East Edition: Prince Edward County
ON SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2018, 39 brave souls gathered at the tip of Prince Edward County. Bearing the risk of pending thunder storms, our 20 Porsches set out to take on the county roads and its famous picturesque landscape.
It all began at 9:30 am when the enthusiastic crowd congregated at the Ultramar petrol station off of County Road 40 for their tour briefing from my husband Eric Wang, a first time driving tour host. Shortly after our briefing, the Porsches set off on their journey of fun, driving along the famous Loyalist Parkway, passing through several townships and vineyards, then on through winding county roads for some real driving fun!
The county roads we drove offered several double 90 degree turns for perfecting curve line speed. Soon, all the cars arrived at our first stop – Traynor Family Vineyard. Founded in 2008, this relatively new boutique winery is a passion project by local winemaker Mike Traynor, whose focus is on the county’s best-known varietals while experimenting with latest wine trends, like natural wines and even delicious vermouths. After tasting some of their best offerings, everyone headed out to hunt down more country roads before lunch at Huff Estates Inn & Winery.
En route to Huff, the drive took in another 15km of winding county roads. Arriving at Huff, the staff directed us to our designated parking area, rousing some excitement amongst other winery guests. Prior to lunch service, the winery and vineyard were toured. Huff’s Oeno Gallery featured some prominent contemporary Canadian artists. There was also a well-curated outdoor sculpture garden to highlight this stop. The group had a wonderful picnic lunch followed by more wine tasting before moving on.
Despite weather challenges, our group of die-hards carried on and took the Glenora Ferry across to Adulphustown. It was a short but pleasant boat ride offering a great chance for photos of the lake.
As we said goodbye to Huff, the group headed out to our next destination – Lake on the Mountain. This is where sunny, hot weather took a turn. Rain showers cooled everything down as we drove through the charming main street of the town of Picton. By the time the group arrived at the top of the mountain, heavy rain had set in, blasting off the dust on the Porsches. Tops up, all Boxsters!
Despite weather challenges, our group of die-hards carried on and took the Glenora Ferry across to Adulphustown. It was a short but pleasant boat ride offering a great chance for photos of the lake. Upon disembarking, the journey continued along the scenic Loyalist Parkway. The pesky rain started to let up. After more smooth and wonderful curving roads, and testing the legal speed limits, the final stretch of the tour took the remaining cars through Napanee to HWY 401.
Homeward bound… Not a bad way to end our first tour as hosts!
I want to thank my mentor Stefan Walther. Stefan was patient and helpful, providing guidance along each step of the way to ensure this driving tour ran smoothly. Looking forward to the next one! </>
Story & Photos by Cris Jaw, UCR Member
