Two of many sculptures on site at Oeno's Sculpture Garden at Huff Estates.

Lanny Huff was born and raised in Prince Edward County, but it wasn’t until 2001 when he made a lifelong dream reality and purchased the land that was to become Huff Estates. The winery opened in 2004, and in 2006, Huff responded to the problem of a lack of fine accommodations in the County by opening the Inn at Huff Estates, which boasts 21 tastefully designed modern rooms all adjacent to the winery and vineyards. If this weren’t enough to encourage a visit, in 2009 Huff Estates partnered with the acclaimed Oeno Gallery and a second Oeno location was built on the property. The Oeno Gallery exhibits contemporary art by local, national and international artists, and was a welcome addition to the winery and inn’s vision for the future.

Expansion clearly isn’t something that Lanny Huff is afraid of and 2011 promises to be a year of exciting change for Huff Estates & Oeno Gallery. This spring marks the official opening of Oeno’s Sculpture Garden at Huff Estates. Landscape designer Drew MacCandish helped oversee the design, which features 3.5 acres of new groves of maples and poplars, 35,000 perennials, and ornamental grasses that will grow in greenhouses through the winter. Sand dune and limestone paths lead to a large picnic area at the edge of the limestone quarry, in addition to feature gardens, and several areas designed for sculpture displays that will change annually. “This is designed to be both a place of adventure and discovery, and a place of contemplation,” says Scott Wentworth of The Scott Wentworth Landscape Group behind the project. “And the materials we are using – limestone, sand, and the plantings – all celebrate the landscape of the County.”

 Huff anticipates the garden to be a major attraction for the area, one suitable for adults and children alike. “This is really just an extension of the way that our businesses have been collaborating and working together,” says Lanny Huff. “We are getting over 20,000 people visiting the estates every year now, and this will give them another interesting thing to do here.” The grand opening of the Garden will occur on June 24^th, coinciding with Huff’s famed annual epicurean event: 6 Barrels for 6 Chefs. Featuring pairings of sumptuous local dishes by Jamie Kennedy, Michael Statlander, Michael Potters (and more), with wines from Norman Hardie Winery, Huff Estates, and Closson Chase this event will be set outdoors at various stations around the picturesque property.  A magnificent garden, fine food and wine, and a chance to support a worthwhile charity (The Autism Association of Ontario), make this event the perfect way to spend a County evening.

Other family friendly events offered this summer include The Buskers Over a Barrel Festival which will be happening from July 23-24^th. All day free festivities will crowd the winery, including performances by 6 world class street performers, Picton’s Rising Stars, and wares sold by various market vendors.

A continuing dream for expansion is clearly gotten under Huff’s skin – and more partnerships are on the way. Huff’s has recently begun the initial stages of a partnership between KouriKopters, a Kingston-based helicopter tour company and the winery. The program is expected to launch in mid-June, and will include helicopter tours from Kingston to the Huff Estates launch pad – lunch, wine and a tour will be included for $350.

Between art, culture, fine food, wine and adventure, it’s clear that Huff Estates Winery is establishing itself as a hub of diverse culture infused with local experience. Make sure to include a visit to Huff Estates on your summer travels!