Rediscovering Prince Edward County: A Weekend of Wine and Wind
2025-11-20 · By Chloe Benoit
Only two hours from Toronto, this region’s wineries, sandy shores, and small inns are capturing the hearts of urban travelers craving calm and authenticity.
A two-hour drive east of Toronto, Prince Edward County feels like a world away. Rolling vineyards, wind-swept beaches, and roadside art studios line quiet country roads. Once a sleepy farming region, “the County,” as locals call it, has evolved into Ontario’s premier weekend escape — a place where simplicity meets sophistication.
What began as a modest winemaking experiment in the early 2000s has become a cultural and culinary renaissance. Dozens of boutique wineries now dot the landscape, many family-run and fiercely independent. “We’re not Napa, and that’s the point,” says vintner Laura Duval of Shoreline Cellars. “People come here for authenticity — the stories behind every glass.”
Beyond wine, the region’s creative energy continues to grow. Converted barns host galleries, music venues, and artisanal markets. Local chefs source from nearby farms, crafting seasonal menus that rival Toronto’s fine dining scene. “There’s a sense of collaboration here you don’t find in the city,” notes chef André McMillan. “Everyone contributes to the County’s rhythm.”
The geography adds its own magic. The winds rolling off Lake Ontario create both challenges and charm, shaping microclimates ideal for cool-climate grape varieties. On any given afternoon, cyclists weave through fields of corn and lavender, their paths ending at sunlit patios overlooking the water. It’s a blend of rural ease and quiet ambition.
Accommodations reflect the County’s personality — understated but thoughtful. Restored farmhouses, minimalist cabins, and eco-lodges blend rustic architecture with modern comfort. Visitors are encouraged to disconnect, trade emails for sunsets, and embrace slower living. “You can feel your pulse slow down here,” says McMillan. “That’s our luxury.”
Sustainability underpins much of the County’s growth. Local winemakers have embraced regenerative agriculture, while boutique hotels invest in solar energy and waste reduction. Environmental advocacy isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of the brand. “We have to protect what draws people here,” explains Duval. “The landscape is our livelihood.”
Tourism officials report record visitation, particularly from Torontonians seeking meaningful escapes close to home. Yet, the County’s charm lies in its restraint. Zoning laws limit overdevelopment, preserving the rural character that sets it apart. “We’d rather grow slowly than lose our soul,” says a council representative.
For first-time visitors, the allure of Prince Edward County lies in its balance of comfort and authenticity. A morning might begin with espresso at a converted feed mill, followed by a vineyard tour, and end beside a beach bonfire. It’s indulgence without excess, a return to experiences that feel earned rather than bought.
As the weekend winds down and the highway stretches westward back to Toronto, travelers often carry more than bottles of wine — they take with them a sense of calm rarely found in city life. In Prince Edward County, the wind speaks softly but clearly: slow down, stay present, and savour what endures.