When friends ask me for winery recommendations in Prince Edward County, I usually start with a question:
“Do you want to see four wineries, or do you want to enjoy four wineries?”
There’s a big difference.
After visiting all 41+ wineries across Prince Edward County, I’ve learned that the best wine tour isn’t about cramming as many stops into a day as possible. It’s about visiting wineries that are close together, offer different experiences, and showcase what makes County wine country special.
One of the biggest mistakes I see visitors make in Prince Edward County is trying to visit too many wineries in one day. With more than 40 wineries scattered across the County, it’s tempting to create an ambitious itinerary that ends up feeling more like a road rally than a relaxing wine tour.
If you’re starting in Wellington, here’s my ideal four-winery route. They’re all easy to reach, located within a short drive of each other, and each offers something completely different.
Stop #1: Rosehall Run Vineyards
Distance from Wellington: Approximately 7 km (8 minutes)
If someone only has time for one winery near Wellington, Rosehall Run often makes my shortlist.
This is one of Prince Edward County’s most established wineries and a fantastic introduction to local winemaking. The tasting room is welcoming, the staff is knowledgeable without being intimidating, and the wines consistently deliver.
Why I Recommend It
Rosehall Run showcases exactly why Prince Edward County has become famous for cool-climate wines.
Their wines tend to be approachable for beginners while still impressing serious wine enthusiasts.
Best Things to Try
- Pixie Sparkling Rosé
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
What Makes It Special
The winery combines excellent wine with beautiful vineyard views and a relaxed atmosphere. You never feel rushed here.
Local Tip: Start your tour here while your palate is fresh. Sparkling wine before lunch is perfectly acceptable in wine country. In fact, it may be encouraged.
Stop #2: Norman Hardie Winery
Distance from Rosehall Run: Less than 2 km (2-minute drive)
You could almost walk between these two wineries if the weather is nice.
Norman Hardie is one of the most influential names in Ontario winemaking and has helped put Prince Edward County Chardonnay on the international wine map.
What Makes It Special?
The winery’s focus on terroir-driven wines has earned a loyal following among wine lovers across Canada.
But here’s a secret many visitors discover quickly: people come for the wine and stay for the pizza.
The wood-fired pizzas have become legendary in Prince Edward County and are often considered among the best winery food experiences in Ontario.
Best Wines to Try
- County Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Riesling
- County Pinot Gris
Food Options
If you’re planning lunch during your tour, this is where I’d stop.
A wood-fired pizza paired with a glass of Chardonnay while overlooking the vineyards is about as “Prince Edward County” as an afternoon can get.
Insider Tip
Visit before peak lunch hours if possible. During busy summer weekends, the pizza lineup can become nearly as famous as the pizza itself.
Stop #3: Casa-Dea Estates Winery
Distance from Norman Hardie: About 3 km (4-minute drive)
Casa-Dea offers a completely different experience from the first two stops.
The property is larger, more polished, and features stunning vineyard views that seem to stretch forever.
What Makes It Special?
Casa-Dea combines beautiful facilities with one of the most diverse wine portfolios in Prince Edward County.
Whether you enjoy reds, whites, rosés, or sparkling wines, you’re likely to find something that suits your palate.
The tasting experience here is often highly educational, making it a great stop for visitors who want to learn more about County wines.
Best Wines to Try
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
- Cabernet Franc
- Baco Noir
- Cuvée Sparkling
Food Options
Casa-Dea is one of the better winery destinations for visitors looking to combine food and wine. Seasonal menus and patio dining make it easy to spend extra time enjoying the property.
Insider Tip
Many visitors stop for a quick tasting and leave. Slow down and take in the vineyard views. Some of the best photographs in Prince Edward County are taken right here.
Stop #4: Morandin Wines
Distance from Casa-Dea: About 3 km (4-minute drive)
If Rosehall Run, Norman Hardie, and Casa-Dea represent the established stars of the area, Morandin Wines feels like discovering a hidden gem.
This boutique winery offers a more intimate and personal experience than many visitors expect.
What Makes It Special?
Morandin is known for producing small-batch wines with an Old World influence, reflecting the family’s Italian winemaking heritage.
The atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious. It often feels more like visiting passionate friends than touring a commercial winery.
Best Wines to Try
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Franc
- Limited small-lot releases
Food Options
While food offerings may vary seasonally, many visitors come primarily for the personalized tasting experience and unique wines.
Insider Tip
Take time to chat with the staff. This is one of those wineries where the stories behind the wines are often just as enjoyable as the wines themselves.
Why These Four Wineries Make the Perfect Tour
What I love most about this winery tour starting from Wellington route is the variety. Take a look!
Rosehall Run
The classic County winery experience with a games room.
Norman Hardie
World-class Chardonnay and unforgettable pizza and oysters.
Casa-Dea
Beautiful views, a diverse wine portfolio, and the BIG “LOVE” sign for pictures.
Morandin
Boutique charm and hidden-gem appeal.
The entire route covers less than 5 kilometres between stops, which means very little driving and much more time enjoying what you came for.
Suggested Wine Tour Itinerary
11:00 AM
Rosehall Run Vineyards
12:00 PM
Norman Hardie Winery (Lunch)
2:00 PM
Casa-Dea Estates Winery – Get pictures
3:30 PM
Morandin Wines – Relax with a view
5:00 PM
Return to Wellington for dinner and waterfront views.
Not sure where to eat? Here are 7 restaurants in Wellington I’d choose from.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Prince Edward County and want a winery tour that is easy to navigate, packed with exceptional wines, and representative of what makes the region special, this four-winery route is hard to beat.
Here is my list of self-guided wine tours I’d suggest
From Rosehall Run’s sparkling wines to Norman Hardie’s famous pizza, from Casa-Dea’s breathtaking vineyard views to Morandin’s boutique charm, you’ll experience four completely different personalities within just a few minutes of each other.
And here’s one final local secret: don’t schedule every minute of your day. The best County experiences often happen when a “quick tasting” turns into an hour-long conversation, another glass of wine, and a sudden decision to buy a case you never planned on bringing home.
Trust me. It happens to the best of us.
