Ottawa residents looking for the perfect spring escape don't have to go far — Prince Edward County is just a few hours down the road, and right now it's putting on a show worth the drive.
With Lake Ontario glittering on the horizon, rolling vineyards waking up after a long winter, and some of Ontario's best farm-to-table kitchens in full swing, PEC is the kind of getaway that recharges you without ever making you feel like you've strayed too far from home.
The Grange Is Pouring Something Special
One of the region's most beloved estates, The Grange of Prince Edward Winery, recently unveiled its latest releases — and they're worth getting excited about. Ottawa Life Magazine attended a tasting and came away genuinely impressed by the breadth and quality of what's coming out of the cellar this season.
The Grange has long been a darling of Ontario wine circles, known for crafting cool-climate varietals that punch well above their weight. Their wines lean into what PEC does best: crisp acidity, restrained fruit, and an elegance that pairs beautifully with the region's food scene.
Plan Your PEC Weekend Right
For Ottawa-area residents, a Prince Edward County wine weekend is one of those trips that's easy to keep pushing off — and just as easy to fall in love with once you finally go. Here's how to make the most of it:
Arrive Friday evening. Traffic out of Ottawa on a Saturday morning can eat into your weekend. Getting in the night before means you wake up ready to explore.
Start at The Grange. Book a tasting early — spots fill up fast on weekends, especially once the weather turns. Their tasting room staff are knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic about walking you through each pour.
Explore the shore. The views of Lake Ontario from PEC's south shore are genuinely stunning in spring. Pack a picnic and find a quiet stretch of shoreline between winery visits.
Book dinner ahead. The county's restaurant scene has grown significantly in recent years, and the best tables — think locally sourced menus with exceptional wine lists — book out well in advance on weekends.
Why This Is the Perfect Ottawa Day (or Weekend) Trip
Prince Edward County sits roughly 2.5 to 3 hours southwest of Ottawa, making it an ideal two-night getaway or even a long day trip for serious wine enthusiasts. Unlike Niagara, which can feel crowded and commercial, PEC retains a quiet, artisanal character that resonates with Ottawa's own sensibility — creative, a little understated, and deeply proud of local craft.
With spring finally settling in across Eastern Ontario, there's no better time to dust off the road trip playlist and head south toward the vines.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine. Visit ottawalife.com for the full tasting notes from The Grange of Prince Edward.
