By Margaret Swaine
(Wine Access 2007 Canadian Wine Annual)
Prince Edward County has all the ingredients for a good weekend cruise through the vineyards. On this bucolic virtual island (a canal cuts the isthmus from the mainland) there are great chefs, plentiful local farmers, neat food outlets and twelve wineries some with on premises dining on an easy to follow “Taste Trail” (1-866-845-6644; www.visitpec.ca/taste).
From a solitary winery in 2000 PEC has bloomed. Today’s vineyards are freshly planted, though the area has always been an agricultural haven. Its watery surroundings of numerous bays and Lake Ontario temper the climate just enough for fruit orchards and vegetables. The Empire Loyalists who settled here over two hundred years ago were well into farming by the early 1800’s. There was even a winery in the 1870’s in Hillier.
It pharmacy online viagra is triggered by signals, including cell stress and DNA damage. The neuromuscular massages also improve the flexibility tadalafil discount go to these guys of muscles through the reduction of muscle tension. The professional doctors are well qualified in counseling the patients by addressing the underlying cause of problem. cialis no prescription overnight Epidural steroid injections: For certain individuals, this disorder can be extremely uncomfortable and once diagnosed, be prepared http://icks.org/n/data/ijks/1482467285_add_file_8.pdf discount cialis to live with IBS for the rest of your life. If coming from the east get off highway 401 at Kingston and take the beautiful Loyalist Parkway (Highway 33) to the Glenora Ferry (it runs every 15 minutes in summer and is free). On the other side of the bay, you’ll connect to County Road 7 for a picturesque drive overlooking the waters of Adolphus Reach and loop around onto route 8 to find County Cider Company (1-866-476-1022; www.countycider.com), the first winery (albeit apple) in the region. Poised atop a limestone shingle ridge overlooking Lake Ontario it has great views of South Bay and Waupoos Island. Sip a cider sitting on their outdoor patio (BBQ lunches are served) and drink in the vista. Their delicious hard apple ciders are made from 11 different varieties of apple, six of them European cider apples which add complexity and depth of flavour.
To start from the west exit at Trenton and take highway 33 to Hillier where you’ll have six wineries nearby to visit. If you’re hungry you might want to head straight to Carmela Estates (613-399-3939; www.carmelaestates.ca) where they offer seasonal menus at The Vines Restaurant or on the patio overlooking their vineyards. If you’re partial to chess you can even play on the enormous outside board with its two feet high Kings and Queens. Whichever route you come in on, the County is compact and easy to navigate. Nothing on the Taste Trail is much more than an hour away.
The town of Bloomfield in the heart of the County is home to quaint boutiques and fine inns such as Angéline’s (1-877-391-3301; www.angelinesinn-spa.com) where the menu of Austrian chef Willi Fida has been a favourite since 1988. The Bloomfield Carriage House Restaurant (613-393-1087; www.bloomfieldcarriagehouse.com) which features local and organic produce has the Marshmallow Room renown for its artisan breads and pastries. Also in town, Slickers County Ice Cream (613-393-5433) serves all natural homemade ice cream made daily. Be sure to try the apple pie ice cream that’s full of chunks of fresh pie, pastry and all.
Picton’s at the hub of the Taste Trail and you’ll find two beautifully restored inns here. The Merrill Inn (1-866-567-5969; www.merrillinn.com) graces a quiet neighbourhood and boasts celebrated Chef Michael Sullivan in the kitchen. The Claramount Inn & Spa (1-800-679-7756; www.claramountinn.com) is a magnificent colonial revival mansion with fine dining and a top-notch spa. Make sure to dine also at Harvest (613-476-6763; www.harvestrestaurant.ca) where Michael Potters’ tasting menu is a gastronomic tour in a single sitting. Don’t miss Buddha Dog (613-476-3814; www.buddhafoodha.com) where pure beef hotdogs on a fresh baked bun with choice local seasonal toppings raise the simple wiener to gourmet status. The Bean Counter Café (613-476-1718; www.beancountercafe.com) has fair trade organic coffee and 24 flavours of gelato. Judy Edwards’ desserts and pastries at the Regent Café (613-476-9833) in the historic Regent Theatre are a treat locals swear by. You won’t go hungry in this County.