Did you know the Waupoos Estate Winery is more than just your average winery?

It offers more than just wine, in fact, it offers you a Candy Store, Restaurant, Patio, Cidery, Wedding Tent, Electric Car Parking, and lake shore seating.

There are main 8 reasons why you need to include this as a stop on your next visit to Prince Edward County.

The fact is we live 8 min from Waupoos and we have been here many times so we can tell you firsthand what to expect from the Waupoos Winery.

Exciting Main Features

18 different varieties of wine	Family-friendly
Dog friendly	Waterfront winery
Family friendly	100 acres
Weddings	Candy, chocolate, and gelato store
Chip truck	Farm to Table
Clafeld Cider House	Restaurant – Pre-fixed prices

It’s by far the biggest, most popular winery in Waupoos.

Although there are some other great wineries in this area we visit often like, Amanda’s Winery, The Cape, and Del-Gatto Estates that are close by also.

1. The Location is on Lake Ontario

Waupoos Estate Winery is a family-run winery located in Prince Edward County, Ontario. The winery was established in 1993 and is situated right on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

You can enjoy a glass of wine while taking a walk down to the water for a stunning view of Waupoos Island out in Lake Ontario.

The property is huge and invites guests to tour the 100 acres and take lots of pictures.

The vineyard really is something to see and there’s no shortage of grapes everywhere.

2. The Candy Store

Most people do not realize that the Waupoos Estates Winery is a candy store that sells candy and chocolate.

The candy store is owned by the winery making it a more family-friendly, popular stop.

The candy store sells candy, pop, chocolate, and gelato and is open all year round.

There are also lots of local goods for sale as well like cheese, honey, snack foods, and crafts.

3. Restaurant is Farm to Table

Farm-to table or Farm-to Fork means that the food served is sourced from their own far or local farms. This restaurant is located on a working farm, and the menu features seasonal ingredients that are grown on-site.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and reservations are recommended.

The restaurant has earned rave reviews from both locals and visitors, and it was recently named one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the country.

The Waupoos Winery Restaurant is a popular spot for visitors, serving up seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.

The Waupoos winery often participates in Countylicious where they offer a different menu to show off their culinary skills.

Check out this post that explains everything you need to know about Countylicious.

Restaurant Hours

Brunch Saturday, Sunday – 11am – 4pm Cost is fixed = $55

Lunch Wednesday, Friday 12pm – 4pm Cost is fixed = $55

Dinner
Wednesday, Saturday – 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost is fixed = $115 – 5 course meal
Note: Reservation is Required

I wanted to make sure I pointed this out. Make a reservation for dinner as it’s gets very, very busy through the summer months.

Not only the crowds but they need to prepare for the amount of people that are coming.

Servers can be a bit understandably slow when they are super busy.

Waupoos Restaurant Menu

4. The Seating and Patio Area

There are basically 3 seating options.

Inside Seating: You can choose to sit inside which is better for rainy, cool days. There are lots of seats and tables to choose from.

Patio Seating: The patio is attached to the restaurant and is not huge but it offers you seating outside in the sun.

Outside seating: This is a huge area loaded with tables and chairs in the back yard area. This area is mainly used for those who are enjoying a glass or bottle of wine.

The view is great as you look out at lake Ontario.

If you find the restaurant to be too expensive then I have a secret for you…

Secret #1– There is also a food truck in this area down by the water with lots of picnic tables.

Secret #2 – There is small seating area right on the water with seating for 4 people. We sit here, sip wine and watch the boats go to and from the Waupoos marina.

Outside Tasting Bar: This area has picnic table seating and has both fully covered and outside seating.

5. The Clafeld Cider House & Market

Located right across the road from the winery this is a popular and unique store.

You don’t have far to go as it’s situated on the same farm property that supplies the farm-to-table food for the restaurant.

This cidery and market offer a variety of local produce, meats, cheeses, and other products.

This county cider is made from 100% Waupoos apples which is very cool.

They also offer items like pickles, local maple syrup, kitchen gadgets, beeswax candles, and of course wine from across the street. 

Clafeld Cider House & Market also features a tasting room, where visitors can sample a variety of ciders and wines.

Each tasting costs $1. I recommend trying the following:

• BeeHave Cider
• Hey Lady Cider
• Dry Cider – My Fave!
• Wonderlust Cider

Clafeld Cider Hours

It’s open year-round, and the market outside is open from May to October.

• Monday- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
• Friday & Saturday 11 am-7 pm
• Sunday 11 am-5 pm

6. The Winery Wedding Tent

Waupoos Estates Winery is the perfect setting for a rustic, outdoor wedding. The grounds feature a beautiful and very large wedding tent, overlooking the vines and rolling hills.

• The wedding capacity is 160.
• You have the option to get married by the water or in the chapel.
• The tent has a stage for bands or DJs.
• Complimentary menu tasting for bride and groom.

The wedding tent is located in the heart of the vineyard, surrounded by grapevines and a view of lake Ontario.

The staff is experienced in hosting weddings and can help you plan every detail, from the ceremony to the reception.

You should also see this article about the 6 reasons to PEC for a wedding.

You can contact them HERE.

Waupoos Estates Winery is the perfect place to celebrate your love.

This is a beautiful setting for weddings and other special occasions.

7. Petting Zoo at the Farm

The farm located on the property has a petting zoo.

It’s sometimes closed but you can still approach the fence and pet any of the curious farm animals that come close.

I took my grandchildren here and they were still able to touch the goats and sheep through the fence.

Warning…it is a farm so be aware there is a barnyard smell. Just Saying!

Warning…I’d also suggest bringing wipes if you plan on touring around after petting farm animals.

8. Wine Tastings Inside and Out

There are 3 types of wine-tasting options available:

• Wine tasting cost a $12 for a flight of 4 wines at the wine bar.
• A guided wine tour of the property costs $45 per person and includes a walk of how the wine is made.
• Cellar tasting that includes food pairing for $80 per person.
• The Waupoos Estate tasting and tour costs $300 per person. Wowzers!

Waupoos Winery produces a variety of red and white wines, as well as sparkling wines and dessert wines.

There is a tented area called the “Citrus Garden” outside for the tastings that include a full bar which is nice.

There are also lots of picnic tables close by or tables and chairs spread throughout the property to take your drinks to.

This is by far the biggest wine-tasting area I’ve been to in Prince Edward County.

Wine Tasting Hours

Monday – Thursday 11 am-5:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 11 am-6:30 pm
Sunday 11 am – 4:30 pm

I would cover all the wines available but there are 18 different types at the time of our visit.

But I can share our wine-tasting experience with the wines we tasted.

The Gamay Blanc de Noirs

I love Gamay grape wine with hints of cherry and low tannin. They are always so much lighter and easy to drink.

This wine is actually a sparkling red which shocked me. I’m not big on sparkling wines but this was really nice and actually easier to drink than I thought it would be.

I tasted hints of cherry which is normal but there was also a slight berry hint like strawberry.

Pairing recommendations: I took a bottle home and paired it with my BBQ fish and chicken. Really Nice.

The Baco Noir 2021

I enjoy the Baco noir because of the color. It’s a hybrid grape vine that can last through the winter and does not require burying the vines.  In the wine, it almost glows along the edges. Check it out next time.

This Baco Noir did not disappoint. I noticed a hint of oak, spice, and plum but the wine finished with light tannins.

Yes…I bought a bottle of this wine too! In fact, I pick up a bottle when we have company coming over.

Pairing recommendations: I suggest pairing this with BBQ burgers, steak, or roasts. It enhances the beef flavor and I’ve proved this a few times with my guests who were impressed. Try it. Wine pairing is a thing!

Skin Fermented Chardonnay

We try the Chardonnay at every winery in Prince Edward County we go to. This Chardonnay Skin Contact 2021 from the Waupoos Winery was really good.

This skin was left on for 10 days which triggered more aromas.

I tasted some citrus notes but not much pineapple as the server suggested. It was more apple that ended with a sweet note.

Pairing recommendations: Defiantly chicken and seafood. I would suggest white meat fish instead of Salmon.

Skin-Fermented Pinto Gris 2021

I never tasted this one but my wife did. She really liked it and bought a bottle for home. She not as versed in wine as I am but said this wine was darker than others she’s tried before but it had a light sour taste she liked.

Pairing recommendations: Our server suggests pairing with salads.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

This is not a reason to visit but a really cool option that I have not seen anywhere else.

If you own an electric vehicle you can charge up while you eat and drink up!

There are two designated charging stations right out front.

Is The Waupoos Winery Dog Friendly?

Yes, they are! They do not allow you to take your dog inside the winery but there is 100 acres of property your dog can stroll.

The winery has a large outdoor patio and lawn area where dogs are welcome. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

That’s Fair!

Conclusion

Have you been to the Waupoos Estate Winery?

If not, be sure to add it to your next wine tour in Prince Edward County.

If you have been, what did you think? Leave a comment below.

This gorgeous winery offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and this makes it popular. Not only does the location make for beautiful photos, but the wine is also award-winning and a must to try.

With a variety of beverages available for purchase, including, pop, iced wine, sparkling, and ciders there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly winery.

The winery restaurant serves up delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner that pairs perfectly with their wines.

If this information helped you be sure to let me know.

Plan a day trip to The Waupoos Estate Winery today!