Pelee Island invites you to slow down and savour island life with wine tastings, scenic hikes, boutique shopping, and beach lounging.
Is there anything better than sipping a crisp, bright white under the summer sun?
How about enjoying that wine at the elegant winery where it was made? A visit to Pelee Island might be the perfect way to take a sip of island life without having to travel too far afield.
Situated on the 41st parallel, Pelee Island is at the same latitude as Northern California. That means the island has a distinctly unique climate that just happens to be perfect for growing grapes. Since the first vines were planted on Pelee Island in 1854, farmers have been dedicating themselves to producing delightful, approachable wines in a setting that some of the island’s devotees have likened to a fairytale.
Since the first vines were planted on Pelee Island in 1854, farmers have been dedicating themselves to producing delightful, approachable wines in a
setting that some of the island’s devotees have likened to a fairytale.
Visit Pelee Island
All summer long, the Pelee Island Winery welcomes visitors to its pavilion, where guests can take a tour of the winery and enjoy a tasting, learn about the history of wine-making (including taking a look at the antique grape press), or relax in the wine garden with a glass, overlooking Lake Erie and surrounded by the vineyard. Indulge in a flatbread or pair your wine with a charcuterie board or light snack. On select weekends, live music adds to the magical ambience.
A visit to the Pelee Island Winery entails taking an hour-and-a-half ferry ride from Leamington or Kingsville (just slightly longer if you catch it from Sandusky, Ohio), so many guests choose to spend some extra time on the island. There are a handful of inns and B&Bs, two campgrounds, and private vacation homes available to rent. Overnight accommodations book up quickly, but day trips are also lovely. Pelee Island has great trails to hike or bike, small shops to browse, and fun beaches to catch some rays.
Pelee Island Winery on the mainland
While the seasonal nature of Pelee Island means the winery doesn’t host visitors during the winter months, across the water on the mainland, the Kingsville location is open year-round. The stately property is a sought-after wedding and event venue, and is also open to the public. Enjoy an interactive “vine to wine” tour with your tasting. The sun-soaked patio is a comfortable spot to sip an award-winning wine, accompanied by a bite to eat and some live music. There’s even an option to book a private smokeless fire pit and enjoy your curated tasting with some s’mores.
At either location, visitors get a chance to learn more about how the wine is made in environmentally conscious ways. Pelee Island Winery is a founding member of Sustainable Winemaking Ontario, showing its dedication to protecting the earth. The philosophy “The health of our environment rests in the hands of each and every one of us” is evident in its wine-making approach.
A half marathon with a scenic twist
For those who enjoy pairing adventure with indulgence, the Pelee Island Winery Half Marathon is a must-experience event. Set to take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, this highly anticipated race offers runners the chance to challenge themselves along a stunning 21-kilometre route that winds its way through the picturesque landscapes of Pelee Island, including vineyards, beaches, wetlands, and charming rural views. The race has become a beloved tradition, drawing participants from across North America for a scenic and exclusive run like no other.
The course finishes at Pelee Island Winery, where runners can celebrate their achievement with a refreshing glass of wine and take in the winery’s charm. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-time participant, this race welcomes runners of all levels. Beyond the run, the event fosters a strong sense of community and showcases the island’s unique character.
Registration is now open, with early bird pricing available until March 6. A portion of the proceeds will support local community initiatives on Pelee Island. To sign up, visit peleeisland.com/events/ and start planning your ultimate race getaway.
Whether you want to relax in style or embrace adventure, Pelee Island has much to offer.
Pelee Island Winery is looking forward to welcoming you and invites you to embrace island time. Learn more at peleeisland.com. #mypelee
