Tips For Wine Tours in Prince Edward County
Cheers! Sit back and enjoy a Prince Edward County Wine Tour or craft beer and cider tour.
Prince Edward County wine tours allow you to see some really great places without having to drive yourself.
There are a few ways to tour Prince Edward County. The most popular are the many wine tours that you can purchase.
Also, see my Self Guided Wine Tours to know where to go and what’s close to each other.
You may also want to check out this wine tour comparison chart for prices.
Book a Prince Edward County Wine Tour
Prince Edward County Wine Tours – Located: 2274 Prince Edward County Rd 1, Bloomfield, ON – Phone: (613) 393-8988.
Great people and fun to tour with. Our tour guide was very informative and funny and she really knew her wine. She knew the best times and the best places for certain tastes.
We had a limo and we felt a bit crowded for eight people so I would recommend the Limo Bus for bigger groups.
For a more personalized wine tour, the limo is great for six people or less.
It’s also easier to get in and out of a limo with fewer people, at least that is my experience.
Sandbanks Vacations & Tours – Located: 57 Bloomfield Main St, Bloomfield, ON – Phone: (613) 393-2424.
I was on a tour with these guys and they were great. Our tour guide was very informative and fun.
Very relaxed and they make sure you have a great time.
There are many others but these are the only tours I know about and have booked personally.
My County Wine Tours – Located at Loyalist Pkwy, Picton, ON – Phone: (613) 503-2010
They offer customized tour packages designed to give you an informative and gastronomic experience.
How to Prepare for a Wine Tour
Start Early in the Day If Possible
Most wineries in Prince Edward County open at 10 am or 11 am just about every morning. I’ve been to many tasting rooms that were overcrowded. Specifically, through the summer months on the weekends, it can be very busy.
We like to go mainly in the later part of summer and through the week. Typically after the Sept labor day weekend in the county, you may see a lot fewer people.
Another suggestion is to wine tour out to some of the single wineries that not many people go to. Usually, you can take your time learning about wines and the winemakers are always glad to see you.
I would also recommend you check ahead on their website for hours or give them a call before going out.
Drink in Moderation
My first wine tour was a power slam of wines after our many tastings. Woke up with a hangover and couldn’t remember much. Good thing I took my camera…LOL
Drink lots of water between tastings. Take some water with you. You’ll enjoy the tasting better as you cleanse your pallet between tastings.
Save the big drink for when you get home. Always drink responsibly, like I do…some of the time.
I also like to eat before I go on a wine tour. I will also order “Wood Fire” Pizza when I can later in the tour.
Mix It Up To Make It Fun
Try wines you don’t usually drink. Prince Edward County has over 35 wineries and growing so there are many opportunities to try some new types of wines.
Personally, I’m a red wine drinker and I will taste, Cabernet Franc or Baco Noir from the many different wineries we stop at.
Sometimes I like to try a nice light dry white wine or a sparkling one for variety.
Further, I like asking for wines that are not sold at the LCBO. Be careful…some of the rare wines can be expensive. In most cases, wineries have some small batches (new wine) or ice wines to try.
Take Small Amounts of Cash
When you pay upfront for a wine tour through a wine touring company the tastings can be included for an additional fee, usually ($20 -$25 per person).
This method is a worry-free all-inclusive wine tour.
When you do a self-guided wine tour the winery may charge you $2 – $5 for a tasting. Cash comes in handy for smaller transactions like tipping also.
Secondly, there are often small souvenirs to buy that are under $10 and a few Toonies will have it covered.
In my case, I usually end up buying a bottle or two of wine, and usually, the tasting fee is waived.
Prepare a Lunch or Take Snacks
Many wineries will have cheese, crackers, or chocolate for wine pairing usually at an additional cost as a wine-tasting package.
We will sometimes take certain cheeses to pair with our wine.
We also have taken crackers which as you know always go great for pairing.
You can also take lunch too, and sit and enjoy a glass of wine as most wineries have sitting areas.
My early days of wine touring involved taking snacks but now we eat before we wine tour, which is now around 11 am, as per my first recommendation in this list.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
The basic questions I usually ask on a wine tour can be anything from when did the winery open? how long has it been here? where do you get the grapes from? and what pairing would you recommend?
We already know white wine and fish but is there a certain fish that goes better with the wine currently tasting?
Best Wine Tours in Prince Edward County
The best wine tours in Prince Edward County is always a matter of perspective and individual experience.
Let’s take a look at what would make a wine tour the best!
First and Foremost The Experience Has to Be Fun!
It all starts with you! Stay open-minded and be in great spirits as you are about to enjoy a great wine experience that your taste buds will thank you for.
Everyone you meet on a wine tour will be happy, it could be the wine, or it could be the experience. One thing for sure is that the wineries will always be welcoming and in great spirits so join in on the fun.
The best wine tours always start with a smile!
The Best Tour Guide and Winery Staff
If your wine tour guide is fun this can make all the difference for sure. A guide full of fun and knowledge will make your experience great.
I’ve been on some wine tours where the driver was quiet and did not interact with us tipsy wine tasters. We had to engage first with some questions before the driver would start talking.
Break the ice early. Let the driver know you are there for fun!
When you arrive at a winery you should always find the staff cheerful, courteous, and happy to help you.
The best is when the staff is informative but jokes around with you as well.
Remember to be kind, respectful, and courteous to others, and often times you’ll get the same in return.
Surprises Can Make It The Best
When you arrive for a guided wine tour and you find cold water and snacks waiting for you this can really add to your experience.
I took some of my visiting family for a surprise wine tour and when the limo bus pulled up and we go in, there was a basket waiting for us with water and a few different types of snacks. How thoughtful!
During the tour we were talking about bubbly wines and although there were no stops on our tour schedule the driver took us to Hinterland Wine Company for some sparkling wine.
Thanks, Prince Edward County Wine Tours.
For me, the best wine tour are always the ones where we have fun, learn about wines, and bring back some great wines!
Cheap Wine Tours Prince Edward County
A cheap wine tour in Prince Edward County will cost you anywhere from $130.00 – $250.00 per person depending on a Group or Private Wine Tour.
Factors that affect the price will be the number of people, the number of stops, and the pickup/drop-off locations.
All wine tour operators in the county charge about the same. What really matters is the service!
Some wine tours will offer a discount for certain events or for larger groups.
Half-Day Wine Tour Prince Edward County
The cost of a half-day wine tour can average around $135 per person and it will include in most cases 3 wine tastings.
You can book a half-day wine tour in Prince Edward County but really it’s the number of stops you’re really booking.
A typical wine tour can be three stops and that is just about half a day (Three tastings) as each stop can be around an hour long.
Remember that most wineries in Prince Edward County don’t open until 11 am.
This means your half-day wine tour is already half over. Just kidding…the tour will be over after three stops and it is usually around 2 pm – 3 pm.
You can book just two stops if you want.
In my experience, most of the drivers are scheduled for a certain amount of pre-planned stops but if you ask to add another stop they will at no additional charge.
On the flip side if you ask to cut it short they will. But who does that??
Bachelorette Wine Tours Prince Edward County
Get ready girls as there is nothing more fun than a rocking bachelorette wine tour here in the county.
Music going, wine flowing, I assure you that every winery you visit will be ready to party with you.
You can expect to pay around $160 per person for a bachelorette wine tour in Prince Edward County. This will usually include all tasting fees and three different wineries.
When you book your wine tour let them know it’s for a bachelorette party and give the bride-to-be name and there just may be a few great surprises for you when you arrive at some wineries.