The Old Third Vineyard Will Shock You
Location: 251 Closson Rd, Hillier, ON K0K 2J0
Phone: (613) 471-0471
If you are looking for a bit more than just a winery experience, The Old Third Vineyard in Prince Edward County, Ontario, is a good starting point.
We visited this winery on our way out to some of the other more popular wineries including Broken Stone Winery and Closson Chase and saw people eating outside the Old Third Winery.
Wine and Pasta is a very popular pairing and this place does it right.
Main Features:
- Has a pasta bar.
- Pasta is handmade.
- Offer their own sparkling cider.
- An old rustic barn setting.
- Many positive reviews.
- Outside seating
As soon as we arrived at The Old Third Vineyard, to check things out we were greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff who were certainly passionate about their wines.
The vineyard has been owned by Bruno Francois and Jens Korberg since 2005, and they have transformed it into a boutique winery that produces some awesome Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, in the region.
One of the best things about The Old Third Vineyard is that it’s a small, family-owned winery, which means that they take great care to ensure that every visitor feels welcome and comfortable.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a beginner, you’ll find that the staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about the winery, the wines, or the region.
The Tasting Room
The wine-tasting experience at The Old Third Vineyard is a highlight of our visit as with most wineries we visit of course.
Inside the rustic old barn with a modern entrance is the charming tasting room, which has a rustic and cozy atmosphere.
The walls are adorned with beautiful artwork, and there are plenty of comfortable chairs and sofas where you can relax and enjoy the wines.
The Wine
2019 Pinot Noir – In my opinion, the flagship wine for this winery. A distinctive, terroir-drive Pinot noir with rich and layered red fruits. Smooth tannins that most county wines I’ve tried.
2019 Cabernet Franc – Fresh black raspberry fruit, strawberry notes with some herbal and tobacco notes. Also some very light violet florals with a cool county earthy character.
2020 Chardonnay – A nice dry blend of green apples and hints of oak.
2021 Golden Russet Sparkling Cider – Made with noble golden russet apples that are sourced from apple orchards here in Prince Edward County.
The wines themselves are truly exceptional. The Old Third Vineyard specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and cider, and each is crafted to highlight the unique terroir of Prince Edward County.
The Pasta
We tried the rabbit and the bolognese pasta dish which was fabulous.
The rabbit, which is locally sourced and raised, is complimented with a Bolognese sauce of lightly spiced Italian tomato sauce tossed with mashed carrots and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
It is recommended to pair this dish with one of their carefully chosen award-winning wines.
Whatever the occasion, this rabbit and bolognese pasta dish from The Old Third Vineyard will definitely be a hit for us!
Why Prince Edward County?
The soils and climate of Prince Edward County are ideal for growing these varietals, and the winemakers at The Old Third Vineyard take great care to ensure that the grapes are harvested at the perfect time to create wines that are complex, elegant, and balanced.
One of the things that set The Old Third Vineyard apart from other wineries is its commitment to sustainable agriculture.
The vineyard is managed using organic and biodynamic practices, which means that the grapes are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
This approach not only helps to protect the environment but also ensures that the grapes are of the highest quality.
If you’re interested in learning more about the winemaking process, The Old Third Vineyard offers tours of their vineyards and winery.
During the tour, you’ll get to see the different grape varietals, learn about the winemaking process, and see how the wines are aged in oak barrels.
If the owners are not there the tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the wine also, and you’ll come away with a greater appreciation for the art of winemaking.
Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a family vacation, you’ll find that the atmosphere at the vineyard is relaxed and inviting.
The staff is happy to recommend local restaurants and attractions, and they can even help you plan a picnic on the vineyard grounds.
Other Wineries in The Area
See my complete list of wineries here in Prince Edward County with prices and main features.
To Wrap Things Up
The hospitality at The Old Third Vineyard is exceptional. The staff goes out of their way to make sure that every visitor feels welcome and comfortable.
The combination of beautiful surroundings, exceptional wines, and friendly staff make it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts and those who appreciate the beauty of the county.
So be sure to include and experience the unique charm of The Old Third Vineyard.
You won’t be disappointed! We weren’t!
