The Closson Chase Winery in Prince Edward County is the most talked about vineyard for visitors. If you’ve been on a wine tour in Hillier then you’ve probably been there.

It’s so popular we just had to go check it for ourselves.

Here is a list of the best Closson Chase wines we’ve tried personally during our wine-tasting visit.

We tried both red and wine although I’m a red wine drinker I like trying white wines to see if any can change my mind.

If you’re looking for a unique wine-tasting experience, head to Closson Chase Winery but here is what you can expect when you get there.

With its nineteenth-century farmhouse and big purple barn in a picturesque setting, this winery is a must-visit for anyone interested in the finest Chardonnay & Pinot Noir grapes or the history of the winery.

When I hear people talking about wineries in Prince Edward County they often mention Closson Chase.

Many wineries buy Pinot Noir grapes, usually from the Niagara region, and use them to make Prince Edward County Wines.

You’ll discover wines that are made from grapes grown on the property and aged in oak barrels.

While you are there you’ll also learn about the unique history of this winery and how it got started.

So if you’re looking for some real county-grown wines be sure to check out Closson Chase Winery!

What Makes Closson Chase Popular?

Located at 629 Closson Rd, Hillier, ON K0K 2J0

In the heart of wine country, this winery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the art of winemaking.

This was one of the first wineries to open in the Hillier area and has since become a pioneer in the industry since 1998. The region was chosen for its limestone soils, which they believed would produce superior wine grapes.

And they were right! The limestone soils of Closson Chase Winery yield some of the finest wine grapes in the area to create world-class wines that have garnered international acclaim.

Visitors to the winery can tour the vineyards, sample the wines, and learn about the history and process of wine-making at the same time.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to enjoy a delicious glass of wine, Closson Chase Vineyards is sure to please.

Our Closson Chase Wine Tasting

Closson chase produces a variety of wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and Riesling.

The vineyard has won numerous awards for its wines, including the 2016 Canadian Wine Awards for finest Chardonnay and Best Pinot Noir.

While we were there we did a wine tasting so I can share with you our experience with each wine we tried.

If you want a complete list of wines, explore their website HERE.

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Closson Chase Vineyards Pinot Noir

I found this red Pinot noir to be very smooth and light but finish a little dry. Exactly what I like in red wine. I enjoyed the beautiful deep plum-like color.

I’d consider this to be a medium-body red, with lots of berries, vanilla, and light raspberry, cherry, and even strawberry notes.

This is a perfect example of red wine to use an aerator with.

I was surprised by this Pinot. It was very smooth and light with hints of sourness from the fruits.

I paired it with grilled salmon instead of ribeye and it surprised me how good it was.

Suggested Pairing for the Pinot Noir

• Grilled red meat
• Grilled pork
• Wild mushroom ragout,
• Cedar plank salmon

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Closson Chase Pinot Gris

Both of us agree that the Ridge Vineyard Pinot Gris 2021 was nice and light with a hint of sourness in the finish.

The color was more yellow than other Pinot Gris I’ve had before which made it quite pretty.

There were light notes of apple that reminded me of a cider from the county cider company.

But this white wine was unique in that there was a hint of nuts too but overall we enjoyed it.

Suggested Pairing for the Pinot Gris

White wine is a staple for any fish dish and this one was no exception.

I paired this wine with locally caught Pickerel from our own Bay of Quinte and asparagus grew locally at Hagerman’s farm.

Closson suggested pairing includes the following:

• Haddock
• en papillote
• pizza with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese
• roasted chicken thyme, and lemon.

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2019 Closson Chase Churchside Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir is a light red wine that was really nice to try.

In my opinion, it’s a deeper bolder wine than the “Vineyard Pinot Noir” and maybe a bit better wine all way around.

The Churchside pinot is supremely delicate with a sour edge and fine-grained and silky wine.

It has aromas of cherries and strawberries, with flavors of red fruits and spice.

I thought this was a really great pinot noir from Closson as it was very light and easy to drink.

There were lots of red fruit, but it also had a nice oak integration in there too. the tannin we’re more on the lighter side, and the body was definitely lighter which I really enjoyed.

To be completely honest, I bought a bottle at $42 but the “Vineyard Pinot Noir” at just $36 is the better value.

This is still a great wine but it’s a bit expensive for me.

Suggested Pairing for the Pinot Gris

This is a great red wine that pairs with food that has bold flavors, such as grilled meats or tomato-based pasta dishes.

• Grilled Pork
• Duck confit
• Mushroom risotto 
• Bolognese pasta

My recommendation is to enhance the wine with an aerator as this really maximizes the flavors.

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Closson Chase Vineyards

The vineyard is planted on the north side and south sides of Closson Road.

They have different vineyards in the area that include, the Closson Chase Vineyard, Ridge Vineyard site, and the Church side Vineyard.

Each Vineyard section grows different grape variants including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.

The vineyard produces small-lot, handcrafted wines that are expressive of the terroir of Prince Edward County.

You will recognize the Big purple dairy barn where they have the tasting bar and processing area.

This a staple stop for bachelorette parties in PEC also.

The Closson Chase wines have won a few international recognitions, by using innovative techniques to create world-class wines. You know they are doing something right.

Closson Chase is a vineyard that takes pride in the wine it produces. If you’re looking for a delicious and memorable wine-drinking experience, be sure to visit this vineyard.

The knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect bottle of wine to fit your taste preference.

Have you had a chance to try any of Closson Chase’s wines?

Let us know in the comments what your experience was like and the wines you tried.