Introduction:
Welcome to Traynor Family Vineyard, where we have been cultivating grapes, and creating exceptional wines since 2009. Our vineyard is located in the heart of Prince Edward County, a region known for its unique microclimate and ideal growing conditions for cool-climate grape varietals. Our passion for agriculture and commitment to sustainable practices has led us to become one of the most respected wineries in the area.
Climate and Terroir:
Prince Edward County is known for its cool climate and highly seasonal humidity. This provides ideal growing conditions for cool-climate grape varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The area also benefits from the "Lake Effect" which brings extra warmth during the growing season, providing a longer growing season than other regions in the province. The village of Hillier, located in the southern part of Prince Edward County, shares the same climate characteristics as the rest of the region. The average temperature in the growing season ( May to October) varies between 14 to 20 degrees Celsius and the region receives an average of 800 mm of precipitation per year, with most of it falling during the growing season. The area also has a unique microclimate that is influenced by the surrounding hills, which provide protection from cold winds and frost, resulting in a longer growing season than other regions in the province.
In comparison to other wine regions, Hillier's climate is unique in its combination of cool temperatures, high humidity, and a longer growing season. For example, the Niagara Peninsula, which is also located in Southern Ontario, shares similar average temperatures and rainfall patterns with Hillier but has a slightly higher GDD. On the other hand, regions like Burgundy or Champagne in France, have a cooler and more humid climate with a shorter growing season and less rainfall. The high humidity and rainfall can pose challenges for growers, however, the region's limestone soil is well-draining, which can mitigate some of these issues. The unique climate in Hillier contributes to the unique character and complexity of the wines produced in the region.
Our Philosophy:
At Traynor Family Vineyard, we are committed to sustainable practices that protect and enhance the natural environment. We strive to use organic methods in all aspects of our vineyard and winery operations. We believe that the health of our vineyard is directly linked to the health of the ecosystem that surrounds it.
Additionally, our wines are all unfiltered, and raw, and utilize natural yeasts as much as possible. We aim to keep sulphite additions as minimal as possible while maintaining the integrity of the wines. We specialize in natural wine styles of wine such as orange wine, Piquette, and pet-nat, but we also make very good conventional table wine styles. All of our wines are vegan. We are a certified living wage employer and our team is comprised of local residents.
Vineyard Practices:
At the Traynor Family Vineyard, we specialize in growing cool-climate grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Cabernet Franc. At Traynor Family Vineyard, we specialize in growing cool-climate grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Frontenac Gris, and Marquette. Our vineyard is planted at a 9x5 spacing in the top vineyard that is planted to Marquette & Frontenac Gris. Our bottom vineyard of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc is plated at 7x3 spacing, providing the perfect balance of sunlight and shade for the grapes to thrive.
In addition to traditional grape growing practices, we also incorporate agroforestry and permaculture techniques such as companion planting and the use of permaculture swales to improve the flow of water and the overall health of the vineyard ecosystem. We also retain a permanent cover crop to improve the soil ecology, health and hydrology, and to provide a source of food and habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. This holistic approach to vineyard management not only improves the health and yields of our grapes but also contributes to the sustainability and biodiversity of our vineyard ecosystem.
We have also removed every 10th and 11th vine rows and replaced them with various trees including Canadian elder, sea buckthorn, hazelnut, and Korean pine. These trees are grown to create a windbreak and provide the benefits of companion planting. We have also planted in these row breaks other plants for companion planting such as wormwood, chamomile, iris, and rose. These plants not only improve the microclimate conditions for the vines but also suppress weeds and fix nitrogen, leading to healthier vines and more consistent grape quality and yields.
Conclusion:
Traynor Family Vineyard is located in the unique microclimate of Prince Edward County, Canada. The cool temperatures, high humidity, and longer growing seasons provide ideal growing conditions for cool-climate grape varietals. Our soils are a combination of Hillier Clay Loam and Darlington Loam, which provide ideal growing conditions for different grape varieties and winemaking styles.
Our vineyard practices are grounded in sustainability, ecology and permaculture. We focus on companion planting, cover cropping, and organic methods to reduce our environmental impact and enhance the biodiversity of the vineyard ecosystem. These practices have led to healthier vines, more consistent grape quality
Welcome to Traynor Family Vineyard, where we have been cultivating grapes, and creating exceptional wines since 2009. Our vineyard is located in the heart of Prince Edward County, a region known for its unique microclimate and ideal growing conditions for cool-climate grape varietals. Our passion for agriculture and commitment to sustainable practices has led us to become one of the most respected wineries in the area.
Climate and Terroir:
Prince Edward County is known for its cool climate and highly seasonal humidity. This provides ideal growing conditions for cool-climate grape varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The area also benefits from the "Lake Effect" which brings extra warmth during the growing season, providing a longer growing season than other regions in the province. The village of Hillier, located in the southern part of Prince Edward County, shares the same climate characteristics as the rest of the region. The average temperature in the growing season ( May to October) varies between 14 to 20 degrees Celsius and the region receives an average of 800 mm of precipitation per year, with most of it falling during the growing season. The area also has a unique microclimate that is influenced by the surrounding hills, which provide protection from cold winds and frost, resulting in a longer growing season than other regions in the province.
In comparison to other wine regions, Hillier's climate is unique in its combination of cool temperatures, high humidity, and a longer growing season. For example, the Niagara Peninsula, which is also located in Southern Ontario, shares similar average temperatures and rainfall patterns with Hillier but has a slightly higher GDD. On the other hand, regions like Burgundy or Champagne in France, have a cooler and more humid climate with a shorter growing season and less rainfall. The high humidity and rainfall can pose challenges for growers, however, the region's limestone soil is well-draining, which can mitigate some of these issues. The unique climate in Hillier contributes to the unique character and complexity of the wines produced in the region.
Our Philosophy:
At Traynor Family Vineyard, we are committed to sustainable practices that protect and enhance the natural environment. We strive to use organic methods in all aspects of our vineyard and winery operations. We believe that the health of our vineyard is directly linked to the health of the ecosystem that surrounds it.
Additionally, our wines are all unfiltered, and raw, and utilize natural yeasts as much as possible. We aim to keep sulphite additions as minimal as possible while maintaining the integrity of the wines. We specialize in natural wine styles of wine such as orange wine, Piquette, and pet-nat, but we also make very good conventional table wine styles. All of our wines are vegan. We are a certified living wage employer and our team is comprised of local residents.
Vineyard Practices:
At the Traynor Family Vineyard, we specialize in growing cool-climate grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Cabernet Franc. At Traynor Family Vineyard, we specialize in growing cool-climate grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Frontenac Gris, and Marquette. Our vineyard is planted at a 9x5 spacing in the top vineyard that is planted to Marquette & Frontenac Gris. Our bottom vineyard of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc is plated at 7x3 spacing, providing the perfect balance of sunlight and shade for the grapes to thrive.
In addition to traditional grape growing practices, we also incorporate agroforestry and permaculture techniques such as companion planting and the use of permaculture swales to improve the flow of water and the overall health of the vineyard ecosystem. We also retain a permanent cover crop to improve the soil ecology, health and hydrology, and to provide a source of food and habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. This holistic approach to vineyard management not only improves the health and yields of our grapes but also contributes to the sustainability and biodiversity of our vineyard ecosystem.
We have also removed every 10th and 11th vine rows and replaced them with various trees including Canadian elder, sea buckthorn, hazelnut, and Korean pine. These trees are grown to create a windbreak and provide the benefits of companion planting. We have also planted in these row breaks other plants for companion planting such as wormwood, chamomile, iris, and rose. These plants not only improve the microclimate conditions for the vines but also suppress weeds and fix nitrogen, leading to healthier vines and more consistent grape quality and yields.
Conclusion:
Traynor Family Vineyard is located in the unique microclimate of Prince Edward County, Canada. The cool temperatures, high humidity, and longer growing seasons provide ideal growing conditions for cool-climate grape varietals. Our soils are a combination of Hillier Clay Loam and Darlington Loam, which provide ideal growing conditions for different grape varieties and winemaking styles.
Our vineyard practices are grounded in sustainability, ecology and permaculture. We focus on companion planting, cover cropping, and organic methods to reduce our environmental impact and enhance the biodiversity of the vineyard ecosystem. These practices have led to healthier vines, more consistent grape quality
