b'THE CORKBOARD| SPRING 2024TheCounty StarSANDBANKS WINERY SHINES WITH ITS LAID-BACK ATMOSPHERE, AL FRESCO TASTING BARS AND AWARD-WINNING BOTTLES.Cahya is psyched to head to Sandbanks Winery. Her family loves the place.Sandbanks was one of the first to plant and champion Baco Noir, a grape The Prince Edward County locals do, too. Likewise, Tripadvisor. which is now one of Ontarios signature varietals. Today, Sandbanks crafts Sandbanks Winery never disappoints, one reviewer said. other noble grapes such as Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir and whitesExceptional, said another.such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling.Cahya, however, is all about the off-leash dog park at the countys namesakeCome for the wine, the down-to-earth County experience, and the weeklywinery. It makes sense since shes a five-year-old Rottweiler. Her human, live music. The pioneering winery is constantly adding to and refiningMichelle McIntyre, is the estate manager at Sandbanks. She and her teamits visitor experience. opened the dog park last year, and though Cahya hasnt visited yet, And that off-leash dog park? Being a dog parent of Cahya, McIntyre andmany of Sandbanks visitors have brought their canine kiddos. the Sandbanks team realized during the pandemic that being pet-friendly The park illustrates how there truly is something for everyone at this winery,made sense. In 2023, they opened the dog park with a fundraiser for thewhich was one of the first in the region when it opened its doors in 2001. Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward. Hundreds of people came toIt also nods to the down-to-earth, unpretentious attitude of the brand the winery with their pets to support us, and we raised over $5,000 forthat has been part of its DNA since its inception. the Humane Society, says McIntyre. Since opening, the park hasThat debut also made news because of its winemaker, Catherine Langlois. been used daily by both locals and tourists. A woman at the helm of a winery was still a bit of a novelty even then.Even your pooch will have a good timethey may not be ableThe winery is renowned almost as much for its welcoming atmosphere, to sample the latest vintage, but they might have their eye on theal fresco tasting bars, and picnic spaces as it is known for its award-winningSandbarks dog toy or treats in the winerys gift shop.full-bodied red wines and fresh, lively whites.spOtLight ON saNdbaNks WiNEry| 14'