Welcome Spring with Wines from the Grange of Prince Edward

Prince Edward County is close enough to provide an ideal weekend getaway or a leisurely vacation destination. The region offers spectacular views of Lake Ontario, numerous wineries and great restaurants.

I recently attended a tasting of wines from The Grange of Prince Edward Winery and was delighted to taste several products from their latest releases. The vineyards at the Grange have been undergoing a rejuvenation process since 2021, and the new releases showcase the richly varied terroir of their vineyards. The wines are a tribute to the versatility and maturity of these vines and represent several of the grape varietals that grow well in Ontario. The Grange spans 135 acres in Hillier, Ontario, with over 40 acres of vines planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Cabernet Franc. The Grange’s plantings represent some of the oldest in the region.

Here are my recommendations from the impressive range of wines offered by the Grange:

Farmer’s Series Almanac White 2025
Prince Edward County, VQA Ontario

A semi-dry blend of Riesling and Chardonnay, this was a delightful discovery. It offers a fragrant citrus and tree fruit nose, with a vibrant palate that gives bright notes of Meyer lemon, lime zest, ripe pear, apple and white florals. The acidity ties it all together and leads into a crisp finish. An excellent sipper as you enjoy those first meals on the patio.

Semi-dry • 13.5% • $12.55 • winery direct

Estate Series Pinot Gris 2025
Prince Edward County, VQA Ontario

This is a wine that’s well worth getting acquainted with. It’s quite rich for a white wine, at 13.5% alcohol by volume. The nose opens with pretty white florals, Asian pear, peach, apricot and subtle mineral aspects. The satiny palate gives ripe apricot, mandarin orange and minerality, and this finely balanced wine has excellent acidity and an elegant finish. It’s versatile with a variety of foods, including Thai curry, Vietnamese summer rolls, Indian butter chicken and soft, creamy cheeses such as Brie or goat cheese.

Dry • 13.5% • LCBO Vintages# 69336 • $28.45

Estate Series Riesling 2025
Prince Edward County, VQA Ontario

Riesling is a grape variety that does well in Ontario and this wine is a wonderful example. The nose is fragrant, with green apple, lemon, lime, starfruit and wet stone, leading to a more fruit-driven palate that highlights a delicious tart mango flavour. The minerality is very subtle and in excellent balance with the other elements. Enjoy this dry style of Riesling paired with sushi, ceviche or light vegetable dishes.

Dry • 11.5% • $25.20 • winery direct

Estate Series Pinot Noir 2024
Prince Edward County, VQA Ontario

I fell in love with this mouthwatering Estate Series Pinot Noir at first sip! You’ll find complex tart cherry, ripe strawberry, fresh beet, with savoury tea leaves and earthy forest floor notes on the nose and silky-smooth palate. The tannins are soft and the wine gives an elegant finish. Pinot Noir gives many options for food pairings, from roast duck, turkey, lamb chops, to seafood stew and even rich Black Forest Cake.

Dry • 12.5% • $28.80 • winery direct

Aurelia Series Cabernet Franc 2023
Prince Edward County, VQA Ontario

Cab Franc is another varietal that does well in Ontario. This premium example exhibits cherry and vegetal notes on the nose, leading to a bright and expressive palate that gives cherry, green pepper, earthy mushroom and black pepper. The mouthfeel is silky with finely balanced acidity and soft tannins, and the lingering finish is delicious. Pair it with grilled pork chops, Eggplant Parmigiana or classic cheddar cheese.

Dry • 13% • $58.50 • winery direct

Aurelia Series Syrah 2024
Prince Edward County, VQA Ontario

This extra-dry Syrah has a beautiful nose that offer black cherry, blackberry and plum with savoury dried herb, leather, pepper and dark chocolate. The palate replays these notes in a rich, silky mouthfeel. The long finish echoes the plummy and herbal notes. Enjoy this beauty with rack of lamb or prime roast beef.

Extra dry • 13% • $58.50 • winery direct

The Grange is committed to hosting culinary experiences that focus on locally sourced farm-to-table ingredients. During late spring and summer, you can eat outdoors, where food trucks offer casual dining with local fare. During the late fall and winter months, it hosts indoor dining, with a mouthwatering menu. The Grange hosts weddings, corporate retreats and private events. Their 200-year-old barn, with its 30-foot fieldstone fireplace, has been converted into the winery and event space, situated nestled amongst the vineyards and overlooking quiet fields and scenic gardens. All year round, The Grange is an ideal spot for wine lovers and foodies to indulge their passion!

For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com

Header image: Courtesy Grange of Prince Edward County