Guide to a Romantic Summer Weekend in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is such a magical place. It’s the perfect destination for a couples getaway. You get the peace and quiet of the country combined with all the culture and activities the County has to offer. No matter what you do it will be a great weekend with your significant other. But there are some particular places that will add that touch of romance to your trip. Find these special spots in my guide to a romantic summer weekend in Prince Edward County.

Friday

Start your romantic weekend sipping wine in the vineyard at Broken Stone Winery for their Cinq à Sept. From 5-7pm every Friday evening, Broken Stone’s Cinq à Sept offers a featured wine (or wine of your choice) by the glass with a local hors d’oeuvres pairing and live music. You can reserve your spot ahead here.

After a very enjoyable happy hour, it’s time for a beautiful sunset dinner. Head up to The Miller House restaurant at Lake on the Mountain Resort. The Miller House has one of the County’s most picturesque views. And it’s especially gorgeous at sunset! They don’t take reservations, but it is worth the wait. Once seated, order some tapas, sip a glass of local wine (or beer from their brewery!) and soak in that gorgeous view. Your getaway is off the a great start!

Saturday

Saturday morning you’re off to Bloomfield for a lovely traditional breakfast at The Saylor House Cafe. The Saylor House Cafe has the cutest patio where you can cozy up at a small table and enjoy your breakfast together under the trees with the pretty morning sounds of the birds. The cafe uses all local ingredients and makes the most delicious scratch-made baked goods! After breakfast take a stroll through the shops on Bloomfield, and maybe pick up something to remember your trip. There are a few antique shops close by.

Your daytime activities are going to start with a honey wine tasting on the mead terrace at Millefleurs. Millefleurs is a lavender farm and meadery just outside of Wellington on the shores of Lake Ontario. You can stroll through their lavender fields and then enjoy a honey wine tasting on the beautiful mead terrace. Celtic tradition has it that mead brings success, happiness and fertility to a marriage!

For lunch, enjoy THE BEST pizza in the County at TerraCello Winery. Tony, owner and head winemaker, makes his wood oven Neapolitan style pizzas using all fine imported Italian ingredients. Enjoy your pizza with a glass of TerraCella’s handcrafted natural wine on the outdoor patio nestled between the vines. The food, the wine and the atmosphere will seriously make you feel like you’ve been transported to Italy!

End your day with a wine tasting and stroll through the sculpture garden at Huff Estates Winery. They’re currently offering a flight of three wines for tasting on their patio overlooking the vineyards. I love the Huff Merlot, and of course their Rosés. After your tasting, visit the Huff Estates Oeno Gallery Sculpture Garden. Meander through the paths of the 4-acre garden and take in all of the impressive installations. The Oeno Sculpture Garden is one of those special County experiences.

Make a reservation ahead for dinner at East & Main Bistro in Wellington. Try to get a spot on the patio – it’s so cozy and intimate. Perfect for a romantic Saturday night dinner! East & Main serves fine dining and luxury comfort food favourites using local ingredients. The menu is seasonal and always changing, but the dishes are consistently delicious. They also have a very extensive wine list with lots of local PEC options.

If you’re up for it, and I highly encourage it, spend your evening at the drive-in theatre. The Mustang Drive-In is so much fun! Cozy up in your car and enjoy a double feature under the County stars. And the snack bar is open for all your favourite classic movie snacks. The Mustang is only open until September 5, so get there while you can!

Sunday

The last day of your romantic weekend is going to be a memorable one! First, pick-up a picnic lunch for two from the Agrarian Market in Picton. You can reserve ahead by emailing or calling. Then head up to Waupoos for brunch at the new Stella’s Eatery location. The menu is seasonal and filled with locally sourced and foraged ingredients. You may want to pick up a bottle of wine for your next adventure. After brunch, you’re off for a romantic sailing cruise with County Sailing Adventures! The private cruise departs from Waupoos Marina and sails the crystal clear waters of South Bay. You can anchor at Love’s Cove for swim and to enjoy your picnic lunch. Book ahead – there is still some availability for this summer. It’s the perfect experience to end your romantic summer weekend in Prince Edward County!

Cheers!~GDW

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Weekend Itinerary for the Best Girl’s Summer Getaway in Prince Edward County

I used to make a trip to Prince Edward County every summer with my girlfriends and it was so much fun! Now, I love hosting my friends for girl’s weekends at our lake house in the County. We always make time for wineries, restaurants, the beach and a little shopping! There’s so much to do in the County, so it can sometimes be difficult to create a weekend itinerary. It was tough, but I’ve narrowed down what I think are the best spots for you to enjoy with your girlfriends this summer! Read on for my weekend itinerary for the best girl’s summer getaway in Prince Edward County.

Friday

On your way into the County, your first stop has to be The County Emporium! They carry everything to make your girls weekend the best. Pick-up matching rompers, local goodies and a few bottles of wine. Maybe even stay for one of their delicious wine slushes to get your weekend started!

If you have time before your accommodation check-in, head down the road to Redtail Vineyards for your first wine tasting of the weekend. Redtail has some of my favourite wines in the County! Definitely make sure to try their Rosé, Field Hand Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. They also make some really fun Piquette’s that are perfect to pick-up for the weekend.

I realize it’s difficult to get accommodation anywhere in the County this summer, but if you can book a room at The June Motel I think it’s the absolute best place to stay for a girls getaway! Friday night dinner will be at the popular Drake Devonshire in Wellington. It’s one of the only places to stay open kind of late in the County, so also stay for some drinks! You can now make reservations for indoor dining, or take your chances for patio seating. Either way it’s a fun vibe, great food and yummy drinks!

Saturday

Spend your Saturday morning in Picton. There are lots of great spots to get good coffee. You can choose from Beacon Bike & Brew, The Bean Counter, Miss Lily’s Cafe, or the Agrarian Market. If you go to the Agrarian Market, make sure to pick up one (or two!) of the almond croissants – they are the best! Enjoy your coffee and treat while browsing the stores on Picton Main Street. Some of my favourites include Books & Company, The Ye11ow Studio, PEC T-Shirt Company, Gilbert & Lighthall, Kelly’s, and City Revival.

Then it’s off for an afternoon of wine tasting! Start at Closson Chase for a wine tasting in the beautiful garden. Make sure to get a group pic with the fun purple barn! Enjoy a delicious lunch at their new restaurant Au Verre by The Marans (on of my favourite restaurants in the County!). Their menu has lots of vegetarian options and many Closson Chase wines to choose from. Just down the road, you’re onto the Grange of Prince Edward Winery next. They are not doing tastings this summer, but you can get a glass of Grange wine or a cocktail from the Old Salt Cocktails pop-up. Enjoy your drink overlooking the beautiful vineyards and property. A very instagrammable location for those wine country pics! Your last stop of the day will be at Hinterland Winery. Toast to your day with a flight or glass of sparkling wine!

Saturday night dinner is at The Lakeside Motel. And with the views and vibe you’re definitely going to want to stay for drinks! The Lakeside Motel is in Wellington and has a gorgeous patio with the best views of Lake Ontario. As the sun sets, the string lights come on and the DJ starts her set. A great place to spend a Saturday night in the County!

Sunday

Start off your leisure Sunday at Cape Vineyards with a picnic brunch. Their Sunday brunch picnic special comes with two sandwiches and a salad. Best part is the bottle of Gypsy Lola Sparkling Red or Cressy Sparkling Cider that’s included! Make sure not to miss their cute animals at the winery farm.

Spend the rest of your Sunday at the beautiful The Beach Club at Wander Resort. The Beach Club is located just outside of Wellington on a pristine 2 acre waterfront white sand beach. Purchase your lounge package ahead of time which includes access to daybeds, loungers and umbrellas. You’ll also have access to towel service, onsite snack purchase and kayak/paddle board rentals. And there is live music daily from 4-7pm. The beach is unlicensed but you can BYOB – the perfect opportunity to taste some of that wine you’ve purchased. I cannot think of a better way to end your Girl’s Summer Getaway Weekend in Prince Edward County!

Cheers!~GDW

How to Spend a Covid Safe Weekend in the Prince Edward County This Summer

Your accommodation is booked and face mask ready for a weekend in Prince Edward County this summer! There are so many things to do and see (and taste!) in the County, but which are going to be the most fun and most safe? The County is welcoming tourists with all the covid precautions in place, so be at ease that you’re in safe hands whatever you choose to do. There are, though, particular wineries that have extra large spaced out tasting areas; restaurants that are taking patio reservations; and outdoor activities that are less busy. With these kind of places in mind, I’ve put together an itinerary for how to spend a covid safe weekend in the Prince Edward County this summer.

Friday

After you’ve arrived in the County and checked into your accommodation, head into Wellington to pick up take-out from La Condesa. They make delicious Mexican food – order to tuna tostada, you will not regret it! You can also pick up wine, beer and pre-made cocktails at the restaurant to enjoy alongside your tacos. And if your up for it, tequila freezies are available for dessert! Whatever you choose, make sure to call ahead to order and set-up a pick-up time. Then bring your La Condesa takeout to the Wellington Rotary Beach for a beautiful sunset dinner. The beach is free entry on weekdays.

Saturday

On Saturday morning, head back into Wellington. The earlier you go, the less busy it will be! Pick-up breakfast from Piccoilna Mercato or Hello Bonjour Cafe. Piccolina’s has all the Italian baked goods, but if you’re looking for something healthier choose from the many vegan and gluten free options at Hello Bonjour. Both have coffee! Bring your breakfast to the Wellington Park to eat overlooking Lake Ontario. The park has an amazing playground if you have kids, lots of picnic tables and access down to the water. Next to the park is the Wellington Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday from 9am – 1pm. There are lots of local vendors to check out and lots of goodies to pick-up to enjoy later or take home.

Hopefully you’ve worked up an appetite, because it’s off to J.K. Fries for lunch. Jamie Kennedy and his team make the best fries! Everything is ordered outside the barn with lots of open space to enjoy your lunch in the most idyllic county setting. If you like poutine, trust me and order it – it’s unlike any poutine you’ve had before!

Now it’s time for some wine tasting! Start at Rosehall Run, who have a big outdoor tasting area overlooking the vineyard. You have to make a reservation for a tasting ahead of time, which means it won’t be too busy. Rosehall Run is known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, so definitely make sure to taste those. And I absolutely love their Pixie Sparkling Rosé! Next up is the fun Sugarbush Vineyards, where you’ll find an expansive outdoor tasting area with lots of well spaced out tables. This was the first winery I ventured out to after the lockdown last year! Sugarbush has a large wine menu that will satisfy both the red and white wine lovers. Whichever tasting you choose, make sure to try my favourite, the Almost Red. And last but not least is a brewery! Finish off your tasting adventure at Slake Brewing. Slake Brewing is a new brewery to the County that offers some of the best tasting (and best looking!) summer beers. Their large outdoor drinking area also offers some of the best views in the County!

After a busy day I’m sure you will be ready for a nice dinner at Sand & Pearl. Sand & Pearl serves up delicious seafood, local fish dishes and a daily selection of oysters. Sand & Pearl is open til 8pm and reservations have to be made ahead. Enjoy your dinner at one of the picnic tables in their large outdoor dining area at the back of the restaurant. They’ll likely have a large bonfire going around dinner time!

Sunday

On Sunday, head into Consecon for breakfast at the Honey House Cafe. Get the breakfast sandwich, you will not regret it! Just up the street from Honey House Cafe is North Beach Provincial Park where you can spend the day relaxing at the beach. North Beach has everything you love about Sandbanks, but is typically way less busy. The park offers a sandy beach with beautiful turquoise water set in a sheltered cove from Lake Ontario. On it’s other side is a sand beach on North Bay, with lots of shallow water great for kids. To guarantee your spot into the beach, book your day-use permit up to 5 days in advance of your visit using the new provincial parks reservation system. On your way out of the County, Tabersnack is a great place to fuel up before your drive home. There are lots of food options at Tabersnack, but their traditional poutine is my favourite!

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Redtail 2018 Sparkling Riesling

I don’t know what took me so long to try this popular sparkling wine, but I’m so glad I finally did! The Redtail 1028 Sparkling Riesling is a beautiful example of Ontario bubbly. Made in the Charmat method, the Redtail Sparkling Riesling has lots of depth, complexity and a lovely lingering mousse. You’ll find bright flavours of yellow apple and lemon meringue pie with a clean finish. I paired this wine with baked mac and cheese, but it can certainly be enjoyed on it’s own as an aperitif or with a weekend brunch. The Redtail Sparkling Riesling is on sale right now for $17.00 through the winery’s online shop. And trust me, after one sip of the Redtail Sparkling Riesling, you are going to want to stock up!

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Pixie Petite Rosé Spritzer

The new Rosehall Run Pixie Petite Rosé Spritzer is the best wine from I can I’ve tasted. I’m obsessed! This isn’t too surprising since the Pixie Petite Rosé Spritzer is made from Rosehall Run’s popular pink bubbly, Pixie, a Vidal and Pinot Noir blend. Pop open a can of the Pixie Petite and you’ll taste a wine bursting with flavours of strawberry, peach and citrus with a pretty petite fizziness. Because the Pixie Petite is a spritzer there are some lovely added bonuses – only 150 calories, 7 grams of sugar and 5.5% alcohol. Absolutely perfect for beach days, outdoor adventures or hanging out in the backyard. And trust me when I tell you that the Pixie Petite should be paired with your favourite snack foods. I’ve been loving it alongside a big bowl of sea salt chips! You can find the Rosehall Run Pixie Petite Rosé Spritzer at the winery online shop and the LCBO for $3.95. An excellent price point for a premium wine spritzer locally grown and crafted in Prince Edward County, Ontario!

Cheers!~GDW

5 Ontario Wines Perfect for Easter Weekend

We’re all likely having smaller Easter celebrations this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be festive! I’m going to be enjoying fish on Friday, rack of lamb on Saturday and ham for Sunday brunch. And, of course, all will be paired with delicious Ontario VQA wines! I’ve discovered some great “Easter” themed Ontario wines, with fun bunnies and blooms on the bottles. These 5 Ontario wines are absolutely perfect for Easter weekend!

The Hare Wine Company Jack Rabbit Red

Waupoos White Rabbit VQA

Foreign Affair Sparkling Rosé 2019

Pelee Island LOLA Pinot Grigio

The Grange Gamay Pinot ‘Bunny Wine’

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Redtail 2020 Gamay Rosé

I am so excited for the Redtail 2020 Gamay Rosé! The 2019 Rosé was my favourite pink drink last year. As was it many others, because it sold out in record speed! The Redtail 2020 Gamay Rosé is just as delicious as last years vintage. This Ontario Rosé has big juicy flavours of strawberry, watermelon and maraschino cherry. Pair the Redtail 2020 Gamay Rosé with chicken tacos, shrimp vermicelli and spicy curry dishes. Or, as the winery suggests, enjoy this wine chilled at your favourite beach! Order the Gamay Rosé through the Redtail online wine shop for $17. And order now before it sells out again!

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Traynor Ophelia Piquette ’20

I have another delicious low-alcohol wine for you! The 2020 Traynor Ophelia Piquette is only 7.2% alcohol, but packed with juicy flavour. Piquette is a low-alcohol wine made from grape pomace (left over grape skins, seeds and stems) and usually has a touch a fizz. It was traditionally enjoyed by French farmhands and vineyard workers, but has had quite the resurgence in popularity over the past few years! 2020 was the second year that Traynor Vineyard, in Prince Edward County, produced their Ophelia Piquette. This time around they added local apple cider, instead of water, and reduced the amount of sugar/acid added so that the wine is more concentrated. Traynor also used more red wine grapes, which gives the 2020 Ophelia Piquette it’s vibrant deep pink colour. Upon first sip of the Ophelia Piquette I knew it was going to become part of my regular wine rotation! This easy-drinking wine has bright flavours of raspberry, grapefruit and watermelon with a touch of funky earthiness. Order the Ophelia Piquette ’20 for $20.00 through the Traynor online wine shop.

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Redtail County Crush

Let’s start 2021 off with the fun new wine from Redtail Vineyards, the County Crush! Made with a blend of Hubbs Creek field fruit, this wine is made naturally with nothing added or taken away. The County Crush may be tiny but it packs a big punch of juicy flavours like raspberry, strawberry and cherry. And don’t let that candied pink colour fool you, the County Crush is extra dry with a crisp light fizziness. It comes in a totally crushable (and fun!) tiny bottle that I recommend enjoying on a winter walk, around the campfire or in the hot tub. The County Crush is already 50% sold out, so get your hands on some bottles soon! You can purchase for $8 a bottle, or $96 for a 12-pack, through the Redtail bottle shop or online store. It’s also available at several restaurant bottle shops in PEC, Ottawa and Toronto. Here’s a full list of retailers where you can find the County Crush!

Prince Edward County – Bermuda, The Brake Room, The County Emporium, The Lark, and Stella’s Eatery.

Toronto – Boxcar Social, Happy Coffee and Wine, and GDL Brasserie.

Ottawa – Cantina GIA, Corner Peach, Dominion City, Gitanes Burger, North Market Almonte, and Red Apron.

Collingwood – Low Down Bar.

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Loch Mór Cider Company Loyalist Spy

This week’s wine is actually a cider! I have to sneak one in from time to time. Especially during the cooler months when I really enjoy drinking cider. And especially when it comes from Loch Mór Cider Company. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Loch Mór cider is my favourite! Loch Mór Cider Company is an award winning cidery located in Prince Edward County. They make dry, elegant and naturally sparkling ciders using local apples. I seriously did not know cider could taste this good before trying Loch Mór ciders! The Loyalist Spy Cider is one of my favourites and perfect for the holiday and winter seasons. Made with five local apple varietals, the Loyalist Spy cider is extra dry with gentle bubbles and bright flavours. It pairs perfectly with all the best winter dishes like creamy vegetable soups, pot pies and turkey dinner. This cider is also really nice with sweeter dishes like apple pie, cinnamon pastries and gingerbread treats. Like I said, a very enjoyable drink for the holiday and winter seasons! Get a bottle while you still can at the winery or the online shop.

Cheers!~GDW