A Doggone Good Time at the Hounds of Erie Winery

 

A Doggone Good Time at the Hounds of Erie Winery

This past weekend, I took a drive out to Norfolk County to visit the Hounds of Erie Winery—a charming little winery with a personality as bold as its wines and ciders. Nestled among the quiet countryside, this spot is a gem for anyone who enjoys local beverages, a laid-back atmosphere, and a bit of canine charm.

The vineyard might’ve still been shaking off the last of winter’s chill, but the warm welcome at the tasting bar more than made up for the moody skies.

The winery is best known for two things: their dog-themed branding and their surprisingly tasty lineup of wines and ciders. As someone who’s usually more into photography than pinot, I found myself genuinely impressed by both the variety and quality of what they offered.

I went for a flight that included:

FHR (possibly short for “Fetch Hard Rosé”? Whatever it was, it was smooth and dry)

PP – maybe “Paw Print Pinot”? Fruity and refreshing.

Sassy – a sparkling rosé cider with bite and personality.

TD – crisp, clean, and tart. Definitely a fan favorite.

Each pour came with its own little character, and the playful dog-bone labels made the experience feel fun rather than fussy. The winery isn’t trying to be pretentious—it’s just good, local drink made with care and creativity. Behind the bar, shelves were stocked with cute bottles featuring bulldogs and bees, and the names alone—Double Trouble, Bulldog & Bee—made me want to collect them all like trading cards.

One bottle especially caught my eye—a wine featuring a French Bulldog on the label. The resemblance to my own dog Dylan was uncanny. Naturally, I had to bring a bottle home for my daughter. It wasn’t just a souvenir—it felt like Dylan had his own signature wine.

What stood out most was how relaxed the whole place felt. No pressure, no pretense—just a few tables, a few pours, and a reminder of how much joy can be packed into a modest glass.

So if you’re looking for a chill road trip stop with local charm, photogenic scenery, and a tasting menu that leans a little quirky (in the best way), Hounds of Erie Winery is worth the detour.

Bob’s Tip: Try the sparkling cider. It’s sassy in name and spirit.