Thinking of taking a little trip to Prince Edward County’s charming, off-the-beaten-path wine region? You won’t regret it. I’m a relatively new resident — having moved here from Toronto two years ago — and one of the things I love most about this area is the abundance of interesting, memorable experiences.
The Grange of Prince Edward Winery, located in Hillier — home to the highest concentration of wineries in The County — has truly elevated its offerings in recent years. On a Thursday evening in early July, they hosted a particularly magical event featuring David McMillan, the famed Montreal chef known for co-founding Joe Beef.
McMillan, as charismatic as ever, brought not only his unique energy but also an array of wines from his personal collection. These were enjoyed alongside some of The Grange’s newest releases. He also introduced his latest book, Spilled: Natural Winemakers, Stories & Recipes, which is now available at The Grange shop along with a curated selection of local goods.
For the occasion, McMillan collaborated with The Grange’s new chef, Paul Tobias — formerly of Ildewild in Wellington, P.E.C. — to create a special feast. Tobias is now working out of a brand-new kitchen, where he’s serving rustic French country fare with finesse.
Naturally, the wines were another highlight of the evening. A variety of estate releases were poured generously, with the Estate Cabernet Franc (available for $32 a bottle) standing out in particular. A couple of years ago, The Grange brought back acclaimed viticulturist Mike Peddlesden, alongside winemaker Jonas Newman, to help re-establish the winery’s reputation for excellence. It’s been a significant investment in people, time and cultivation by the winery’s owner, Northfield Capital Corp.
Michael Leskovec, president and CEO of The Grange — and CFO and partner at Northfield — opened the evening with a warm welcome and spoke about the vision behind the winery’s ongoing evolution.
One thing that didn’t need changing? The charm of the setting itself. The barn and patio, used for events and entertainment, are reached via a long, picturesque laneway that sets the tone for what’s to come.
Be sure to keep an eye on what’s next — this won’t be the last special experience The Grange has in store this season. Their Vineyard-Side Summer Music Series runs through at least September 19, typically on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.
For up-to-date details, visit grangewinery.com
