If you live in Toronto (or Ottawa, or Montreal) allow me to introduce you to Prince Edward County: the Sonoma of the North. There are tons of hidden gems like the Sandbanks, with rolling sand dunes and crystal clear water; world-class wineries and vineyards; Lake on the Mountain, a natural phenomenon that will blow your mind; cute shops, ice cream, a native reserve and in late August, The Drake Hotel is slated to open their new location right on the lake. #DrakeDev
The county, as it’s known colloquially, is home to Norman Hardie‘s winery – he’s sorta famous. If you go, make sure you try these two wines: Calcaire and the County Pinot Noir. And be sure to eat the sausage pizza! A Terroni ex-pat mans the wood burning oven so you’re in good hands.
A smaller, more boutique winery to spend an afternoon at is the newly opened Terracello winery. Owners Antonio and Daniela are so welcoming, immediately whipping up delicious pizzas and salsiccia schiacciata panini that pair perfectly with their award-winning Boca Nera wine (if you can get your hands on it – this year’s batch is already sold out). Eating al fresco and an impromptu sun shower felt like I was back in Tuscany, minus Raoul Bova. It’s hard to believe all of this is going on just south of Belleville.
NB: If you do end up travelling to the county, be sure to message me for directions to the “secret” beach.
Be sure to follow Joe Haché for all the Prince Edward County wine news at www.princeedwardcountywineries.com
Great photos!
.. but those sunglasses are horrendous.
Great post. So nice to see local treasures highlighted.