Jay's Trip: From Beaches to Bites

Jay has been a part of the Prince Edward County community since 2018. He originally moved to learn more about the production side of the wine world, leaving behind the sommelier world of restaurants. Trading suits for boots, Jay now focuses on providing educational, private wine tastings directly at guests' accommodations, offering an interactive and personalized experience with Sommelier @ Large. He also teaches Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses and culinary classes at Loyalist College, preparing the next generation of chefs, many of whom Jay hopes will choose to build their careers in The County.

What are your insider tips to help people have a great trip to The County?Embrace the laid-back vibe of The County—drive the speed limit, greet people and wave to fellow drivers from your car. 

If PEC was a signature dish, what would it be and which ingredients would it include?
PEC’s signature dish would be Ratatouille, made entirely from locally grown ingredients. With time, the best ratatouille can be made using tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, parsley, peppers.  

If you're visiting during the off season, I recommend calling ahead to schedule your appointment at the wineries. Bring a bottle of your favourite wine to share with a winemaker you connect with. Embrace the slower pace of The County—get to know the shop owners, winemakers, and restaurant staff. Harvest is a great time to visit as there are many wineries that host picking parties where you can get a feel for harvest.

In every major wine region I have been to, there’s usually a little gem nearby that is smaller, yet similar to its larger counterpart. Prince Edward County is that hidden gem across from Niagara. If you know and love Niagara’s wines, you definitely want to check out PEC.The signature grapes of the region are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and every winery has their own unique take on the grapes. You’ll find boutique wineries making amazing wines and get to soak up the charm of The County.