The Region

Terroir

In terms of varieties planted, there is a broad range of both vinifera and hybrid in the ground.  In vinifera, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Riesling are planted in significant numbers with smaller amounts of Zweigelt, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot in the mix.  Among hybrids, baco noir, vidal and geisenheimare among the popular choices, with new Minnesota cold tolerant varietals appearing on the landscape.

Refined viticultural practices have improved the condition of harvested grapes and have enhanced the survivability of fruiting buds during winter, as well as enabled growers to undertake longer-term strategies in vineyard management.  Continuous innovations in vineyard management techniques will have led to economies in labour and higher percentage survival rates.

History of Winegrowing in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County has a long history of horticulture, with it being the mainstay of the economy for centuries.  For decades our region was known as Canada's canning capital, producing canned products such as peas, tomatoes, sour cherries and pumpkin which were shipped nationwide and internationally.  At one time Prince Edward County was the supplier of one third of all canned product in Canada. The production of tender fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, sour cherries and apples was also a key component to our horticultural makeup. The history of grape growing dates back to the 1800's when Dorland Noxon of Prince Edward County was awarded a gold medal at the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition.  As with other regions, market and economic factors have resulted in changes.  Currently Prince Edward County's major agricultural industries are
1. Dairy Industry
2. Poultry Industry
3. Cash Crop Industry
4. Viticulture Industry

History of the DVA

Wine grapes have been planted in Prince Edward County over the course of the past decade and a small wine industry has developed.  With vineyards and infrastructure now in place and growing, it was proposed that Prince Edward County's Bay of Quinte be designated as a viticultural area under the VQA legislation. The Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association made application for this recognition to VQA Ontario, supported by a collection of soil, climatic and economic data and in the summer of 2007 the official designation of DVA Prince Edward County was announced.

Viable vineyards had been maintained for the past 7 years and planting and investments in viticulture and wineries continues it is important that VQA Ontario acknowledged that Prince Edward County is a grape growing region in the developmental years before the use of appellation terminology became widespread outside of the VQA system. 

Ontario continues to mature as a wine producing region and this will include the introduction of new growing regions as the industry grows.  A new viticultural area in Prince Edward County added to the diversity of Ontario wine regions and open up opportunities for new styles of wine and expansion of public interest in Ontario wines.