On March 11th and 12th, join the wineries of Prince Edward County in an epic weekend of sips, bites and love for Ontario vineyards.
Merriment Awaits at Elevage PEC Winter Wine Festival
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Élevage refers to the ageing process that wines go through between fermentation and bottling which directly translates to “raise up”.
This winter, enjoy seven wineries over the course of a weekend and sample wine and cider from over 22 producers AND some fantastic culinary pairings.
“We really want to highlight the beauty of this region year-round,” says Kirstyn Mayers, Event Director. “Winter is our quietest time of year and the best time to visit if you want to enjoy the County the way locals do…”
Pick Your Ticket
The cool thing about this festival is you can pick the ticket that works for you:
Need a DD? Thanks for being responsible! Check out the General Admission + Shuttle ticket that will include 12 drink samples, 3 food samples AND a ride from Wellington to three winery venues. Easy peasy!
Are you the DD, under 19 or just not drinking? No worries. You can get the Zero Proof Admission which includes 3 food tickets.
Finally, the standard general admission ticket includes 12 drink samples and 3 food samples.
Discover a New Winery
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Seven different wineries across Prince Edward County will be hosting the Élevage festival. Stay at one or explore them all, the possibilities are endless.
At each winery, you’ll find two (or three!) other wine or cider producers sampling their Ontario-produced wines as well as food pairings from local chefs.
This year, wineries to visit include:
- Casa-Dea estates Winery will also host Hillier Creek Estates and Three Dog Winery
- Closson Chase Vineyards will host Broken Stone Winery and Hubbs Creek Vineyard
- Grange of Prince Edward will also host Hinterland Wine Company and Lacey Estates Winery
- Huff Estates Winery will also host Lighthall Vineyards and The County Cider Company
- Karlo Estates Winery will also be hosting Keint-He Winery and Vineyards and Gravelhill Vineyards
- Loch Mór Cider Company will host Sugarbush Vineyards and Trail Estate Winery
- Rosehall Run will also host Morandin Wines, Sandbanks Winery and a third winery- Stanners Vineyard
Delightful Culinary Pairings
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In addition to the samples available at each winery, there will also be culinary pairings! Crafted through partnerships with local chefs and pairings that celebrate The County’s heritage, it’s definitely a highlight of the event.
At this year’s festival, over half of the participating chefs are of Indigenous descent, including four Mohawk chefs from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, the traditional territory on which much of Prince Edward County’s wines are grown.
- Casa-Dea Estates Winery will be hosting Chef Rachel Bies
- Closson Chase Vineyards will be hosting Chef Nicole Maracle
- Grange of Prince Edward will be hosting Chefs Nathan Thomas & Matt Demille
- Huff Estates Winery will be hosting Chefs Leah Hannon of Stella’s Eatery and Lee Arden Lewis
- Karlo Estates Winery will be doing their own food pairings
- Loch Mór Cider Company will be hosting Chef Rebecca Hunt of Picnic PEC
- Rose Hall Run will be hosting Chef Chavis Maracle
Bring your appetite and prepare for some delicious pairings!
Enjoy and Make a Weekend of it
This event runs for two days, and Prince Edward County truly is a special slice of the province. Want to stay the night? The Drake Devonshire is the official accommodation partner and you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling PEC wine when you book with them!
“It’s so great to be able to bring social gatherings and events back after a long few years and kicking the season off with the inaugural Élevage Winter Wine Festival feels like the perfect way to do it!” says Michelle Holland of PEC Wine.
