Summer Wine Weekend

If there’s one question I get asked every summer, it’s this:

“We’re coming to Prince Edward County for the weekend. Which wineries should we visit?”

As someone who has spent years exploring every winery in Prince Edward County, my answer is always the same: don’t try to see everything. The County has more than 40 wineries, and attempting to visit too many in one weekend usually results in spending more time driving than enjoying wine.

Instead, I recommend focusing on wineries that are close together, offer different experiences, and showcase what makes Prince Edward County wine country so special.

Here’s my ideal Summer Wine Weekend itinerary, built around great wine, beautiful views, excellent food, and minimal time behind the wheel.

Friday Afternoon: Check In and Explore Wellington

If you’re arriving Friday afternoon, make Wellington your home base.

It’s close to many of the County’s most popular wineries and offers waterfront views, great restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Before dinner, stroll along the Wellington waterfront and watch the sailboats drift through the harbour.

Local Secret

Most visitors immediately rush to Sandbanks.

Locals know Wellington’s waterfront is one of the nicest places to slow down and start getting into “County time.”

Saturday: The Hillier Wine Route

This is arguably the easiest and most enjoyable cluster of wineries in Prince Edward County.

Everything is close together, making for a relaxed day.

Stop 1: Rosehall Run Vineyards

Start your morning with one of the County’s pioneering wineries.

What to Expect

  • Great sparkling wines
  • Excellent Chardonnay
  • Beautiful vineyard views
  • Friendly tasting experiences

Why I Recommend It

Rosehall Run offers a fantastic introduction to Prince Edward County’s cool-climate wine style.

Stop 2: Norman Hardie Winery

Just a few minutes away.

This remains one of the County’s most famous wine route stops.

What to Expect

  • Outstanding Chardonnay
  • Award-winning Pinot Noir
  • Wood-fired pizza
  • Stunning vineyard setting

Local Tip

Order the pizza.

Every local reading this is nodding “Yes” right now.

Stop 3: Casa-Dea Estates Winery

Casa-Dea is ideal for visitors who enjoy big vineyard views and a broad range of wines.

What to Expect

  • Beautiful patio
  • Excellent photo opportunities
  • Sparkling wines
  • Whites and reds for every palate

Why It’s Great

The vineyards seem to stretch forever, especially during golden hour.

Stop 4: Morandin Wines

One of my favourite boutique wineries.

What to Expect

  • Intimate tastings
  • Small-batch wines
  • Italian winemaking influence
  • Personal service

Local Secret

Ask questions.

Smaller wineries often tell the best stories.

Saturday Evening: Dinner in Wellington

After a day of wine tasting, stay close to home.

Some excellent options include:

Then take a sunset walk along the waterfront.

Trust me, you’ll appreciate having nowhere else to drive.

Sunday: The Eastern County Wine Trail

Many visitors never make it to the eastern side of Prince Edward County.

That’s a mistake.

This area combines great wineries with some of the County’s most spectacular scenery.

Stop 1: Black Prince Winery

A local favourite that often gets overlooked.

What to Expect

  • Wine tastings
  • Vineyard atmosphere
  • Balsamic vinegar tastings
  • Relaxed setting

Why Visit

It’s one of those wineries locals quietly recommend.

Stop 2: Manda’s Vineyard

One of the County’s hidden gems.

What to Expect

  • Boutique winery experience
  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Small-production wines

Local Tip

Take your time here.

The conversations are often as memorable as the wine.

Stop 3: Waupoos Estates Winery

If I could only recommend one winery for scenery, Waupoos would be near the top.

What to Expect

  • Incredible views of Prince Edward Bay
  • Estate winery experience
  • Restaurant overlooking the vineyards
  • Wine and cider tastings

Local Secret

The drive into Waupoos is almost as beautiful as the destination itself.

Stop 4: The Cape Vineyards

Finish the weekend with a taste of Italy in Prince Edward County.

What to Expect

  • Family-run atmosphere
  • Authentic-inspired wines
  • Beautiful vineyard setting
  • Relaxed tastings

Why End Here

It’s a quiet, enjoyable way to conclude a weekend of exploring.

What Makes This Route Perfect?

Everything Is Close Together

Less driving means:

  • More wine tasting
  • More patio time
  • Less stress

Every Winery Feels Different

You’ll experience:

  • Large wineries
  • Boutique wineries
  • Vineyard patios
  • Waterfront views
  • Sparkling wines
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Italian-inspired wines

You’ll Actually Enjoy the Weekend

One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is scheduling too much.

Leave room for the unexpected.

That extra glass of wine.

That vineyard view.

That conversation with a winemaker.

Those are the moments you’ll remember.

Local Insider Tip

The mistake most visitors make is trying to zigzag across the entire County. Locals know the secret is to pick a region and stay there. Hillier can easily fill one amazing day, while the Waupoos wine trail deserves another. You’ll spend more time enjoying wine, chatting with winemakers, and soaking up the scenery instead of staring through a windshield wondering where your afternoon went.

And if you’re looking for the perfect photo stop between wineries, pull over safely along the roads near Hillier or Waupoos during late afternoon. The combination of vineyards, limestone soil, and golden sunlight is exactly why harvest season and summer evenings in Prince Edward County are so magical.

My Final Local Advice

If you’re visiting Prince Edward County for a summer wine weekend, don’t treat it like a checklist.

Slow down.

Stay at a patio longer than planned.

Order the second glass.

Watch the sunset.

And if you return home with twelve bottles when you originally planned to buy two, congratulations.

You have officially experienced Prince Edward County wine country like a local.