What wineries produce the best Chardonnay in Prince Edward County?
As a long-time PEC resident, I’d say the “best” Chardonnay often comes down to whether you like crisp mineral-driven wines, rich barrel-aged styles, or something in between.
Prince Edward County’s limestone-rich soils and cool climate are particularly well-suited to Chardonnay, making it one of the region’s signature grapes.
My Top Chardonnay Wineries in Prince Edward County
1. Closson Chase Vineyards
Why it’s special:
- Often considered one of the pioneers of premium PEC Chardonnay.
- Inspired by Burgundian winemaking techniques.
- Produces elegant, mineral-driven Chardonnays with bright acidity and excellent aging potential.
- Their iconic purple barn has become one of the County’s most recognizable wine destinations.
Best for: Wine enthusiasts who appreciate classic Burgundy-style Chardonnay.
2. Norman Hardie Winery
Why it’s special:
- Frequently mentioned among Canada’s top Chardonnay producers.
- Focuses on terroir-driven wines that showcase PEC limestone soils.
- Known for balance rather than heavy oak.
- Wines often display citrus, green apple, wet stone, and saline notes.
Best for: Serious Chardonnay lovers seeking world-class cool-climate wines.
3. The Grange of Prince Edward
Why it’s special:
- Produces both oaked and unoaked expressions.
- Consistently delivers outstanding value.
- Fruit-forward style while maintaining PEC’s trademark freshness and minerality.
- Victoria Block Chardonnay has developed a loyal following among locals.
Best for: Visitors wanting approachable, food-friendly Chardonnay.
4. Huff Estates Winery
Why it’s special:
- One of PEC’s flagship wineries.
- Produces award-winning Chardonnays and sparkling wines.
- Offers a slightly richer style while maintaining vibrant acidity.
- Beautiful property, art gallery, and excellent tasting experiences.
Best for: Wine tourists looking for both quality wine and ambiance.
5. Exultet Estates
Why it’s special:
- Consistent winner at Ontario and national wine competitions.
- Their premium Chardonnay, “The Blessed,” showcases concentration, minerality, and length.
- Small production means great attention to detail.
Best for: Wine collectors and those seeking hidden gems.
6. Karlo Estates
Why it’s special:
- One of PEC’s most respected wineries.
- Produces well-balanced Chardonnays with excellent food-pairing versatility.
- Strong focus on sustainable and vegan-certified wines.
Best for: Visitors who enjoy sustainable winemaking and elegant wines.
7. Waupoos Estates Winery
Why it’s special:
- One of the County’s oldest commercial wineries.
- Beautiful waterfront vineyard setting.
- Chardonnay tends to be fresh and approachable.
- Great option if you’re pairing wine with lunch overlooking Prince Edward Bay.
Best for: Scenic wine tastings and casual Chardonnay drinkers.
Chardonnay Comparison (2026 Releases)
If You’re Visiting PEC for Chardonnay…
I’d recommend this tasting route:
- Closson Chase (morning)
- Norman Hardie (lunch and tasting)
- Huff Estates (afternoon)
- Exultet Estates (finish with a hidden gem)
This route gives you the best overview of how diverse Chardonnay can be within Prince Edward County, from crisp mineral styles to richer barrel-aged expressions.
Local Tip: If you can only visit one winery specifically for Chardonnay, make it Norman Hardie. If you want the best overall winery experience combining wine, scenery, and atmosphere, I’d choose Closson Chase or Huff Estates.
1. Norman Hardie 2023 County Chardonnay Greer Road
This is probably the benchmark in PEC right now.
Highlights:
- Estate fruit from 20+ year old vines
- Aged 18-20 months on lees in French oak
- Unfined and unfiltered
- Rich vintage but still under 13% alcohol
- Described by the winery as more complex and mineral-driven than their regular County Chardonnay.
What it tastes like: Think lemon curd, green apple, crushed limestone, toasted hazelnut, and a long salty finish.
My score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Closson Chase Churchside Chardonnay 2024
The flagship from one of the County’s founding wineries.
Highlights:
- Single vineyard expression
- Old vines reaching maturity
- Known as the winery’s signature Chardonnay
- Burgundy-inspired winemaking.
What it tastes like: Pear, white peach, citrus blossom, wet stone, and subtle French oak.
My score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Closest comparison: Premier Cru White Burgundy.
3. Closson Chase South Clos Chardonnay 2024
Sits between the Vineyard Chardonnay and Churchside.
Highlights:
- Estate grown
- More focused and site-specific
- Higher concentration than Vineyard Chardonnay.
What it tastes like: Lemon zest, apple skin, flint, chalk, and delicate oak spice.
My score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
4. Exultet Estates “The Blessed” Chardonnay 2023
One of PEC’s best-kept secrets.
The winery describes it as:
- Rich palate
- Firm acidity
- Salty, savoury profile
- Exceptional length
- Consistent winner at Ontario and national wine competitions.
What it tastes like: Golden apple, melon, citrus, and County limestone minerality.
My score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
5. Huff Estates Catharine’s Chardonnay 2023
A noticeably richer style.
Reviewers noted:
- Ripe fruit
- Significant oak influence
- Full-bodied texture
- Good concentration.
What it tastes like: Baked apple, buttercream, vanilla, cedar, and toasted oak.
My score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for people who enjoy California-style but still want County freshness.
6. The Grange Estate Chardonnay 2024
One of the best-value in PEC.
Why locals like it:
- Excellent quality-to-price ratio
- Estate-grown fruit
- Showcases modern Grange winemaking
- Fruit-forward while maintaining cool-climate acidity.
What it tastes like: Apple, pear, citrus, and clean limestone minerality.
My score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local’s Overall Chardonnay Ranking
🥇 Norman Hardie Greer Road Chardonnay 2023
🥈 Closson Chase Churchside Chardonnay 2024
🥉 Exultet Estates The Blessed Chardonnay 2023
4️⃣ Closson Chase South Clos Chardonnay 2024
5️⃣ Huff Estates Catharine’s Chardonnay 2023
6️⃣ The Grange Estate Chardonnay 2024
Best Chardonnay for Different Drinkers
- Wine Geek: Norman Hardie Greer Road
- Burgundy Lover: Closson Chase Churchside
- Best Value: The Grange Estate Chardonnay
- Hidden Gem: Exultet The Blessed
- Richer Oak Style: Huff Catharine’s
- Most Impressive Tasting Flight: Closson Chase (compare Vineyard, South Clos, and Churchside side-by-side)
As a PEC local, if I could only buy one bottle today, it would be the Norman Hardie Greer Road 2023. If I were buying a case to age for 5-10 years, I’d split it between Norman Hardie Greer Road and Closson Chase Churchside.
How Much Does Chardonnay Cost in PEC?
I did some research while wine touring and have created a chart showing prices based on what I saw earlier this year (2026).
I hope this helps guide you on your next wine tour in PEC. Cheers!
