Exultet Estates — Local services in Ontario

Unfortunately we had a less than wonderful experience in our visit here, and likely won't be back.

When we first walked in, the person behind the counter launched into a speech they seem to have given a thousand times before. Seemed to have little interest in us or the subject, and just wanted to get through the speech.

Most disappointing though is that the first minute and a half were spent telling us how all the other wineries in Prince Edward County are no good, import their grapes from Niagara, and are no match for their wines. If your product can't stand on its own, trying to drag down you colleagues is a really bad look.

As regular visitors to PEC, we're well aware of the history of winemaking here, and how many wineries used to import most of their grapes. Today, a visit to the vast majority of wineries in Prince Edward County will make it quickly clear that's no longer the case, with most wines now being estate grown in the County.

The wines themselves were okay. Not bad, but certainly not anything special for PEC. The Pinot Noir being tasted (only 1 of 3 was available for tasting) was fine, but had little body, and didn't stand out. The icewine was actually pretty good, comparable in quality, but unique in taste compared to the more readily available Niagara icewine.

All of the above would have got this winery 3/5 stars. We landed at 2 because the prices were completely off the charts for PEC wine. If you've got a following and can sell your product at that price then fine, but if you're operating a tasting room and trying to bring new customers and fans in, especially in a less known wine region like PEC, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Literally and...

We are local residents of Prince Edward County and have visited Exultet Wines three times. Our most recent experience will be our last. We enjoy taking visitors from out of town to different wineries in our area. We love the wines at Exultet, but the owner is clearly not interested in her customers. Our first visit was in 2021 on an official wine tour. We were more than a little surprised at the robotic spiel given by the owner, which included bashing several other local wineries repeatedly. We almost left. The wine, however, was quite wonderful. We returned on another occasion to simply purchase wine. At this time we dealt with the owners' daughter. We mentioned the first visit and she stated that yes, it was a known issue.

Our last visit a few weeks ago was quite possibly the worst display of manners and bad customer service that I have ever witnessed. We had two couples with us from out of town. Without asking, the owner immediately assumed we were all from Toronto. None of us were. She then proceeded to argue with our guest who indicated that she had not poured the tasting which he had requested. Over and over she kept repeating "I gave you what you asked for. You're confused. I don't understand why you're confused". This was said at LEAST five times. At one point her husband had to intervene. I was so upset and embarrassed that I had brought my friends here that I had to step outside while I finished my wine.

Why would someone take it upon themselves to handle the tastings when they clearly despise doing it? Hire someone to do your tastings who enjoys providing upbeat and friendly customer serve, or be prepared to lose...

Do NOT think of visiting this business. Wholly unpleasant experience started with the condescending, robotic, neighbour-shaming speech by the person behind the counter, delivered without end, racing to get through an invisible script. Eye contact was not on offer this day. This host quickly, and unwittingly, talked some of our party out of trying the product......immediate customer loss in the first minutes. Joyless information delivery, citing "our audience is usually connoisseurs", knowing nothing of the would-be tasters. Dumpy frumpy tasting room ambiance did not inspire confidence, yet we forged ahead with the sampling. It is with regret that our palate was inextricably tainted by this dour reception, that the wine flavours were lost to the wind. Memory being short sometimes, us asking a question of the host resulted in a quick, sharp reminder as why NOT to engage or otherwise attempt conversation.....even more verbal monotony and suffering. In an attempt to relieve the host of further pain of having to deal with other humans, we exited without custom......and, if it needs to be said, without thought of recommendation or return. Wine immemorable; experience...