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$55 County Pinot

xuletThere’s a family down the road from me in Prince Edward County selling wine for $55 a bottle.

I was taking the County back roads from Point Petre to Waupoos when I stumbled on Exultet Estates. Talk about being in the middle of nowhere. This small winery is housed in a charming old dairy building with the vineyards out back. Are they ever anywhere else!

I tasted two Pinots – a lightish and charming 08 ($35), and a more concentrated, impressive 09 ($55). I purchased the 08 because if its current drinkability, and because I wasn’t mentally prepared to spend $55 on a bottle of wine. While I realize that the economics of operating a small winery dictate these steep prices I feel there is also a need to earn them. In the first few years it’s best to bait customers with something reasonably priced. We’ll return for the big fish once we have more confidence in the winery. I mentioned this to owners Gerry and Lia Spinosa and was delighted to hear that they are in complete agreement. Look for a friendly priced Pinot next season.

P.S. The farm just to the east of Exultet has the best free range eggs I’ve ever tasted. And Long Dog Winery is lust around the corner. Three attractions in the middle of nowhere.

P.S.S. If you’re coming to the County on the long weekend, check out VICKI’S VEGGIES HEIRLOOM TOMATO FESTIVAL. It is awesome. Taste over 100 varieties of tomatoes. www.vickisveggies.com

EXULTET ESTATES 1106 Royal Road, Milford, Prince Edward County
www.exultet.ca

Have You Entered the Stratford Contest?

SputnikThis month we were in Stratford to see Jesus Christ Superstar and it was fantastic. So was the espresso at SPUTNIK on Ontario Street, shown here. And the aprés party at DOWN THE STREET.

If you haven’t entered my fabulous STRATFORD contest NOW is the time – it closes AUGUST 29th.

Click here to get to the page! And good luck!

Have a Long Dog Day

longdogPrince Edward County’s Long Dog is one of the Ontario’s most remote wineries but ‘worth the drive’, as they say in Acton.

In its early years the winery was criticized for high prices but all the wines I tasted one afternoon offered value for money.

Continue reading →

Only in Ireland

Prize

Eating in PEC

PerchThanks to Michael Potter (chef at Angeline’s Restaurant, Bloomfield) for this perch recipe.

REPORT FROM THE COUNTY

I’m starting my County Report with a list of the best high-end restaurants with a commitment to supporting local farmers. Cafés/bars, and wineries to follow.

HIGH END RESTAURANTS IN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

ANGELINE’S, Bloomfield . . . old Victorian house setting. Rooms too.

CARRIAGE HOUSE, Bloomfield . . . small and contemporary cooking. Bakery take out too.

BLUMEN BISTRO, Picton. . . garden setting, on the edge of town. Generous portions.

CLARA’S AT CLAREMONT, Picton . . . old-world atmosphere. Manor house with luxury suites.

THE RESTAURANT AT MERRILL INN, Picton . . .charming small hotel. Many awards for food.

AMELIA’S GARDEN at THE WARING HOUSE, Picton. . . a County institution. Inn and popular pub too.

EAST & MAIN BISTRO, Wellington . . . the new hot spot. High quality casual. Foods to go too.

DEVONSHIRE INN, Wellington . . .lake-side with patio. A few rooms.

MILFORD BISTRO, Milford . . . quaint, country village atmosphere.

WAUPOOS WINERY, Milford . . . winery restaurant in gazebo setting by water.

 

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