I was searching the wine list at a Charlottetown, PEI restaurant for a dry, white little oyster partner when I spotted a local offering, Little Sands White. Prince Edward Island produces wine? Uh-huh. Seems Rossignol Estate Winery is even winning awards for its reds, whites and premium fruit wines. I drove the winding country road to its source, a casual, shake-clad, barn-like winery overlooking the sea and surrounded by vines at Little Sands, on the island’s south shore. Looks like this island province is going a bit Napa.

Former Ontarian John Rossignol started making wines here as a hobby in the 1990s—once he got the provincial government to change antiquated legislation from Prohibition days that forbade alcohol leaving the island. Rossignol is open for tastings from May until October, and by calling ahead in winter. Isle Saint Jean is a medal-grabbing, red-hybrid blend of oaky marechal foch, baco noir and blueberry. Whites: off-dry and perfect with seafood, plus a chardonnay with hints of vanilla and spice.

But it was the fruit wines that hit the target, even for someone who’s normally not a big fan. There’s wild blueberry that pairs perfectly with smoked salmon and a cranberry wine in search of a Thanksgiving turkey. Iced Liberty Blossom combines mcintosh, cortland and red delicious apples: think ice wine using apples. The strawberry-rhubarb aperitif is luscious pie-in-a-glass. The high-octane maple liqueur cries out to be poured over a dish of vanilla ice cream. My favourite? Wrapping my tongue around the killer blackberry mead. Aged for two years, it’s a honeyed treat traditionally crafted.

There’s a bonus, too—sipping is a public service as the small tasting fee is donated to a local charity.

www.rossignolwinery.com