Pelee Island Winery

Photo by Ethan Meleg

As home to the oldest estate winery in Canada, Pelee Island has a tradition richly steeped in winemaking. Beginning in 1866 with Vin Villa Winery, an industry was born on the Island that would flourish until the early 1900’s. While the wine industry decreased through the early 19th century, rum runners thrived as Prohibition was introduced into the United States. Using Pelee Island as a stopping point as they travelled across the lake, the Island was an important port during these years of contraband activity.

When agricultural interest turned to tobacco and later soybeans, grape growing and winemaking disappeared for over half of a century until 1979 when grapes were reintroduced to the Island. The Pelee Island Winery was established, and with over 600 acres of grapes, it is the largest estate winery in Canada today. The Wine Pavilion opened in 1992 and operates from mid-May until mid-October, offering tastings, tours, and live weekend entertainment in the wine garden.

Call the Wine Pavilion at (519) 724-2469 or visit www.peleeisland.com for more information.