In one day I went from cranky sleep-starved freelancer to an imbibing bon vivant in less than two hours. With compliments of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), a van full of Toronto’s top young food writers set off to Prince Edward County to experience pastoral life, VQA wines and conversation that questioned the existence of Lauren Conrad’s ghost writer over boxed suppers from Pinch Gourmet.

The joke was I had never visited Ontario’s Prince Edward County; a cornucopia of wineries, galleries, sandy beaches and blue skies. It was a little embarrassing to realize how close it is to Toronto, yet I had never been.

Prince Edward County produces some interesting red wines as well as Chardonnay. We tasted quite a bit, but, overall, regardless of what price you’re looking to spend on a bottle at the local wine store, PEC red wines have an earthiness, a lingering minerality and lively fruit aromas. If you’re looking to pick up a wine to go with the average “sip n’ b*tch” Friday night with the gals, a mid priced blend is the best bet.

For pizza or tapas I recommend the medium bodied Rosehall Run’s 2007 Sullyzwicker Red for $14.75. It’s a fun and accessible wine that is paired best with friends and conversation. It isn’t a wine that’s going to make any promises it can’t deliver, because it’s a relaxed and easy drinking blend.

For dessert, a sweeter sipper or a great hostess gift, the Huff Estates VQA First Frost 2007 for $19.95 is a quasi-ice wine has a taste that rolls off the tongue like drops of honey. Sweet normally pairs well with sweet, but you may find it interesting to know that sweeter wines also work with spicier food. Try the First Frost with a curry dinner and let me know how you like it.

Although the Pinot Noirs are the region’s best known wines, I found them too earthy for my own personal taste. However, if you wanted to give one a try, start with The Grange’s Trumpour’s Mill Pinot Noir 2007 $19.95. It was recently featured as a wine of the month in Vintages’ magazine and while I found the tannins to be incredibly drying and not suitable as a sipper sans pairing, I highly recommend pairing the Trumpour’s Mill with creamy cheeses, meaty steaks or any rich deep fried foods. The tannins will help cut the fat on your palate making the two work so well together you’ll be an all star for pulling the pairing off.

As far as going back to Prince Edward County, I intend to return in November to participate in an experiential program where tourists can help with the grape harvest. So beyond wines, the region is a great Toronto-local getaway for a day and a must visit for anyone traveling from away. Listen, Prince Edward County makes wine, if only for that reason, it’s tops in my books!

Cheers!

by Marie Nicola