What do the wineries of Prince Edward County do when the tourist season is over and there is still lots of wine for sale?

They Wassail "among the vines so fine". Wassail originated in England hundreds of years ago and is a precursor to caroling. Back then, orchard workers loaded up on cider, would meander from farm to farm singing and dancing in hopes of obtaining food.

The Prince Edward County wine growers adapted this idea in 2007 to celebrate the grape harvest and to extend their wine selling season.

There are twenty-one wineries in Prince Edward County taking part in this event by offering a complimentary taste of their wine and some comfort food to customers who visit the wineries and sing any part of a wintery song.

Wassail passports can be obtained to track purchases and enter the Wassail contest. Revelers can visit participating wineries over the next couple of weekends Nov. 25/26 and Dec. 2/3.

A fall vineyard ready for Wassail in Prince Edward County. Photo: Brenda Little.