🍷 Sip, Savor & Pair: Wine Tours with Local Food in Prince Edward County.

🍇 Why Prince Edward County Is Worth the Trip

Prince Edward County’s limestone-rich soils and cool climate contribute to distinctive wines — crisp Chardonnays, mineral-driven Pinot Gris and sparkling wines are among the standouts. Meanwhile, the local food scene has grown in sophistication, from farm-to-table restaurants to artisanal producers like local cheeses, charcuterie and wood-fired pizzas that pair beautifully with wine.

This combination means you’re not just tasting wines: you’re tasting a terroir-driven food culture.

🍽️ What “Food Pairings” Really Look Like

When people talk about food with wine tours here, it’s not always a Michelin-starred tasting menu — it’s often locally sourced, thoughtfully matched bites designed to elevate the wine.

🍷 Wineries Worth Pairing With Food

Here are a few wineries that either offer food on-site or make great pairing stops — whether you’re on a tour or DIY-ing your itinerary:

• CasaDea Estate Winery - A County original. Casa-Dea Estates Winery is one of the largest and most established wineries in Prince Edward County. We have been growing with pride since the year 2000 and with over 65 acres of planted vines, we are one of the very few wineries that are capable of producing true Prince Edward County VQA wines. Come for a sip or stay for a glass of wine on our licensed patio featuring Italian inspired dishes.

• Serving Italian inspired food made with locally sourced ingredients. La Pergola Restaurant & Patio is located at our winery and overlooks our main vineyard. We offer exceptionally fresh food, attentive service and a full selection of our wines by the glass. The perfect location for luncheons,  mid to late afternoon snacking, shared plates or just sipping a glass delicious wine.

• Harwood Estate Winery Brewery Bistro Inn – Along with a casual glass of Harwood Wine, or County Brew Beer on our Vineyard View Patio, you might want to treat yourself to a County Charcuterie featuring gourmet finger foods along with condiments and sauces. Our Charcuterie can be personalized many different ways

• Karlo Estates – Vegan-friendly winery with plant-based pairings and outdoor spaces for a picnic vibe.

• Lighthall Vineyards – Offers Sheep’s Milk Cheese as a pairing with all of their Wines.

  Lighthall is one of Canada’s only vineyards to be crafting artisan cheese on site. We create our cheese with the same principles and high standards as our wine. Buying fresh local ewe’s milk from one farmer on a weekly basis from March through October, we meticulously craft a number of cheeses, including: Farmhouse Style Hard, Alpine Style, Bloomy Rind, Feta, Blue and Cream Cheese. Our rotating cast of cheeses are designed to be the perfect compliment to our wines, so try them all and find your perfect pairing!

(Always check ahead — food options vary with the season and day of the week.)

🍷 Lunch Stops Between Tastings

Many guided tours include a planned lunch break at a local restaurant or bistro — and if you pick a winery with an on-site restaurant (like Harwood Estate’s bistro) or a nearby farm-to-table spot, the experience can feel seamlessly paired.

🧠 Tips for a Better Pairing Experience

Plan Ahead: Make reservations for tastings and lunch, especially on weekends and during summer.
Ask Before Booking: Confirm whether food is included in your wine tour — some operators treat it as an add-on.
Mix Guided + DIY: Many visitors combine a guided tour with a self-planned lunch stop at a winery or nearby restaurant to maximize food pairing.
Check Hours: County businesses often have seasonal or limited winter hours.

🍷 Final Take

Prince Edward County does deliver on wine tours paired with local food — but “pairing” means different things depending on the tour and winery. From artisan charcuterie boards to bistro lunches and pizza patios, you’ll likely find a delicious match for your wine — especially if you do just a bit of planning and communicate your expectations with the tour operator.

Whether you’re aiming for relaxed grazing with a flight of Chardonnay or a multi-course lunch paired with sparkling wines, The County’s vibrant wine and food culture makes for a deeply satisfying day on the trail.