The Founding Wineries That Sparked the Creation of Prince Edward County's Wine Region
In the mid-1990s, Prince Edward County (PEC) was still relatively unknown as a wine-producing region. The county was known for its agricultural roots, quaint towns, and breathtaking scenery, but it was not yet the renowned wine destination it is today. That would all change with the introduction of a handful of visionary wineries that set the stage for the development of the Prince Edward County wine region. The pioneering wineries — Rosehall Run, Casa-Dea, Closson Chase, Wapous Winery, and The Grange — played pivotal roles in establishing the area as one of Ontario's premier wine-growing regions.
These wineries didn't just plant vines and make wine; they laid the foundation for a thriving wine culture that would attract visitors from across the world. Together, they overcame challenges, explored innovative viticulture practices, and helped to create a wine region that is now respected worldwide for its cool-climate varietals, sustainable practices, and exceptional wines.
Rosehall Run: The First Step Towards a Wine Destination
The story of PEC’s wine region starts with Rosehall Run, which opened its doors in 2002, becoming one of the first wineries to put the region on the map. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, this winery was founded by Dan Sullivan, a former Canadian entrepreneur with a passion for wine. Rosehall Run’s location was perfect for cool-climate wine production, and Sullivan’s focus on quality, low-intervention winemaking quickly garnered attention.
Rosehall Run’s early success helped demonstrate that PEC could produce wines with distinction, particularly cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery’s wines consistently impressed critics and customers, and its commitment to sustainable farming practices set the bar for others in the region. With its success, Rosehall Run helped to solidify the idea that PEC’s unique terroir could support a world-class wine industry.
Casa-Dea: Italian Influence in the Heart of the County
Just a few years after Rosehall Run, Casa-Dea Estates Winery opened its doors in 2004, bringing a touch of Italian influence to the county. Founded by the DeLuca family, whose roots in winemaking trace back to Italy, Casa-Dea quickly became a standout in PEC's wine scene.
The DeLuca family’s passion for traditional Italian winemaking methods resonated with both locals and visitors, and they focused on producing wines that expressed the unique character of the region. Casa-Dea’s welcoming atmosphere and dedication to producing high-quality wines, including reds like Cabernet Franc and Merlot, helped to prove that PEC could thrive with a variety of wine styles. The winery's success brought attention to the region’s potential, helping to draw more producers and wine lovers to Prince Edward County.
Domenic and Dea Di Pietrantonio are the owners of Casa-Dea Estates Winery in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Domenic purchased the winery in 2009.
How did they get the winery?
Domenic immigrated to Canada in the 1950s and started planting a vineyard in Prince Edward County.
He purchased a second vineyard and the winery that is now Casa-Dea Estates Winery in 2009.
He bought, refurbished, and renamed the winery that was previously Carmela Winery.
Closson Chase: Crafting Elegant Wines with a Sense of Place
In 2001, Closson Chase Vineyards was founded by the husband-and-wife team of David and Lynn Cowling. Closson Chase is often credited with helping to define the modern identity of Prince Edward County’s wine scene. The winery’s focus on producing elegant, terroir-driven wines put PEC on the map for its premium cool-climate varietals, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Sonja Smits and Seaton McLean are the joint owners of Closson Chase Vineyard in Prince Edward County. They purchased the winery together in 2017. Seaton McLean is a well-known figure in the Canadian wine industry, and his expertise, combined with Sonja Smits' passion for wine and the arts, has helped continue Closson Chase’s legacy of high-quality, terroir-driven wines.
Sonja Smits, the award-winning Canadian actor, and Seaton McLean, a wine industry veteran and consultant, both share a deep commitment to sustainability and producing wines that reflect the unique character of Prince Edward County. Together, they’ve ensured that Closson Chase remains a key player in the region’s wine scene.
What set Closson Chase apart from other wineries was its commitment to making wines that truly expressed the unique character of the PEC terroir. The winery’s use of limestone-rich soil, coupled with a commitment to organic farming, became a hallmark of their winemaking philosophy. Closson Chase’s success helped prove that the county could produce wines on par with the world’s top cool-climate wine regions, and their stunning vineyard and winery quickly became a draw for visitors.
Waupoos Winery: A Pioneer in Prince Edward County’s Wine Identity
Though Waupoos Winery was one of the smaller wineries in the early days of PEC's wine revolution, it played a crucial role in establishing the region as a viable wine-producing area. Founded by Dan and Ann-Marie Needham in 2004, Waupoos focused on producing limited quantities of wine from the county’s unique terroir. While Waupoos was not as large or as widely recognized as some of the other pioneering wineries, its commitment to sustainable farming and creating handcrafted wines was integral in shaping the early identity of PEC’s wine scene.
The winery’s wines were made with a sense of place, and their small-scale, hands-on approach to winemaking resonated with wine enthusiasts who were looking for something different. Waupoos became an early advocate for the quality that could come from PEC’s cool climate, helping to prove that small wineries could produce wines of distinction.
The Grange: A Commitment to Quality and Tradition
The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards & Winery opened in 2001, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the county’s emerging wine scene. Known for its commitment to producing wines with both modern sensibilities and traditional techniques, The Grange was one of the first wineries to establish a reputation for its exceptional Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir wines.
The Grange’s location, with its stunning views and rich history, became a major draw for visitors to the county. But beyond its picturesque surroundings, the winery was also committed to producing wines that expressed the terroir of Prince Edward County. The Grange was a true pioneer, helping to demonstrate that the county’s cool-climate environment could produce wines with exceptional complexity and depth.
The Collective Impact of These Founding Wineries
These five wineries — Rosehall Run, Casa-Dea, Closson Chase, Wapous Winery, and The Grange — were instrumental in proving that Prince Edward County could support a wine industry that rivaled the best regions in the world. Their pioneering work in viticulture, winemaking, and sustainable practices laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant wine community.
Their collective influence spurred the creation of the Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association in 2007, a significant milestone in the formalization of the region as a recognized wine-growing area. The association’s formation helped raise awareness of PEC’s wine potential, and over time, more wineries joined the movement, expanding the region’s reputation.
By embracing sustainable farming, organic practices, and cool-climate varietals, these early wineries helped to shape the future of PEC’s wine scene. Today, the region is home to more than 40 wineries, each with its own unique approach to winemaking, yet all united by the shared commitment to quality, innovation, and the land that supports them.
The Legacy of the Pioneers
As we look back at the past two decades, it's clear that the efforts of Rosehall Run, Casa-Dea, Closson Chase, Wapous Winery, and The Grange were instrumental in transforming Prince Edward County from a quiet rural area into one of the most celebrated wine regions in Ontario. Their bold vision, dedication to quality, and belief in the potential of PEC’s terroir helped establish the foundation for the thriving wine industry that exists today.
While much has changed since those early days, the legacy of these pioneering wineries remains at the heart of the Prince Edward County wine region. They proved that with passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land, it was possible to create world-class wines in this unique and beautiful part of Ontario. The story of PEC’s rise as a wine destination is one of innovation, community, and a shared belief in the potential of this remarkable region.