The fastest growing wine region in Ontario is Prince Edward County. Having visited here many times over the years I’ve found new wineries popping up each year which is one of the reasons I keep coming back. This is your 2023 list of the best wineries Prince Edward County has to offer! And, they just all happen to be dog friendly wineries too!
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About Prince Edward County Wineries
Prince Edward County, or PEC, as it is often referred to, or the locals simply call it “The County,” is one of Ontario’s hottest getaway destinations. There are so many reasons why – one definitely is because of the wine.
The County, long known for its fruit-producing, is considered small in terms of overall wine production. Not, unlike the Niagara Peninsula where Niagara wineries and Niagara on the Lake wineries, is Ontario’s largest and most famous wine region. Despite its smaller size, it has earned a reputation for producing exceptional wines. The climate and limestone soil makes it perfect for Burgundian varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producing some of the best wines from Prince Edward County. So, it’s time to check out some of the best wineries in Prince Edward County!
8 Best Wineries Prince Edward County
#1 Hillier Creek Estates Winery
Hillier Creek is located in a scenic setting in the village of Hillier. What makes this winery a little extra special – is its history. Sip on a delicious oaked Chardonnay and listen as the hostess tells you all about the land that was granted after the War of 1812 to an army doctor who was the first to administer the smallpox vaccine to soldiers. The land was farmed and its century-old barn was completely restored and now serves as the tasting room and event space.
Go to Hillier Creek for…
- the tasting room in their historic barn
- award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- wood fire pizza oven
- dog friendly, and you might even meet the owners’ golden doodles
Address: 46 Stapleton Road, Hillier
#2 Hinterland Wine Company
Hinterland is located in a former dairy barn. This unassuming barn space is best visited during the warmer weather when you can sip on their patio. Regardless of the season, don’t pass this one by as their sparkling wines are delicious. One sip and you’ll be transported to the Champagne region in France. So good in fact that a couple of bottles always come home with me every time I’m in The County (earning them the best winery in Prince Edward County).
Go to Hinterland for…
- best wineries in PEC for sparkling wines – especially try Borealis Charmat, Rosé Traditional, and Ancestral method
- dog friendly
Address: 1258 Closson Road, RR#1 Hillier
#3 Grange of Prince Edward County Winery
Grange Winery is located in a beautiful setting. Take the long driveway under the canopy of trees until you see the dark-stained barn at the end. The overgrown grasses are wild and natural, which is all part of this winery’s charm. Enjoy a tasting by the glass in front of a cozy fire or stroll the grounds in the summer.
Go to Grange for…
- rustic country setting
- Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- dog friendly, with lots of space for them to roam
Address: 990 Closson Road, Hillier
#4 Closson Chase Wineries
Closson Chase is instantly recognizable by its bright purple barn. I couldn’t think of a more perfect setting to enjoy a wine tasting flight in a beautiful garden setting surrounded by their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. We are greeted by the host who graciously spoke about each wine in detail. That led us to buy their 2015 Closson Chase Churchside Pinot Noir which was the perfect choice for a charcuterie board, just as she recommended.
Go to Closson Chase for…
- instagrammable purple barn Prince Edward County has and garden setting
- Chardonnay and Pinot Gris and noir wines
- knowledgeable sommelier and host
- dog friendly
Address: 629 Closson Road, Hillier
#5 Rosehall Run Vineyards
Rosehall Run is one of the longest operating wineries in The County. You’ll notice their wines being offered at many of the top local eateries, including the sought-after The Drake Devonshire, and Vintner’s Daughter was made exclusively for their restaurant. Rosehall Run features many award-winning wines so I highly recommend a flight tasting so you can sample as many as you can.
Go to Rosehall for…
- wide selection of quality wines
- Pinot Noir and Cabernet
- dog friendly
Address: 1243 Greer Road, Wellington
#6 Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard
Norman Hardie is well-known in The County for two things – its wine and its outdoor pizza oven and patio. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay awhile. Their menu has expanded to include fresh PEI oysters, so come here with an appetite because you don’t want to pass up their wine pairings with their delicious food options.
Go to Norman Hardie for…
- outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard
- Chardonnay
- pizza, mussels, and more – earning my vote for the best winery restaurants Prince Edward County might have
- dog friendly at the tasting bar, not on the dining patio
Address: 1152 Greer Road, Wellington
#7 Karlo Estates
Karlo Estates is the friendliest winery I’ve visited in The County. Come here for the experience. Sip, and linger in the centuries-old barn, or perhaps an outdoor country picnic is your preference, either way, you will be taken care of. Afterward, take a stroll through the vineyards to the picturesque stone bridge. Enjoy an evening in their speakeasy lounge offering live entertainment, food, and drinks.
Go to Karlo for…
- warm welcome and a fun experience
- relaxing wine tasting atmosphere and very dog friendly
- award-winning wine, splurge on Sextus which gets all 6 of the best varieties in one bottle (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère)
Address: 51 Danforth Road, Wellington
#8 Waupoos Estates Winery
Waupoos offers a stunning location as the vineyards gently slope towards Lake Ontario. There is no better view than at this winery. Waupoos offers it all – a restaurant, accommodations in a century-old farmhouse, wedding and event space, and a gazebo building at the water’s edge with panoramic views of Lake Ontario. Although this winery is about 30 km away from the others, it is worth the drive. I enjoyed the Red Rabbit, a full-bodied fruity red, and my husband was pleasantly surprised by the ciders.
Go to Waupoos for…
- amazing amenities
- stunning panoramic views of Lake Ontario
- ciders
- known as the oldest winery in Prince Edward County
- dog friendly except for the restaurant
Address: 3016 County Road 8, Picton
Wine Routes in Prince Edward County
Here are three suggested wine routes for visiting these top wineries Prince Edward County based on their proximity. The only featured winery that is a bit outside of the others is Waupoos. But don’t let distance stop you from going there, it’s worth it!
Route #1:
- Hillier to Hinterland is 4.4km
- Hinterland to Grange is 1.4km
- Grange to Closson Chase is 1.6km
Route #2:
- Rosehall Run to Norman Hardie is 600m
- Norman Hardie to Karlo is 6.4km
Route #3:
- Hillier to Norman Hardie is 5.3kms
- Norman Hardie to Rosehall is 600m
- Option to add Karlo or add route #1 starting with Hinterland
Be sure to check out each winery’s hours of operation as they change frequently due to the seasons throughout the year.
Plan your Trip to Prince Edward County
Tour Prince Edward County wineries for the day or as a weekend getaway. Other best PEC wineries that are not dog friendly but still worth visiting are Huff Estates Winery, Old Third, Black Prince Winery, Casa-Dea Winery & Banquet, and Sandbanks Winery.
Plan your trip to Prince Edward County with the help of these guides.
Accommodations:
- 14 Best Airbnb Properties in PEC
- Easterbrook – a French Country Stay (Airbnb)
- The Coach House (Airbnb)
Top Things to Do:
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FAQ
What wine is Prince Edward County known for?
Prince Edward County is known for producing some of the best wines for Burgundian varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir due to the climate and limestone soil.
How many vineyards are in Prince Edward County?
Prince Edward County has close to 40 wineries each with its own specialties, character, and charm. There are even dog friendly wineries like Hinterland and Hillier.
As a Holidaymaker
There you have it, the top dog friendly wineries Prince Edward County has to offer! I love how each year there are more and more new winemakers in The County, each one offering something a bit unique. It makes this area of Ontario a popular day trip or a weekend getaway. I love returning to this laid-back, dog-friendly destination that offers so many top things to see and do.
