Prince Edward County – click to enlarge
Ontario – click to enlarge
Prince Edward County, often abbreviated as PEC, is located in southeastern Ontario, Canada, along the northern shores of Lake Ontario. The heart lies just south of Belleville and encompasses the County, Amherst Island and a narrow strip of land to the north. It shares the Ontario wine region with Niagara Peninsula and Lake Erie North Shore.
At a latitude of 44°N, this is Ontario’s most northern appellation and relies on the lake to provide a moderated and productive cool climate growing season.
Vineyards are typically located in areas that take advantage of lake breezes. Prevailing westerly winds traverse Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte, playing a crucial role in tempering temperatures. Particularly beneficial in the warmer summer periods, these breezes maintain an average temperature of approximately 22°C, providing enjoyable cooling relief on hotter days and warding off chilly nights.
The region’s terrain is uneven, with hills providing various angles for the vines to grow and valleys cutting into the limestone foundation. An inclined elevation from northeast to southwest is intersected by several elongated, gentle east-west ridges and sometimes steep, rugged cliffs. The rocky bluffs on the northern and eastern shores rise to a height of 30 m or more above Lake Ontario, while the western shore consists of numerous inlets with sandy beaches and vast sandbars that outline bodies of water such as West Lake and East Lake.
Due to its location and geography, Prince Edward County excels in producing cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Gamay, which all thrive here. Some wineries have also gained recognition for their Sparkling wines, crafted using traditional methods like those found in Champagne, France.
The limestone and stone-flecked clays produce low-yielding vines and wines of good length that express the minerality and complexity of the soils. White wines exhibit floral and herbal notes, along with a well-balanced acidity. The County showcases elegant Pinots with pronounced minerality on the finish.
