I still remember when brewery hopping in Prince Edward County wasn’t really a thing. Most visitors came for the wineries, and if you mentioned craft beer, people pointed you to a restaurant that happened to have a few local taps.
Fast forward a few years and everything changed.
One summer afternoon, my wife and I decided we’d spend the day visiting breweries instead of wineries. We started with lunch, planned to stop at one or two places, and somehow found ourselves watching the sunset with a final pint in hand several hours later.
That was the day I realized brewery tours in Prince Edward County had become an attraction all on their own.
What I love most is that every stop feels completely different. You never feel like you’re visiting the same place twice.
A Lesson I Learned at Parsons
The first time I visited Parsons Brewing, I made the rookie mistake of arriving on a warm Saturday afternoon in July.
The parking lot was packed.
The patio was packed.
There seemed to be kids playing everywhere, dogs snoozing under picnic tables, and friends gathering around fire pits.
At first, I thought I had picked the wrong day.
Then I realized that’s exactly why people love Parsons.
There is an energy there that feels like a County backyard party. Since then, I’ve learned to go earlier if I want a quieter experience, but seeing the place buzzing with people is part of the charm.
The Day Slake Stole The Show
I’ve taken quite a few visitors around Prince Edward County over the years.
Without fail, when we pull into Slake Brewing, everyone says exactly the same thing:
“Wow.” or “Look at this view.”
I’ve seen that reaction dozens of times.
The first time I visited, I spent more time looking at the view than the beer menu.
The brewery sits high above the surrounding countryside, and on a clear day the views stretch for miles.
The beer is excellent, but if I’m being honest, sometimes I’ll order a pint and simply sit there soaking in the scenery.
It’s one of those places that reminds you why people fall in love with Prince Edward County.
Why I Keep Going Back to 555
Every local has a place they seem to end up at more often than planned.
For me, that’s 555 Brewing, and this is why I have a “Mug Club” membership!
I’ll be walking down Picton Main Street and tell myself I’m just running errands.
Next thing I know, I’m sitting on the patio with a cold beer and their amazing wood-fired pizza.
I’ve probably recommended their wood-fired pizza to visitors more times than I can count. If somebody asks me where they should grab a casual lunch in Picton, 555 is almost always near the top of my list.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff (Matt, Daniel, Natalie) are friendly, and there always seems to be somebody you know sitting nearby.
That’s small-town Prince Edward County at its best.
Prince Eddy’s Always Has a Story
One thing I’ve noticed about Prince Eddy’s is that no two visits are ever the same.
I’ve stopped in during live music nights, community events, volleyball tournaments, and more than a few lively summer afternoons.
One visit there was a wedding group celebrating.
Another time there was a beach volleyball game that seemed far more competitive than anyone wanted to admit.
It doesn’t matter when you arrive. Something interesting is usually happening.
That’s why I often tell visitors that Prince Eddy’s isn’t just about the beer.
It’s about the atmosphere.
Of course, I’m still ordering the Cream Ale, as this is a great example of a great local beer.
Every single time.
An Unexpected Stop at Matron in Bloomfield
Some of the best brewery visits happen completely by accident.
The first time I visited Matron Fine Beer, I almost wondered if my GPS had made a mistake.
You’re heading down a lane, away from the main roads, and it feels like you’re discovering a local secret.
Then you arrive and realize you’ve found one of the County’s most unique brewery experiences.
They now serve food too, so it’s worth popping in.
It’s the type of place that reminds me how much Prince Edward County has changed while still managing to keep its rural character.
One of My Favourite Summer Traditions
Every summer, I find myself saying the same thing:
“Let’s just stop for one beer.”
Those are dangerous words in Prince Edward County.
One beer turns into a flight.
The flight turns into a snack.
Then somebody mentions another brewery that’s only ten minutes away.
Before you know it, you’ve spent an entire afternoon exploring the County.
Honestly, that’s one of the reasons I love the brewery scene here.
There is no rush.
People linger.
They talk.
They meet new friends.
And for a few hours, life slows down.
That feels pretty County to me.
Final Beer Sipping Notes
If visitors ask me which brewery is the best in Prince Edward County, I still can’t give them a single answer.
The best brewery depends on the day.
Sometimes it’s the one with the best pizza. Sometimes it’s the one with the best view. Sometimes it’s the one where you end up chatting with locals for an hour longer than you planned.
As someone who has lived in Prince Edward County for years, I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad brewery day here.
I’ve certainly had a few unexpectedly long ones, though.
