Harwood Estate Vineyards
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Harwood Estate Vineyards in Prince Edward County is a green winery that is off the grid. The winery focuses on using organic practices in the vineyards. Harvesting and winemaking including labeling and corking are by hand. The tasting room is open all year long.
The Harwood Estate tasting room and winery are located in one energy efficient building. The building reminds some of a tin can on its side. The outside is silver and a thick silver insulation lines the inside. Just outside the entrance a small patio offers a spot for enjoying a glass of wine. The tasting counters are on wheels that allow the tasting counters to be moved around during the busy winemaking season. Visitors enjoy watching the winemaking in progress.
Don and Judy Harwood, Kerry Wicks and John Rode own the winery and vineyards. They see the county as coming of age as more and more wineries are opening in Prince Edward County. Winegrowers are learning what grows best in the region and the best techniques to use.
Vineyards
Currently the Harwood Estate vineyards consist of 10 acres including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, St. Laurent, Frontenac Gris and Marquette. The vines grow in sand over granite and limestone. Chardonnay was recently planted in the vineyards.
Off-grid Technology
Harwood is an off the grid winery. Power is supplied to the winery with the use of solar panels. A cistern system provides the water needed in the winery. This is one of the most environmentally friendly wineries in the county.
Background
The property was purchased in 2007 with grapevines already growing on it. The vines had been planted between 2002 and 2004. The first harvest was in 2007 and the grapes were sold to Black Prince Winery. Harwood opened the winery in 2009 with the tasting room opening November 10, 2009.
All wines are estate wines. In the winery, Winemaker Lauren Horlock, wants to focus on creating a few quality wines. Lauren is the first graduate from Niagara College Teaching Winery, to return to Prince Edward County.
On Saturdays and Sundays between 12Noon and 3pm, the tasting room has special simple fare available for purchase. Enjoy an item from the short list with a glass of wine on the patio. Currently the menu includes a choice of a cheese sampler, a special Harwood Pinot Gris Sausage, a special Harwood St. Laurent Sausage, Maple Pot au Crème and assorted sweets.
White Wines
Pinot Gris 2009 was produced in stainless steel tanks. The wine was a straw color that offered a citrus aroma and taste. The taste had noticeable notes of grapefruit. The crisp citrus finish had a long finish of fruit. Gewürztraminer 2009 was a straw color and had floral rose notes on the aroma and taste. The finish was crisp with dry rose nuances. It was light and refreshing.
Rosé Wine
Rosé 2008 was produced with Frontenac Gris. The color was orange. The aroma was of red berries. The taste had red berry notes specifically red cherry and a hint of strawberry. The finish was dry, crisp, and fruity.
Red Wine
St. Laurent 2008 offered an aroma of perfume with a taste of raspberries. The finish had mild tannins and fruit notes and was chewy on the finish.
Dessert Wine
Just Desserts 2009 was a blend of La Crescent and Traminette. The wine, a light orange color, had an aroma of pie and candy. The taste reminded one of a strawberry and rhubarb pie. The finish was crisp and fruity yielding to honey. The label with dessert images was delightful.
Enjoy visiting Harwood Estates where you can visit with the winery staff and taste wines produced at an environmentally friendly winery.
Harwood Estates Winery
18908 Loyalist Parkway
Hillier, ON K0K 2J0
GPS: N43º 58.323’ W77º 28.231’
Visit this Winery/vineyard travel agency and Canada winery that partner with Wine Trail Traveler.
 |
||
| In Vino Veritas Travel Agency |
