As Canadians we know that every season is patio season! And that includes our below 0 degrees celsius snowy winters. But some outdoor spaces are better suited to the cold weather than others. In true County style, I’ve embraced the winter season over the past few years and explored all the outdoor drinking options. Here are my favourite winter patios in Prince Edward County.
The Gillingham Beer Garden is absolute winter patio perfection! Gillingham’s beer garden offers seasonal beer, local food, fresh shucked oysters and wine from neighbour Domain Darius. All this deliciousness is enjoyed in a really fun atmosphere with good tunes and all the cool locals. And don’t worry about the cold! Gillingham’s has fire tables, lots of heaters, a huge bonfire and cozy blankets. If your dog can handle the cold, they are also very pup friendly. The Beer Garden is open Friday to Sunday 12-5pm.
Just up the road from Gillingham’s is Sugarbush Vineyards. Rent or bring your own snowshoes for a beautiful walk through their winter trail. And then reward yourself with an outdoor wine tasting! Their ‘Almost Red’ wine is a must try. Try to snag a seat around the fireball! Snowshoe rental and wine or hot chocolate is $20. Sugarbush is open for snowshoeing and wine tasting on Saturdays and Sundays from 11-4pm.
If you like to mix in winter activities with your patio drinks, than Parsons in your place! This winter Parsons has a new covered ice rink that’s very well maintained. There’s a weekly rink schedule available on their website, but weekends are for family skating with no pucks. After a spin around the ice warm up by the bonfire with a nice beer. The outdoor kitchen is also open with delicious snacks, warm drinks and s’more kits.
Three Dog Winery has it all! Snowshoeing, bon fire, local food pop-ups, heated pergolas and great wine. Plus the winter views here are absolutely beautiful! For the month of February, the County Canteen is doing a pop-up kitchen – if you see beef bourguignon yorkshire pudding bowls on the menu, trust me an order it. And next month Three Dog Winery will be celebrating Maple Madness with maple themed waffles and food every weekend.
If you’re a little weary of bearing the cold for a winter patio, Karlo Estates Winery is where you need to go. Karlo has a beautiful covered patio and offers fire-side wine by the glass or tastings. Wine bar snacks, including dairy free cheese and plant based charcuterie, are available to enjoy alongside your wine. But if winter patios are still not your vibe, you can head down to the coziest wine lounge you’ve ever been too! Make sure to make reservations ahead.
Cheers!
Girl Drinks Wine 