Origin
At 550 acres, the Pelee vineyards comprise the largest private estate in Canada. Having control of their grape supply allows them to grow and care for each and every vine to specifications strictly outlined by the World Wildlife Fund’s strict Sustainable Vineyard Practice. In brief, this means limited and controlled pesticide spraying and use of a 100% island grown natural fertilizer, sorghum grass.

With heat units and frost free days unmatched anywhere else in Canada, the island is the natural destination for vinifera grape growing.

Soils type is (Toledo) clay with a limestone base found anywhere from 2-10 feet from the surface. The ideal vineyard sites are found in the centre of the island where the deeper soils ensure roots systems can properly set. Underneath each vineyard, drainage pipes expel excessive rainfall as much of the island is concave, and below the surface of Lake Erie. The water is carried into the islands century old dyke system carved in the shape of a tic-tac-toe board. In rare times of drought, the dyke system can be reversed to pump water back in through the drainage pipes and consequently into the vineyards.

High winds blowing off the lake ensure proper air flow consistently blows through the vineyards to limit humidity and possible fungus damage. In fact, there is so much wind that a turbine is likely to be erected to power all island residents with 100% renewable green energy.