Wine grapes on the vine in Bailieboro
Vineyard plans its grand opening for the Canada Day weekend
Six years ago, Jon Drew and Katie Dickson conducted a trial on Drew’s family farm near Bailieboro.
They began planting grape varieties to see if any would produce fruit that could by used for wine.
That test proved successful as the couple has recently opened Peterborough region's first vineyard and winery on County Road 2, just east of Bailieboro, called Rolling Grape Vineyard.
The picturesque, 100-acre farm now has about 10 acres of lush, green grape vines growing.
Drew says the vines produced enough grapes last year to allow for wine production. He adds there are three varieties of grapes being grown, with another four added to the ground this year.
“We have some varieties some people have never heard of, like the Marquette and Frontenac,” says Drew.
Drew and Dickson have four different wines available for purchase or tasting at their winery. They are offering their signature Marquette and a Frontenac, which is an amplified orange, as well as a sauvignon blanc and chardonnay from grapes harvested
in the Niagara region.
“Many of the grapes we are focusing on are a cold, hardy grape. We’re not able to grow some of the more warmer climate grapes that need a lot more heat,” says Drew.
“We are trying to produce a really good plant and really good fruit.”
Prices per bottle range from
$26 to $40. Visitors can also sample
a flight of all the wines available for $10.
Rolling Grape Vineyard is located at 260 County Rd. 2, just east of Bailieboro. It is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Drew and Dickson are planning to have their grand opening on the July long weekend.
For more information visit www.rollinggrape.com.
We have some varieties some people have never heard of, like the Marquette and Frontenac.” JON DREW Rolling Grape Vineyard co-owner