An Amazing Guide To The Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard
Norman Hardie Winery was one of the first popular wineries located in Prince Edward County, Ontario.
If you’re looking for a Prince Edward County winery that produces outstanding wines, this vineyard should be at the top of your list.
Norman Hardie Winery Hours
Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Wines
The winery was established in 2003 by Norman, a well-respected wine industry veteran. His wines have received critical acclaim from both Canadian and international wine critics, and the winery has been awarded numerous awards for its wines.
There is a reason many of the wine tours here in Prince Edward County make this one of the vineyards to visit.
In addition to the red and white wines, the winery also produces excellent sparkling wine, which has earned a reputation as one of the best sparkling wines in Canada.
This particular winery is best known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
The winery’s flagship wine is the Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir, which has earned critical acclaim from wine experts all over the world.
Because of the soil, and the grapes they are producing excellent wines consistently.
The Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir
Starting in 2009 and every year until 2017 the County Pinot Noir has received much recognition.
For example the 2012 County Pinot Noir was the highest-rated Pinot Noir winning Platinum at the 2014 National Wine Awards of Canada, winning.
This red wine has notes of cherries and strawberries and firm tannins. It is medium-bodied and has a smooth finish.
The Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir is a great wine to pair with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even chocolate desserts. For me, this was definitely a game-changer.
This is my go-to red from this winery and I have convinced many family and friends to try it and they buy it all the time.
If you are looking for a glass of delicious red wine, then try the Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir.
The Norman Hardie CUVEE “L” PINOT NOIR
With a blend of 40% County Pinot Noir and 60% Niagara Pinot Noir this red with a slight spice and subtle red fruit flavors.
There are flavors of black cherry and cocoa powder. It is a full-bodied red wine with a good structure and a long, creamy finish.
I noticed a slight oak finish which makes sense as the Cuvee was aged in French oak barrels (40% new) for around 16 months.
Wine Pairing Suggestions: Definitely red meats (Steak or roast),
The Norman Hardie County Cabernet Franc
Another popular choice for wine lovers looking for a full-bodied red wine with complex flavor.
The wine is made from 100% cabernet franc grapes that are grown in the Norman Hardie vineyards in Prince Edward County, Ontario.
The grapes are hand-picked and fermented in small batches to produce a rich, flavorful wine.
Wine Pairing Suggestions: The Norman Hardie County Cabernet Franc pairs well with red meat (Med-rare steak) and hearty pasta dishes.
It paired very well with an Italian soup and garlic toast and cheese.
If you’re looking for a delicious full-bodied red wine to add to your collection, the Norman Hardie County Cabernet Franc would be an excellent addition.
The Norman Hardie PINOT GRIS
Speaking about great wine pairings this Pinot Gris is it.
A white wine that is produced using grapes from his own vineyard. The wine has a fruity aroma with hints of citrus and floral notes.
I found it to be medium-bodied and with a Crisp, dry finish.
Wine Pairing Suggestions: Our tasting bar host suggested pairings with fish, chicken, and pasta dishes. We paired it with chicken pasta and mushroom in Alfredo sauce.
2017 County Chardonnay
The 2017 vintage was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Most time I’ll get an oak finish but there is only a very light oak finish to this wine.
Hardie told us that this County Chardonnay was actually aged by four different types of oak barrels.
You’ll notice aromas of apple, apricot, and a hint of caramel.
The taste is of stone fruit, green apple, and citrus, with a long, mineral finish.
Wine Pairing Suggestions: I would pair this wine with chicken, fish, and creamy pasta dishes.
Like most white wines the County Chardonnay is best enjoyed chilled.
If you don’t have time to stop by the Hardie Winery then you can always pick up some of his wine at the LCBO.
You’ll only find 4 main wines at the LCBO. The Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet.
Wine Tasting Prices
The wine tastings are open every day from 10 am to 6 pm and cost $12 for 4 wines.
If you buy some wine they will often credit you back the wine-tasting price.
We bought 2 bottles of wine and they gave us a cool reusable wine tote bag that can hold up to 6 wines. This came in handy on our self-guided wine tour of the area.
Walk-ins are always welcome at this winery and are done on a first come first serve basis.
If you have booked a wine tour as a group then the tour company will often arrange a tasting time.
Curated tours & tastings can be scheduled between Thurs.-Sun and cost $50 per person.
These are around 60 minutes long and always start on the hour.
Norman Hardie Winery Menu
The pizza oven is open every day from 11 am to 6 pm.
The menu options have grown since our first visit. They now offer a cozy winter food program! along with the regular menu.
We had the pizza but the other food looked delicious.
More than just wood fire Pizza:
- Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas $13 – $16
- Tarte Flambé pizza -18
- PEI’s freshest oysters are 6 for 20$ or $3.50 each
- House-smoked local trout $26 – cozy winter food program!
- Organic seasonal salads $9 – $15
- Warm cast iron olives $7
- Lasagnas $15 – cozy winter food program!
- Toasted sourdough bread $3
- Flatbread $3
- County Soda -$4
The most recent detailed reviews consistently earn great reviews from visitors and are ranked four out of five on Tripadvisor. This winery is known for its excellent fine wine selection and stunning views, and visitors always leave impressed. We did.
What hotels are near Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard?
The closest hotels to the winery are located in Wellington.
Top 3 Places to Stay Close
WEDGEhouse $855 CAD Night
- Located: 18135 Loyalist Pkwy, Prince Edward, ON – Book It
- 3-night stay min
- Entire home
- 4 bedrooms· 8 beds
COLD CREEK LÄNDHAUS $475 CAD Night
- Located: 256 Cold Creek Rd, Wellington, ON – Book It
- 2-night stay min
- Bedrooms to rent
Fitzroy Fieldhouse $620 CAD Night
- Located: 41 Willow Creek Rd, Prince Edward, ON – Book It
- 6 guests· 3 bedrooms· 4 beds
- 2-night stay min
- Entire home
Top 3 Places to Stay in Wellington
The Flats West $357 CAD Night – Book It
- Location: 303 Wellington Main Street
- 6-minute walk to the beach
- One Bedroom
- One Queen Bed
Augustus House $295 CAD Night – Book It
- Located: 308 Wellington Main St
- Reservation by phone only – CALL 647-321-0490
- All with queen beds
- Breakfast Included
Newsroom Suites $300 CAD Night – Book It
- Location: 271 Wellington Main St
- 4-minute walk to the beach
- 7 private suites
What restaurants are near Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard?
Here are some of the best nearby restaurants you can eat at that are close to the winery.
North Docks Kitchen – My #1 Pick
- Located: 153 Wellington Main St
- 2 people can eat for under $60
- Big Patio and Full menu
- Prices are reasonable
- Close to downtown
Midtown Brewing Company – My#2 Pick
- Location: 266 Wellington Main St, Wellington
- Small menu but great Burgers and wood oven pizza
- Very inexpensive
- 2 people can eat for under $50
- Friendly restaurant owners
Drake Devonshire
- Located: 24 Wharf St, Wellington
- Great Patio right on the water
- Excellent food
- Pricy but great atmosphere
Norman Hardie Winery Dog Friendly
This family-owned and operated winery welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes.
With 100 acres of vineyard, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine with your furry friend.
There were a few dogs during my last visit there.
The property has lots of Great outdoor eating spaces where dogs are welcome around the patio area with plenty of room for your dog to run around.
I have seen many thirsty dog owners sipping a variety of red and white wines made from grapes grown on the property.
So next time you’re in the county, be sure to stop by Norman Hardie and raise a glass to your four-legged friend!
I might even see you there!