Domaine Darius is a dog-friendly small craft winery located in Prince Edward County, Ontario specializing in small-batch wines.

Located at 1316 Wilson Road, Bloomfield, ON K0K 1G0

This is a seasonal unique small batch winery that opens in March every year and closes around Christmas.

They strive to grow the best quality grapes on their own property so that they can make the best wine possible.

We came from Karlo Estates to get a bottle of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but we ended up buying two bottles of the Nouveau Red instead.

Why? I thought the Pinot Noir was good…well the Nouveau blew it out of the water.

Let us take you through our tour of this unique small-batch winery and show you why they are a favorite in Prince Edward County!

The Gentle Wine-Making Techniques

We met winemaker Dave Gillingham at Domaine Darius, who really understood that creating delicious wines starts with growing the best quality grapes and they do.

Dave told us he’s been making wine for over 30 years and decided to move to Prince Edward County and start growing grapes at their small winery on Wilson Road.

This was cool…Dave was a trained wine judge with Wine Judges of Canada and this is how he perfected his gentle wine-making techniques.

How did Darius transition into growing grapes?

Dave was part of the Pickering Wine Guild and had colleagues that started wineries in Prince Edward County.

After checking things out he and his wife Joni Gillingham bought 50 acres of land in 2008 and the rest is history.

When did Domaine Darius start making wine?

When Dave starts making wine he purchased really excellent grapes from a huge Italian and Portuguese population in Toronto.

With Niagara close by Dave quickly moved from small kits to real grapes batches and began to make real wine.

They employ high-quality techniques and adopt modern technologies to ensure that our grapes are of superior quality.

They use sustainable farming practices and handpick each grape to ensure it meets their high standards.

Once picked, the grapes undergo a meticulous process of fermentation and aging as part of the gentle wine-making techniques before they are ready to be bottled and enjoyed!

The Unique Small Batch Winery Darius Tastings

Since the start of Covid visitors have had to experience the pleasures of the Domaine Darius tasting room outside at the side of the house.

We did a sample of some of their award-winning wines while enjoying breathtaking views of Prince Edward County’s rolling hillsides.

We fell in love with the Nouveau red made with their own Gamay grapes.

The Domaine Darius Nouveau Red Wine

The Nouveau is a light-tasting red with a slight flush of tannins.

Domaine Darius Nouveau Red Wine is a smooth and fruity red from Domaine Darius, an eclectic vineyard located in the south of France.

This full-bodied selection is deeply colored yet incredibly light on the palate.

It has an exquisite bouquet full of raspberry and blackberry jam aromas with hints of white pepper and licorice.

Paired well with charcuterie, roasted meats, or sautéed mushrooms, Domaine Darius Nouveau Red Wine is the perfect choice for a cozy dinner party with friends.

Its supple tannins make it a great option for sipping or enjoying at the table.

For a truly special experience, Domaine Darius Nouveau Red Wine should be served slightly chilled, just enough to bring out its velvety texture and delicate fruitiness.

When we’ve been there Dave and his wife were always available to answer any questions we had about why they chose a small batch winemaking process or any other aspect of what makes Domaine Darius so special.

Dave explained that the gentle wine-making techniques use a soft pressing method that yields a high-quality juice that is then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.

This combination of factors creates elegant, fruit-forward wines with beautiful balance.

Plus, you can bring your pup along and enjoy the outdoors with them too!

What does Domaine mean in wine?

A domaine is a wine estate or in other words, it’s a fancy name for a vineyard. The term “domaine” is French, and it’s used in wine regions all over the world.

In France, a domaine is usually a family-run business. The family may have owned the land for generations, and they may live on the property.

Darius Events & Tours

Domaine Darius not only offers tastings but also hosts events such as weddings and corporate gatherings.

They also offer private tours throughout our vineyard where guests will gain an understanding of how our wines are made from start to finish.

See my complete list of wineries in the county with prices here.

See my post about enjoying a bicycle wine tour here in the county.

My Conclusion:

Visit Domaine Darius today for an unforgettable experience filled with delicious wine, breathtaking views, and friendly hospitality!

We found the team is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable experience full of exceptional service and high-quality wine that will exceed your expectations every time.

So visit Domaine Darius for an experience like we had and you’ll be happy you went.

If you have already visited this winery tell us what you thought in a comment below.

Until then…we may see you there.