Prince Edward County is quickly emerging as a premier wine and culinary tourism destination. It can be a difficult place to grow grapes, but it is in marginal climates that some of the world's best wines are made. Situated on bedrock of limestone, the 'County' produces many different wines but excels in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the two main varieties from Burgundy where they are also grown on limestone soil.

"Right here, in our own backyard, some of the best wine in the country is made" says Christopher. "Don't believe me? Jancis Robinson, one of the world's leading wine experts, declared a Chardonnay she tasted from the County to be the best in Canada. We will be trying that very same wine, and then you can make your own mind up."

The tour will visit five wineries and breweries, including a stop for a private lunch at Norman Hardie Wines. Norman Hardie, once a sommelier for the Four Seasons Hotel group, has had a decade long transformation from wine lover to winemaker and his passion is evident in both his wine and the meals he serves to go with them.

The tour itinerary includes: Sandbanks Estate Winery, By Chadsey's Cairns Winery, Norman Hardie Wines, Barley Days Brewery, and The Country Cider Company. There will also be a stop in Bloomfield for shopping.

Tour guide Christopher Wilton began his career by creating innovative wine lists at Brio Gusto Restaurant in Peterborough. He has been the sommelier at two exciting restaurants in Toronto, Coca Tapas & Wine Bar and Czehoski, and appeared in the LCBO's Food and Drink magazine as one of Toronto's top sommeliers. Currently Christopher consults for restaurants, is a wine agent for several leading Ontario importers, and is pursuing a diploma from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.