Located at 416 Benway Rd, Hillier, ON

Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm (may change depending on holiday or season).

Main Features

• Children are welcome
• Dog friendly
• Picnic area
• Outside seating
• Wheelchair Accessible

Have you ever heard of Trail Estate Winery?

Chances are, you may have passed by it without even realizing it. This hidden gem is tucked away in the middle of Prince Edward County wine country.

I’m sure it will surprise you with its excellent artisanal wines and unforgettable experiences.

The Trail Estate Winery is a small-batch winery artisanal nature located in Hillier, Prince Edward County, Ontario.

The winery was established in 2013 by trail estates and has since won numerous awards for its wines.

The trail estate vineyard produces a variety of red and white wines and has a wine garden patio as you can see in the video above.

Although the winery offers a selection of wines for sale online I suggest you add them to your wine route and go visit them.

Our experience was great and we ended up staying there for the afternoon.

This winery is committed to producing high-quality, small-batch wines that reflect the unique terroir of Prince Edward County.

Here are 7 reasons why you should pay a visit to Trail Estate Winery in Prince Edward County.

1. The Location

Trail Estates Winery is located in Prince Edward County, Ontario, just a two-hour drive from Toronto.

If you’re coming from Toronto check out this article about what stops to make on your way.

The region is also home to over 41 wineries, and many of those are in the same area as the trail estate winery.

They are located at Benway road which is right in the heart of Prince Edward County wine country.

There are 6 other wineries located in the same area less than 5min away from each other.

Other wineries in the area include:

• Hinterland Wine Company
• Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery
• Lacey Estates Winery
• Closson Chase Vineyards
• Broken Stone Winery
• The Old Third Vineyard
• Norman Hardie Winery

This makes it really easy to take your own self-guided wine tour.

Coming from Toronto to Trail Estates winery takes 2 hr 10 min (192.2 km).

Coming from Ottawa to Trail Estates winery takes 2 hr 56 min (292.2 km).

Coming from Montreal, Quebec to Trail Estates winery takes 3 hr 59 min (384.1 km).

Coming from Picton will take you 25 min (25.3 km).

Coming from Toronto will take you 2.5 hrs so it’s worth a day trip.

2. Outside Seating Area

The Trail Estates Winery patio area has bench seating and picnic tables just outside. The area reminds me of the Norman Hardie Winery.

There are umbrellas and triangle sunshade sail awnings for shade on the Patio.

Room for couples and groups and families.

If you follow the trail in the grass it leads to a big, private area that has its own covered area.

This covered area has a few picnic tables that can hold larger groups.

3. Trail Estates Wines

One of the first things we noticed was the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the winemaking process.

The winemaker Mackenzie Brisbois aims to create a work of art in a bottle…”My words, not hers” as the wine we tasted was amazing.

In addition, their expert staff is always available to help answer any questions or provide suggestions on what type of wine would best suit your tastes as you can see in the video above.

Winemaker Mackenzie Brisbois produces a variety of barrel-aged varietals, red and white wines, skin ferment riesling, as well as a selection of sparkling wines.

They were more than happy to sit with us and chat about the different wine ages, flavors, and aromas.

We explained what were looking for in a wine and our server offered her suggestions.

She was “Bang On” the wines we tried were amazing.

One thing I will tell you is that we just bought the wine by the glass and we could not do a flight.

Even though they have a modern tasting space they do not offer tastings.

2019 Cabernet Franc

The 2019 Cabernet Franc is a juicy red wine with notes of blackberry, cassis, and smoked meat.

The grapes were hand harvested from the Foxcroft Vineyard in Niagara.

I found it very smooth with very subtle hints of tannins at the end.

It’s well-balanced and easy to drink, making it the perfect choice for a summer BBQ or picnic.

The wine has hints of wild ferments, minty herbs, and nervy acidity keeping it lifted and fresh on the finish.

Wine Pairing Recommendations: This red wine would pair very well with a nice BBQ steak.

The Trail Estate website provides more information about the wine and how to purchase it.

2021 Pét Nat Red

This was a red wine that looked and tasted more like a rose.

The nose gives savory wild blackberries, cherry, and a touch of pepper.

The palate is juicy and vibrant with flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, and a hint of spice.

It’s made up of three very different wines including 40% Riesling, 37% Baco Noir and 23% Cabernet Franc.

It’s more of sparkling red that’s very light in color.

The Pét Nat red wine is a delicious and refreshing wine that is perfect for summer sipping.

Wine Pairing Recommendations: This would be good with charcuterie and lots of different cheese.

The trail Estates 2021 Pét Nat red wine is a great example of the trail Estates’ commitment to quality and deliciousness.

If you are looking for a refreshing red wine to enjoy this summer, be sure to check this one out.

This was a red wine that looked and tasted more like a rose.

The nose gives savory wild blackberries, cherry, and a touch of pepper.

The palate is juicy and vibrant with wild ferments and flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, and a hint of spice.

It’s made up of three very different wines including 40% Riesling, 37% Baco Noir and 23% Cabernet Franc.

It’s more of sparkling red that’s very light in color but the wine tells the story of tannins meets pinot noir.

The Pét Nat red wine tells a delicious story of a refreshing wine that is perfect for summer sipping.

Wine Pairing Recommendations: This would be good with charcuterie and lots of different cheese.

The trail Estates 2021 Pét nat sparkling soulfully complex unfiltered is a great example of the trail Estates’ commitment to quality and deliciousness.

If you are looking for a refreshing wine pét nat sparkling wine to enjoy this summer, be sure to check this one out.

4. Have you heard of orange wine?

Trail Estates Winery is gaining a reputation because they skin ferment riesling orange wines, and rightly so.

They are the only Prince Edward County winery that ferment riesling orange wine.

These orange wines, also known as pét nat, are created by leaving the grape skins with the juice during fermentation, which then produces a lovely orange hue while also producing an amazing blend of flavors.

The orange wine pét nat wine created by Trail Estates Winery offers notes of floral aromas with hints of peach and spice that tantalize the palate with every sip.

Customers can purchase these orange wines directly from the winery or through local restaurant partners, giving everyone an opportunity to sample all that Trail Estates Winery has to offer!

5. The Pairings

 The wine pairing at Trail Estate Winery is just as impressive as its wines.

 The cheese selection and the suggested pairing have something for everyone here!

 Take a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, and purchase wine by the glass or bottle to enjoy on the patio overlooking the vineyards.

 I suggest you try one of the past vintages with rich cheese and see what you think.

6. The Trail Estates Wine Club

The Trail Estate Wine Club is the perfect way to enjoy the best that the Trail Estate Winery has to offer.

Members of the wine club receive exclusive access to a wide variety of wines, as well as invitations to special events and wine tastings.

In addition, members receive discounts on wine purchases and are always among the first to know about new releases.

The membership includes other exclusive private-import wines also. 

What is the cost of the membership?

The cost is $1,425.00. You will receive 2-4 bottles of wine, depending on the price every month for a year.

There are 3 monthly plans for $395.

There is a 6-month plan for $775 also.

Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a way to explore the world of wine, the Trail Estate Wine Club may be something you are interested in.

Other Places To Visit Close By

• Harwood Estate Vineyards & Winery
• Hillier Creek Estates Winery
• Stanners Vineyard
• Traynor Family Vineyard
• Broken Stone Winery
• Lacey Estates Winery
• The Grange Winery
• The Old Third
• Hinterland Wine Company

Have you been to Trail Estates winery?

If not, put it on your list of places to visit this summer, and be sure to try the soulfully complex unfiltered chardonnay.

If you’re looking for a wine country escape that won’t break the bank Prince Edward County is one of the newest wine regions to be.

With plenty of wineries and activities to keep you busy, you can easily spend a weekend (or longer) exploring everything this charming corner of Ontario has to offer.

This hidden gem is definitely worth checking out, especially if you love trying local wines.

If you have ever been to Niagra on the lake before Trail Estates reminds me of some of the smaller wineries.