If you have just one stop to make in prince Edward County, I would recommend making it to Closson Chase. The gigantic purple barn is basically the essence of the picturesque county, the place is great and the wines are even better. For a quick stop or a full afternoon of calmly tasting wines in the gorgeous gardens, Closson chase is a Must Stop.
Closson Chase Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Prince Edward County. A boutique sized winery, quality driven with most of their wines coming from their own county vineyards surrounding the Grange on all sides. Closson Chase has mostly impressed me with the quality of their Pinot Noir. Head winemaker Keith Tyers aims for the best expression of the County terroir as possible and also advocates for sustainable practices.
New addition to the estate, this year an old cellar was re-purposed to build the Swinery. An artisanal sandwich eatery, directly on site that will make you want to stay even longer. Local produce are used, of course, as well as great flavours and some exclusive wines to taste like the Churchside 2015 Pinot noir, for example. Frost had affected most of the production this vintage but what was left, in small quantities was delicious.
K.J. Watson vineyards Pinot Gris 2017
An interesting Pinot Gris from Four Mile Creek VQA in a dry and high acidity style. Its expression is mostly based on fleshy orchard fruits with slight stony aromas and a phenolic texture. About 80% of the wines produced in Prince Edward County, unfortunately has Ontarian origin.
Pinot noir 2016
Bright and Light, this Pinot noir is lean and fruit-forward. Dried cherry skins, beets, spices and the minerality that defines the County is all there joined by some lavender floral tones too.
South Clos Chardonnay 2016
100% PEC grapes on the vineyard south of Closson Road. This chardonnay is a rich delight almost opulent compared to all his PEC compatriot. Aromas are scrumptious of Baked apple pie, butterscotch, the very Ontario based butter tarts, but also with oak, pecans and peach preserve.
Churchside Pinot Noir 2016
Deliciously surprising, Churchside is without a doubt the jewel of Closson chase. It even looks as bright as a ruby. It’s a very expressive and lush wine filled with red fruit, cherries and cranberries, earthy notes of beets, cedar and wild mushrooms, herbal tea and a bright, tart acidity.
