Discover the Unique Terroir of Traynor Family Vineyard
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. The Niagara Peninsula shares similar average temperatures and rainfall with Hillier but has a slightly higher GDD. Burgundy and Champagne in France have cooler and more humid climates with shorter growing seasons 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.
Our Philosophy
At Traynor Family Vineyard, we are committed to sustainable practices that protect and enhance the natural environment. We farm our estate vineyard without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. We believe that the health of our vineyard is directly linked to the health of the ecosystem that surrounds it.
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 such as orange wine, piquette, and pet-nat, but we also make very good conventional table wines. All of our wines are vegan. We are a certified Living Wage Employer and our team is comprised of local residents.
Vineyard Practices
We specialize in growing cool-climate grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Frontenac Gris, and Marquette. Our top vineyard is planted at 9x5 spacing with Marquette and Frontenac Gris. Our bottom vineyard of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc is planted at 7x3 spacing, providing the perfect balance of sunlight and shade for the grapes to thrive.
In addition to traditional grape growing practices, we incorporate agroforestry and permaculture techniques such as companion planting and the use of permaculture swales to improve water flow and the overall health of the vineyard ecosystem. We retain a permanent cover crop to improve soil ecology and hydrology, and to provide a source of food and habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife.
We have removed every 10th and 11th vine rows and replaced them with various trees including Canadian elder, sea buckthorn, hazelnut, and Korean pine. These create a windbreak and provide the benefits of companion planting. We have also planted wormwood, chamomile, iris, and rose in these row breaks. These plants improve the microclimate conditions for the vines, 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 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, swale construction, and windbreak development to reduce our environmental impact and enhance the biodiversity of the vineyard ecosystem. These practices have led to healthier vines and more consistent grape quality.
