination of agricultural colour and natural forest colour is uniquely beautiful.

The wine trail is at its best in October. Many wineries release new vintages, hold harvest events and offer special tastings. The County Road Wine Trail drive through Hillier and Closson Road in October, with coloured vineyards on both sides and the smell of fermenting grapes in the air, is one of the great seasonal drives in Ontario.

Apple picking in the Waupoos area and at orchards around the county is a popular fall activity. The orchards are scenic, the apples are fresh and the cider houses are producing their seasonal batches. A morning of apple picking followed by an afternoon on the wine trail is a classic PEC fall day.

Temperatures in October range from warm days in the low teens to crisp mornings near freezing. Layers are essential. The warmest afternoons feel like a gift, and the cold nights make a fireplace or wood stove at your rental property very welcome.

Late Fall

November marks the transition from fall to winter. Most farm stands close, and the tasting room schedules begin to wind down to winter hours. The colour is gone from the trees but the landscape has a spare beauty that appeals to photographers and quiet seekers.

Restaurant menus shift to heartier fare. Root vegetables, squash, game and braised dishes replace the lighter summer plates. Dining in the county during late fall is a warming, satisfying experience.

Where to Stay

Fall accommodation is easier to book than summer, but September and October weekends still fill up, especially during harvest events and colour season. Midweek stays offer the best availability and the best value.

Vineyard guesthouses are the ideal base for a fall visit focused on wine. Country retreats put you in the middle of the fall landscape. Picton and Bloomfield offer village bases with walking access to restaurants and shops.

What to Pack

Layers. Mornings and evenings are cool to cold. Afternoons can be surprisingly warm, especially in September. A light jacket, a warmer layer for evenings and comfortable walking shoes cover most situations. Rain gear is advisable, as fall weather can be changeable.

A camera. Fall in Prince Edward County provides more photographic opportunities per kilometre of road than almost anywhere in Ontario. The light, the colour and the open landscape combine to create images that look like they were staged.