Earlier in the summer, Sandbanks Estate Winery was named among the top five wineries you can’t miss on a trip to Prince Edward County, as recommended by the Toronto Star’s wine critic. Here’s why the winery is a travel-worthy destination.
Located about two and a half hours east of Toronto, Prince Edward County has become an annual summer tradition for many people in the city. And this season, a new series of experiences from Sandbanks Estate Winery offers even more reason to plan your next trip soon.
Set along the shores of Lake Ontario in the town of Wellington, Sandbanks offers a diverse selection of award-winning wines, including crisp and approachable whites, and full-bodied, jammy reds. Great paired with food, Sandbanks wines are even better when enjoyed with friends and family, whether you’re at home in your own backyard—or sampling them right at the source, here at this picturesque property.
Known for its welcoming and fun atmosphere, Sandbanks Estate Winery has become a destination in itself and a pillar in the P.E.C. community. Wine enthusiasts frequently come by to visit the tasting room and boutique, or to lounge on a Muskoka chair on the patio, admiring vineyard views while sipping a glass of wine and snacking on bites from Shoreline Bistro Food Truck. You can also choose a relaxed, self-guided tasting.
Now, beyond the popular drop-in activities, the winery has introduced an exciting lineup of summer experiences. Reservations, needless to say, are recommended. The additions include the one-hour VIP Entre Nous Tour, a guided experience for those interested in learning about the process behind the Entre Nous line, plus the history of the winery, with a chance to sample five Entre Nous wines (Children 12-plus can partake with non-alcoholic options).
There’s also the Barrel Room “Fun-due” experience, a tasting with your choice of cheese or Lindt chocolate fondue. Perfect for parties of two to six, the “fun-due” includes classic food pairings, and you can choose to add wine by the glass and non-alcoholic beverages (at extra cost).
Those looking for a more intimate, exclusive experience should explore the Dunes Cabana, which offers a private retreat with access to a private shopping boutique in the original winery house. This package includes a curated tasting of five wines, as well as local charcuterie for a light picnic lunch.
If you’d like to enjoy some entertainment to go along with your beverage of choice, there’s live music on the Sandbanks patio every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., from July to September. Of course, when it’s time to start heading home, don’t leave Sandbanks without buying a bottle—or a few—of your favourites for your next gathering at home.
If you want to bring your pup on the adventure, Sandbanks even has a leash-free dog park, where dog owners can enjoy play dates. Plus, every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., Sandbanks sets up a bar for guests to purchase wine served in park-friendly glasses.
Looking for a hotel for your getaway? The Eddie and The Lakeside Motel both make great options. From now until September, Sandbanks is partnering with both hotels to offer guests a complimentary tasting for two.
Sandbanks Estate Winery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday to Saturday, in August. For more on all the tastings, tours and other experiences, visit sandbankswinery.com.
Summery Souvenirs to Bring Home
Sandbanks Rosé, $14.95
This refreshing, off-dry wine reminds us of ripe raspberry, strawberry and peach, finishing with notes of grapefruit and tangerine. sandbankswinery.com
Sandbanks Pinot Grigio, $15.95
This medium-bodied, dry white wine opens with light citrus, has deep pear notes and finishes with a hint of melon. sandbankswinery.com
Sandbanks Sparkling Secco, $19.95
Delicate hints of green apple, juicy peach and mandarin orange complement the subtle sparkling bubbles. sandbankswinery.com
Sandbanks Sleeping Giant, $19.95
This beautiful, rustic red comes with aromas of dark plum, black olive, vanilla and toasted oak. sandbankswinery.com
Entre Nous Chardonnay, $24.95
This wine is fragrant with aromas of vanilla bean, apple, and lemon curd. The palate is dry with a rich mouthfeel, and a hint of minerality. sandbankswinery.com
Entre Nous Pinot Noir, $36.95
Expect rich, ripe cherry and dark chocolate aromas, with hints of wild raspberry and shaved coconut. The palate bursts with intense red fruit and lingers with soft mocha and charred cedar. sandbankswinery.com
Sandbanks Reserve Baco Noir, $19.95
Consider this a crowd-pleaser: This is a full-bodied, robust red that finishes with smoky oak notes. sandbankswinery.com
This content was created by The Kit; Arterra funded and approved it.
