Explore Prince Edward County
I recently booked a quick weekend getaway to Prince Edward County with my mother-in-law because she told me she’s never been. Wait, what?! I knew I had to take her (she also loves food, wine, and exploring charming towns, so it was a no-brainer). During our visit, she mentioned how impressed she was with my knowledge of the area. It took me a moment to count how many times I’ve been able to spend time in this amazing place. I’ve been visiting The County since 2017, starting with our annual girls’ weekend to do a wine tour, and what better area than this? Since then, I’ve had several chances to explore, and I want to share some of my favourites. Oh, and I’ll definitely be back!
Where to Drink (Responsibly) in Prince Edward County: The Best Spots to Sip, Eat & Explore
If you’ve spent any time in Prince Edward County, you know how easy it is to fall in love with this area. Prince Edward County has quickly become one of Ontario’s most-loved spots for wine lovers, craft beer enthusiasts, and anyone chasing that small-town charm. “The County” has no shortage of rolling vineyards, local brews, cozy cafés, tasty restaurants and lakeside patios.
You could honestly visit The County a dozen times and still have places to sip, eat and explore. So, with many amazing places to try, planning ahead can be helpful (especially if you want to explore responsibly). This post rounds up some of my favourite places to grab a drink and a bite to eat in PEC.
Plan Your Visit (and Sip Responsibly)
With so many great wineries, distilleries and breweries in the County, the last thing you want to worry about is driving. Luckily, there are lots of options that make exploring super easy and enjoyable. If you’re making a weekend of it (highly recommend), base yourself in Picton, Bloomfield, or Wellington. Everything’s close enough that you can easily explore from any of these areas.
County VIP Tours – one of the most popular and well-established tour companies. I’ve booked through this company a few times and would highly recommend!
Tina’s Wine Tours – Experienced tour guides with knowledge of the local wineries and attractions. Your tour begins with a pickup at your local accommodation and includes visits to four award-winning wineries, with a lunch stop added to the itinerary.
The Local Tour Co. – The tour takes you to some of the most beautiful wineries in the area, where you can indulge in a wide range of delicious wines while enjoying stunning views of the lush vineyards and unspoiled terrain. Plus, they have a Bachelorette Tour!
Where to Stay in Prince Edward County
The County has no shortage of incredible places to stay. There are endless options, from boutique inns and cozy cabins to stylish Airbnbs tucked between vineyards. There’s something for everyone, every vibe and every budget. If you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full-on escape, there’s something here for every kind of traveller in The County. I know it can be overwhelming, so I made a guide on where to stay in PEC.
Tiny Stays offers four unique and vibey tiny homes located adjacent to the Prince Edward County Skyway Bridge, it makes for a quick and easy access to the beautiful County. Each tiny stay is equipped with everything you need for a weekend getaway and each has it’s own personality. Trust your gut, and book the one that vibes best with you!
The Eddie Hotel is an incredible bed & breakfast! Located on a 78 acre farm between Wellington and Bloomfield, I can not recommend this place enough. Accommodation options include elegant bedrooms in the 1860s Main House, or cozy chic in the charming 2-bedroom Carriage House. Plus, the best breakfast you will EVER have!
I have also stayed at three different Airbnb’s in Picton. Each is located within walking distance to the main strip filled with shops, restaurants, bars and more. The closest is a renovated two-bedroom home that’s literally a 2-minute walk to the main area in Picton. There’s also a cozy two-bedroom cottage on the edge of Picton. Or a fun and colourful loft in the heart of Picton.
I Will Travel For Wine: Wineries Worth a Stop
Prince Edward County is packed with incredible wineries, and honestly, you can’t really go wrong. The County is Ontario’s fastest-growing wine region, with over 40 wineries (and counting). Explore what wines, wineries, and activities The County offers, and here are a handful of my personal favourites:
🍷 Three Dog Winery
This one’s has a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere. It’s dog-friendly (as the name suggests), super welcoming, and the outdoor space is perfect for sunny afternoons. Grab a flight, hang out on the patio, and maybe even catch some live music if you time it right.
🍇 Huff Estates
A classic PEC spot that’s great for first-timers. Their patio overlooks the vineyard, and they have a really unique on-site art gallery and inn if you’re planning to stay nearby. The wine list covers everything from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, so there’s something for everyone.
🌿 Closson Chase Vineyards
One of the original wineries to open in The County ,and known for its stunning purple barn and seriously good Chardonnay. Honestly I don’t normally like Chardonnay, but at Closson Chase you need to try and stay for a slow afternoon with friends and a few photos in the vineyard.
🍾 The Grange of Prince Edward
This one feels like you’ve stepped right into the heart of the County. Family-run, beautiful property, and they’re big on traditional winemaking methods. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to grab a picnic basket and stay a while.
✨ Hinterland Wine Company
If you love bubbles, this is the spot. Hinterland specializes in sparkling wine and has a really fun, easygoing atmosphere. The outdoor patio is perfect for a casual tasting before heading to your next stop.
🍷 Karlo Estates
Rustic barn vibes, live music, and friendly staff who clearly love what they do. Karlo is also known for being Canada’s first vegan-certified winery, which is pretty cool.
Breweries to Add to Your Weekend
Prince Edward County isn’t just about wineries, that’s even coming from a wine lover! But the craft beer scene here is seriously a vibe. If you love a good flight, a sunny patio, or a cozy spot to unwind after a full day of exploring, these breweries deserve a spot on your list.
🍺 Parsons Brewing Co.
If you only visit one brewery in PEC, make it Parsons. It’s got that perfect mix of great beer, good food, and an awesome outdoor space. Grab a picnic table under the trees, order a wood-fired pizza, and spend the afternoon hanging out. It’s family- and dog-friendly too!
🍻 Prince Eddy’s Brewing Co.
Fun, upbeat, and super welcoming — Prince Eddy’s is the place for easy-drinking beers and a chill vibe. They often have live music, food trucks, and even surf-inspired decor that makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away to a beach town. Perfect for a laid-back evening.
555 Brewing Co. | Picton
A cozy spot right in Picton with wood-fired pizzas that people rave about. I haven't been there yet myself, but I’ve heard it’s the perfect place to grab a flight, enjoy a pizza, and relax. It’s casual, welcoming, and feels like a neighbourhood favourite.
Midtown Brewing Company | Wellington
A Wellington favourite offering a variety of beers, wood-fired pizzas, bar snacks, and a unique menu. In summer, you can relax on the patio and enjoy the welcoming vibe PEC is known for. It’s the perfect spot to start an afternoon of exploring, grab a flight, or settle in with friends after a day of winery hopping.
Best Coffee Shops in Prince Edward County
Before you start hopping between wineries, beaches, breweries, and boutiques, you’ll need a gooood coffee to start your morning. Luckily, PEC has some adorable cafés that make the morning feel extra special.
Beacon Bike + Brew | Picton
This place is SUCH a vibe. This spot has great coffee (oat milk cappuccino!) and a fun, modern atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before a day of exploring Picton or hitting the trails. Always amazing.
Agrarian Market | Picton
More than a market — they have a full espresso bar, paninis, fresh pastries, and so much yummy food. Stop here for breakfast or a mid-morning refuel while exploring the area.
Citizen Frances | Bloomfield
A local favourite with a focus on quality espresso and creative drinks. The space is bright and cheerful — perfect for people-watching or planning your PEC adventures over a perfectly made latte.
Fun Spots for Cocktails + Drinks
Russ & Co | Picton
My absolute favourite! Cozy speakeasy vibes, incredible cocktails, and bartenders who actually care about what you like. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night wind-down.
The Royal Hotel | Picton
This chic hotel dates from 1879, with a cozy lobby bar that’s perfect for a happy hour, or a cocktail after dinner.
Bare Bones Distillery | Hillier
A newer spot in PEC, this small-batch distillery produces seriously good spirits like gin, vodka, canned cocktails, and orange limoncello, and also makes excellent cocktails. Keep an eye on the calendar because they often host live music!
La Condesa | Wellington
If you’re craving tacos + margaritas, you WILL have to dine here. It’s lively, fun, and the perfect spot when you want a little flavour and a little fiesta.
Drake Devonshire | Wellington
Known as the Instagram-worthy spot, it’s one of the few places to stop in for a drink with a view. Grab a cocktail, sit by the water, and let your main character moment play out.
Prince Edward County has endless options to explore, eat, sip and stay. Every time you think you’ve seen it all, something new catches your eye, a cozy spot for a drink, a great meal, or a beautiful little corner you didn’t expect. It’s relaxed, easy to wander, and just a really good time from start to finish.
Spend an afternoon or stretch it into a whole weekend! The County makes it so easy to slow down, explore, and enjoy yourself. Consider this your friendly reminder to try a new spot, sip something delicious, and soak up that PEC charm. You’ll end up heading home already thinking about when you can come back.