Written by Hillary Robert, Broker at RE/MAX Quinte Ltd., Brokerage
You may be thinking to yourself… “Why is a real estate agent writing a blog post about Prince Edward County wines?” And you’re not wrong to question that.
Long days, tough negotiations, and the occasional existential crisis tend to go down a little easier with a glass of something good. I’m not a big drinker, but when you live, work, and play in Prince Edward County, it’s hard not to notice the sheer number of vineyards surrounding you. We’re Ontario’s fastest-growing wine region, so good wine, good company, and great beaches are kind of what we do best.
This is not a sponsored post, and none of the wineries mentioned here know that I’m writing this. It’s just a fun, unofficial list of the local wines I enjoyed most this year (2025), based on a few casual weekend tastings while exploring my own backyard and long nights of wanting to pull my hair out.
Why yes, that is orange juice in my glass. Use your imagination.
Why Prince Edward County is a Wine Lover’s Dream
Prince Edward County, or “The County,” is a cool-climate wine region with limestone-rich soil and breezy lakeside conditions that produce bright, complex wines. The area’s winemakers are known for their creativity and small-batch craftsmanship, resulting in bottles that reflect both the land and the local character.
See, Mom, that fully credited wine course I took in college paid off! It sounds like I know what I’m talking about.
The region’s growth has been huge for the local economy and tourism, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to sip, savour, and shop their way through the countryside. Beyond wine, PEC’s charm lies in its small-town hospitality, boutique tasting rooms, and breathtaking landscapes, from Wellington to Waupoos.
If you’re planning to make PEC your home, or second home, you can browse listings here. But this post isn’t about that.
1. Three Dog Winery: Doghouse Rosé
I’m not a rosé person. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. The fact that this not only makes the list but also tops it should tell you something.
When I tried the Doghouse Rosé in a wine flight at Three Dog Winery, I expected to politely sip, smile, and move on. Instead, I was caught off guard in the best way. It is light, smooth, and not overly dry. It tastes like adult fruit juice with a refreshing not-too-sweet twist. Perfect for hot summer evenings with friends, and even better paired with pasta, BBQ hot dogs, or a splash of soda water for a refreshing spritzer.
This wine doesn’t just convert “non-rosé people,” it redeems the entire category.
2. Sugarbush Vineyards: Maple Red
If you’ve ever bought or sold a home with me, there’s a good chance you’ve already tried this wine, because it’s one of my go-to client gifts.
Sugarbush’s Maple Red is exactly what it sounds like: a sweet, cozy, truly Canadian red infused with locally sourced maple. It’s not available at the LCBO as far as I’m aware, so it’s a true County gem you have to pick up in person.
I don’t think it’s a dessert wine, technically, but honestly, it is very sweet, so it lends itself well to that purpose. Think of it as the perfect “bridge wine,” ideal for those getting into reds but who still prefer something smooth and sweet. This is my cozy-night-by-the-fireplace wine. Every few months, I stop by Sugarbush and quietly grab a case (or three) to gift to friends, clients, and even other REALTORS®.
It’s comfort in a bottle, and it’s one of my favourite uniquely PEC wines.
3. Broken Stone Winery: Pinot Noir
If you’re a red wine fan, Broken Stone’s Pinot Noir is what you dream of when you think, “I could go for a glass of red.” It goes well with red meat, strong cheese, and dark chocolate… Maybe not at the same time.
It’s full of flavour but not heavy, fruity without being sweet, and smooth enough to enjoy on its own or with a good meal. To me, this is the red wine that defines “a glass after a long day.” It is my definition of a classic and easy-to-drink red wine.
The vineyard itself is charming and refreshingly unpretentious, which is getting harder to find in the County. Not to knock other vineyards, I’m just a low-key kind of person. It is a little quieter than some of the larger, touristy wineries. It’s the kind of place where you can still chat with the people behind the counter and enjoy the peace that makes PEC special.
To wrap it up…
There are over 40 wineries in Prince Edward County, and this list barely scratches the surface. But if you’re looking for a starting point, or a few new bottles to add to your own local lineup, these three wines are worth a try.
I’ll continue to explore (for research purposes, of course), and this list may change next year. But for now, these are the wines that made my 2025 a little more enjoyable.
Here’s to great wine, local flavour, and the community that makes PEC such a special place to live, work, and sip.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, and I’m not an influencer. None of the vineyards mentioned know I’m writing this, and all opinions are entirely my own. I’m not a sommelier, just a local REALTOR® who appreciates a good glass of wine after a long day in the County.
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