Discovering Stanners Vineyard in Prince Edward County
Tucked away near the village of Hillier, Stanners Vineyard is a family-owned, artisanal winery dedicated above all to one grape: Pinot Noir. What began in 2003 as a bold experiment on a quiet piece of farmland has become one of Prince Edward County’s most characterful wineries, with a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and a deep respect for the land.
A family of scientists turned winegrowers
Stanners Vineyard is very much a family affair. Cliff and Dorothy Stanners work side by side with their son Colin and daughter‑in‑law Mary, with extended family often pitching in at harvest and busy times in the vineyard. Before planting a single vine, Cliff and Colin were both research scientists: Cliff holds a PhD in cell and molecular biology and led cancer research in Toronto and later as Director of the McGill Cancer Centre in Montreal, while Colin earned a PhD in physical chemistry under Nobel laureate John Polanyi and went on to lead research and technology teams in Silicon Valley.
Terroir, Pinot Noir, and the County’s cool climate
From day one, the Stanners family had a clear goal: to produce Pinot Noir that could rival the best in the world, not by copying Burgundy, but by expressing the unique character of Prince Edward County. The site they chose near Hillier combines a northerly climate with the moderating influence of Lake Ontario, making it just warm enough to ripen Pinot Noir while still preserving its delicacy and freshness. Beneath the vines, calcareous, limestone‑riddled soils echo the geology of Burgundy, giving the wines a distinctive mineral backbone and structure.
Stanners Vineyard has remained small by design, a boutique operation dedicated to premium Pinot Noir and a handful of carefully chosen varieties. That focus has paid off: their 2021 Pinot Noir earned a Gold Medal at the Ontario Wine Awards and a Bronze at the All Canadian Wine Championships, while their 2017, 2018, and 2019 Pinot Noir “The Narrow Rows” vintages have collected national medals and even topped a Canada‑versus‑New‑Zealand Pinot Noir showdown known as the Judgement of Kingston.
A straw‑bale winery with a cool cellar vibe
One of the most striking features of Stanners Vineyard is the building itself. In 2009, the family constructed their winery using eco‑friendly straw‑bale construction for the barrel room, a method that offers exceptional insulation and helps maintain a steady temperature for aging wine. This makes Stanners the first straw‑bale winery east of the Rockies, a detail that environmental design enthusiasts and wine lovers alike will appreciate.
The tasting bar is set right in this straw‑bale barrel room, creating the feeling of an above‑ground wine cellar with naturally cool temperatures and a unique, rustic atmosphere. Visitors can taste through the current lineup surrounded by barrels, straw‑bale walls, and the quiet hum of a working winery, rather than a polished, corporate tasting hall.