Stonehouse Vineyard melds heritage and innovation in a beautiful setting

Stonehouse Vineyard combines history, a tenacious spirit, and unique cold-climate grapes into every sip.

The family-owned winery in Lochiel, Glengarry County, is known for growing and producing cold-climate artisan wines, and sharing them in their beautiful tasting room, outdoor patios, and wine store.

Owners Joanne Pratt and Craig MacMillan produce a range of award-winning estate wines, many of which are recognized by the recently created Cold Climate Wine Indication. 

“We exclusively produce 100 percent local estate wines from five acres of cold climate grapes grown at our farm, which was settled by our family in 1793,” Pratt said. 

“Consistent with climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practices, these wines are made from 100 percent cold climate grapes, which have been specifically developed over many years to withstand the cold and disease pressures of Eastern Ontario.”

Perched on the top of a beautiful ridge just before the Quebec border in Glengarry, Stonehouse Vineyard is situated in a converted circa mid-1800s, post-and-beam barn with a tasting room on the main floor and an event area in the hayloft. 

Although the MacMillan family has been on this land for hundreds of years, this chapter welcomes the public to savour the bounty from the land. After reclaiming the property, Pratt and MacMillan began developing five acres of vines, starting with two rows of experimental cold-climate grapes. That quickly turned into a full-on winery with a wine room, store and the stone house. 

Patios and packages at Stonehouse Vineyards

Pratt said a stop at Stonehouse Vineyards translates into experiencing delicious wine and a beautifully-maintained vineyard. In addition to a beautiful stone house, the large timber and beam barn provides scenic views of the vineyard and farmland and is renovated to pay homage to the Scottish history of the property and region.

Numerous patios are situated adjacent to the vineyards: one includes a shaded pavilion to protect guests from the weather, and another is a special patio situated between two of the vineyards - all in a natural setting.

“Partnering with local producers is central to our philosophy, so come for a tasting and experience our many outdoor patios, join us for special events throughout the season or book a tasting package and watch the sheep grazing in our fields,” Pratt said.

Guests can book a tastings and tour package, choosing from a Taste of Lochiel, a Taste of Glengarry, Glen Gone Wild, Yoga at Stonehouse Vineyard or even a Wine and Design package where guests can create a stunning floral bouquet with White Barn Blooms while enjoying a glass of wine and a cheese plate. Looking further ahead to September, Stonehouse Vineyard will also be putting on a comedy night!

Of course, drop-in tasters are also welcome: sip a flight of three Stonehouse Vineyard wines selected from the tasting menu with light snacks available. Enjoy Stonehouse Vineyards with your four-legged friends, as the vineyard is pet-friendly to leashed pets.

“With this time of year, we are featuring our whites, orange and rosès,” Pratt said. “It’s hot out there, but we have a few summer favourites nicely chilled waiting for you - come for a taste and bring some home. All pair nicely with this heat!”

See and shop their award-winning estate wines here or, better yet, visit in person at 21065 Lochiel Road, Lochiel. 

Check out Stonehouse Vineyards hours before heading over and follow along for all the events, news and wine updates on Facebook @stonehousevineyard1793 or on Instagram @stonehousevineyard1793.