Located: 76 Station Rd, Hillier, ON

Phone: 1-613-661-3361

If you’re coming to the county for a wine tour be sure to stop by the family-run Stanners Vineyard in the village of Hillier in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

This award-winning winery has made a name for itself in the world of Canadian wines, producing some of the country’s finest Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris varieties.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Stanners Vineyard and was blown away by the passion and expertise that went into every bottle of wine produced there.

Upon arrival down the long laneway, I was immediately struck by the unique building that housed the winery – a straw bale winery, the only one of its kind that we’d been to.

The straw bale walls not only make for a visually stunning structure but also provide excellent insulation, making it the perfect environment for wine production.

I was warmly greeted by Colin Stanners, the winemaker and owner, who was more than happy to speak about his winemaking process and the story behind Stanners Vineyard.

As we made our way through the vineyard, I was able to get a firsthand look at the grapes and learn about the winemaking process.

Why They Chose Prince Edward County

Colin explained that the vineyard is unique in that it produces wines that reflect the terroir of Prince Edward County.

The vineyard is located in a region that is heavily influenced by Lake Ontario, which provides the perfect climate for growing high-quality grapes.

The soil, the weather, and the environment all play a role in determining the taste of the wine produced there.

The Wine List

• 2020 Pinot Noir VQA – PEC
• 2019 Pinot Noir VQA – The Narrow Rows -PEC
• 2020 Pinot Noir VQA – The Narrow Rows – PEC
• 2020 Cabernet Franc VQA – Lincoln Lakeshore
• 2020 Cabernet Franc VQA – PEC
• 2017 Chardonnay VQA – PEC
• 2018 Chardonnay VQA – PEC
• 2020 Pinot Gris cuivré VQA – PEC
• 2017 Riesling VQA – Lincoln Lakeshore

Tasting The Award-Winning Wines

We went inside for a tasting session and were greeted by their dog, who was all about the “Lovins”.

During my tasting, I was able to sample a variety of Stanners’ wines, each one more delicious than the last.

I was struck by the complexity of the flavors and the pure, unadulterated taste of each wine.

The Narrow Row Pinot Noir was rich and full-bodied, with a depth of flavor that was a beautiful smooth.

I did purchase a bottle of both the 2019 and 2020 narrow-row pinot!

The Pinot Gris cuivréwas light and crisp, with a delicate balance of fruit and acidity.

I was truly impressed by the quality of the wines and could understand why Stanners has received so many positive reviews from wine enthusiasts and critics alike.

The Outside Seating

The atmosphere of the winery was warm and welcoming, and I felt like I was part of a family.

After our tastings and we sat outside under our own umbrella seating area.

You can tell the staff was knowledgeable and passionate about making complex artisanal
wines. I could tell that they took pride in the work they did.

I was also impressed by the fair prices of the wines, considering the level of quality that went into each bottle and our tasting was free because we made a purchase.

I left with a sense of appreciation for the artisans behind Stanners Vineyard, who pour their hearts and souls into every bottle they produce.

Other Wineries in The Area

Create your own wine tour while at Stanners because there are other wineries close by.

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

Here is my list of all the wineries here in Prince Edward County that you may want to visit.

Also here is a post that will show you maps for your own self-guided wine tour.

This is my review of my first visit to Stanners Vineyard and it was an unforgettable experience I wanted to share.

I would highly recommend a visit to anyone looking to experience the heart of Prince Edward County’s winemaking country.

See my post about enjoying a bicycle wine tour here in the county.

Stanners has won many awards here in Ontario and you will taste why.

The wines are of the highest quality, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the prices are more than fair in my opinion.

It’s a world-class winery here in Ontario serving artisanal wine that you need to try.

I left with a newfound appreciation for the hard work and passion that goes into each bottle of wine, and I will definitely be returning to Stanners Vineyard in the future.