One of the best things about living in Prince Edward County is discovering places that feel a little different from the typical winery experience. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Chardonnay overlooking a vineyard, but every now and then it’s nice to trade grapes for grain and visit a distillery.
That’s exactly why I enjoy stopping by Bare Bones Distillery in Hillier.
As a long-time Prince Edward County resident, I’ve watched Hillier grow into one of the County’s most popular destinations for wine, beer, cider, and spirits. Bare Bones has carved out its own niche by offering small-batch craft spirits, a relaxed atmosphere, and one of the most enjoyable patios in the area.
First Impressions
When you arrive at Bare Bones Distillery, you’ll immediately notice its laid-back vibe.
This isn’t a pretentious tasting room where you’ll feel pressured to describe aromas using words like “forest floor” or “wet limestone.”
Instead, Bare Bones feels approachable, welcoming, and fun. Whether you’re a serious spirits enthusiast or simply curious about local craft distilling, you’ll feel right at home.
The Patio Experience
For me, one of the biggest draws is the outdoor patio.
On a warm summer afternoon, it’s the perfect place to sit back with a handcrafted cocktail while enjoying the peaceful countryside setting. Unlike some busier destinations during peak season, the patio often feels more relaxed and less rushed.
You’ll find plenty of seating, room to spread out, and a setting that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Local Tip
If you’re touring Hillier wineries all day, Bare Bones makes a fantastic late-afternoon stop. Sometimes a craft cocktail is exactly what your palate is looking for after several winery tastings.
Inside the Distillery
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t worry.
The indoor seating area is cozy, comfortable, and welcoming. It’s the type of space where conversations seem to last longer than planned.
Visitors often end up chatting about favorite wineries, local attractions, and comparing notes on where they’ve been throughout the day.
That’s one of the things I love about Prince Edward County. Complete strangers can become temporary travel advisors after one drink.
Games and Entertainment
One thing that helps Bare Bones stand out is that it’s genuinely fun.
You’ll often find lawn and table games available, including crowd favorites like Jenga.
Now, I’ve learned there’s a direct relationship between cocktails and Jenga confidence.
After a drink or two, everyone suddenly believes they’re a professional Jenga champion.
The results are often entertaining for nearby spectators.
Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or a group of fellow County explorers, the games add another level of enjoyment and make it easy to relax and stay awhile.
What Can You Expect to Drink?
Bare Bones focuses on craft spirits and creative cocktails.
Expect high-quality, small-batch products, knowledgeable staff, and tasting opportunities that help visitors better understand the distilling process.
Even if you’re typically a wine drinker, it’s worth stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something different.
I’ve introduced several wine-loving friends to Bare Bones over the years, and many have left carrying a bottle home.
What’s Nearby?
One of Bare Bones’ biggest advantages is its location.
Hillier is packed with tourist hot spots that are conveniently close together.
Within minutes, you can visit:
- Norman Hardie Winery
- Closson Chase Vineyards
- Rosehall Run Vineyards
- Casa-Dea Estates Winery`
- Hinterland Wine Company
- Three Dog Winery
- The Grange of Prince Edward
Why This Matters
You don’t spend half your day driving.
Instead, you can enjoy multiple stops within a compact area, maximizing your time enjoying the County rather than navigating it.
As a local, that’s one of my favorite things about the Hillier wine route. Everything feels connected.
My Recommended Hillier Afternoon
If I were planning the perfect Hillier outing for visiting friends, it might look something like this:
- Morning tasting at Rosehall Run
- Lunch and pizza at Norman Hardie
- Afternoon vineyard stop at Closson Chase
- Cocktails and Jenga at Bare Bones Distillery
- Dinner in Wellington
That’s a pretty good day by anyone’s standards.
A Local’s Final Thoughts
Bare Bones Distillery has become an important part of Prince Edward County’s evolving food and beverage scene. It offers something different from the area’s wineries while still embracing the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes the County so popular.
Whether you’re looking for expertly crafted spirits, a comfortable patio, indoor seating on a rainy day, or simply a fun place to challenge your friends to a game of Jenga, Bare Bones delivers.
As a long-time Prince Edward County resident, I always tell visitors not to spend their entire trip chasing wineries. Some of the best experiences happen when you mix things up a little.
And if you happen to leave Bare Bones convinced you were one block away from setting a world record in Jenga, you’re not alone. That’s just part of the experience
