Blog Windsor

Pelee Island Day Four today. See Day One here, see Day Two here, and Day Three is here.

Today we’ll take a look at the history and current production of Pelee Island wine. The “Vin Villa”, the first winery on the island, was built in 1868 by Thaddeus Smith. It was destroyed by fire in 1963 but there’s a replica that we always called “The Dollhouse”.

The winery is trying something new this year, growing the grapes in the centre of the island. The weather’s been really dry and hot this summer and a bumper crop is anticipated.

Here’s a closeup of a cluster of Pinot Noir:

After the grapes are harvested, they’ll head over the lake to Kingsville for processing and storage. Oak barrels a lot like these will do the work of aging and imparting flavour.

At the end of the tour there’s a sampling of five different wines to try. You get to keep your white wine glass — so I’ll be heading back someday to make myaself a pair.

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