We last visited Prince Edward County for Thanksgiving 2010. Through a happy twist of me being in the county for work on Thursday and Friday . . . mom having a birthday coming up . . . and a really incredible deal at a luxury hotel in the middle of the county we decided to have a weekend of fun!
About two hours from home, the county is a unique island community, a place of tranquility, creativity, hospitality and fun. Lots of fun. As you tour the rural routes you can see the United Empire Loyalist roots everywhere. Traditional agriculture is the backbone of the area although this has been enhanced by a growing wine industry. A growing and multifaceted arts community contributes to the unique ‘County’ culture.
The wine industry is here is quite young. 11 years ago there was 1 winery, today there are close to 30. When we tasted the wines during our 2005 visit they were not the sort of thing I was racing out to purchase. No, not at all. This weekend we bought 3cases - oh, how things have improved. The county is best known for its Pinot and its white wines.
With the incredibly warm December we are having the weather was gorgeous. You wouldn't know that winter was approaching - well, except for the fact that the county was decked out for Christmas and the complete lack of people. Generally there are crowds of tourists racing from one winery or artisan to the next. This weekend it must have seemed to the locals that they had their lovely county to themselves again!
This area is also an epicentre of the locavore food movement here in Ontario. There are all sorts of craft food producers in the county who strive to use the finest local ingredients they can get their hands (or knives) on. The restaurants and cafes in the area feature the best the area has to offer as well. You won't eat poorly here!
One of the new artisan producers we discovered was actually a distillery. 66 Gilead, located in the historic 1874 Cooper-Norton house, is using the best Ontario grains and herbs to create craft spirits.
Following the mashing of the grains, fermentation is allowed to occur in temperature controlled fermenters.
The spirits are then distilled using a handmade copper still. Copper is an important element in the production of spirits as it helps to eliminate unwanted flavour congeners which would detract from the quality of the final product.
The clear spirits are filtered and bottled on site.
We learned that dark spirits (rum anyone? whiskey, and scotch) are currently aging in oak barrels.
At 66 Gilead we bought two bottles of vodka including one of the special pine infused vodka. this stuff was brilliant - one sip and it was like being transported to a dense pine forest on a wintry day. I know that we'll be using this as the basis for many festive cocktail in the coming weeks.
I love to explore this area Jerry. I really need to come back to Ontario more often!
Posted by: bellini | December 04, 2011 at 07:44 PM
Jerry what a fun and fabulous weekend. The stars were certainly falling into place with all your good luck: accommodations, weather, and wonderful food and wine adventures. I love the way you plan your play time and that you are ever thoughtful of your mom. I want to go there!
Posted by: Barb Cabot | December 05, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Wow -- that vodka sounds fantastic! I've only tried a few Prince Edward County wines, but they were great. One I really like is Sandhurst (I think I have that name correct?)
Posted by: sandrac | December 05, 2011 at 03:21 PM
Sounds fun!
Posted by: Kayte | December 05, 2011 at 09:38 PM
I guess you'll need more time next year bellini! *smile*
I bet it was Sandbanks Sandra - it was one of the wineries that we went to.
It was kayte. I wonder why I fly all over the world when there are great places nearby to hang out.
If you ever make it to this area Barb I'll be happy to take you there. :-)
Posted by: JDeQ | December 23, 2011 at 04:28 PM