I tried wines from this top-ranked Ontario winery and they did not disappoint

Every wine drinker knows that finding a bottle that works for just about any occasion is no easy feat. Narrow that search down to VQA wines in Ontario, and the task becomes even trickier.

That was exactly what I was thinking going into a taste testing of signature wines from Sandbanks Winery. While I was already familiar with the beautiful winery in Prince Edward County, the #1 local winery on TripAdvisor, I hadn’t had the chance to get properly acquainted with its wines.

Luckily, I was about to dive into four of them, and I quickly discovered there was plenty to like.

Here is my honest review of four Sandbanks wines: Baco Noir, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, and Baco Noir Reserve. Get ready, it’s about to get fruity!

Sandbanks Baco Noir

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It’s no surprise that Sandbanks Baco Noir is a top-seller and the winery’s signature wine. Fun fact: Sandbanks was among one of the first in the area to make Baco wine after it was founded in 2001, and it quickly became a top seller.

With its juicy flavours of intense plum and wild cherry, it’s an easy-drinking red that feels right for just about any occasion.

I found this wine perfectly sweet with balanced acidity — not too weak but not overly acrid either. I’m not usually an all-season red wine drinker, but I have definitely changed my tune after this experience. Pair this Baco Noir with a pizza and some friends? Now we’re cooking with gas!

The VQA industry has a few heavy hitters and favourites when it comes to the Baco variety, but I’m happy to report that Sandbanks has now taken the number spot for me.

Sandbanks Baco Noir Reserve

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Now this is a full-bodied, flavourful glass of wine!

Already enamoured with Sandbanks’ Baco Noir, I found myself falling in love all over again with the deep flavours of Baco Noir Reserve.

The intense fruit flavours, with notes of blackberry, oat, and chocolate, made for a smooth and rich sip. Nothing heavy or overpowering here.

I’d look forward to a glass of this reserve wine any day.

Sandbanks Rosé

Arterra Wines Canada

As a self-proclaimed rosé lover, I was the most excited to try this one out, and it exceeded my expectations. Everything I look for in a rosé — fresh, fruity, and light — I happily found here.

Thanks to its notes of berries, melon, and pear, I found this refreshing and perfectly crafted for summer patio moments.

Even better? The suggested food pairing for this rosé is oysters and fish — now that’s a summertime extravaganza.

Sandbanks Pinot Grigio

Arterra Wines Canada

Spoiler: Another delightfully refreshing wine here. For me, there’s nothing like a dry Pinot Grigio, and that’s exactly what Sandbanks delivers.

Crisp and fruity are the words that immediately came to mind upon first sip — and I couldn’t help but wonder what the Pinot Grigio would taste like in a white sangria.

Notes of honeysuckle, citrus, and pear build with each sip and blend with a mellow finish. Next time, I think I will use this Pinot Grigio for a summertime sangria, adding with peaches, oranges, and strawberries.

Add some Sandbanks Wine Country to your summer

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As one of the original founding wineries in Prince Edward County (PEC), Sandbanks knows a thing or two about good wine. With their signature PEC style, Sandbanks is all about approachable, smooth, and fruity wine styles — take my word for it!

Whether you’re hanging out with friends in the summer sun or looking for a wine that’ll fit any occasion, pick up a bottle of Sandbanks Baco Noir. After all, Sandbanks was the first in PEC to craft (and perfect!) Baco Noir.

Even better? Visit the Sandbanks Winery website and start planning your vibrant outing, or pick up a bottle and bring a taste of Sandbanks wine home.