Central PEI Winery, Brewery, and Distillery Tasting Tour DE Force

If you’re headed to Charlottetown and love the idea of sampling some of PEI’s best local beverages, this private tasting tour might just be your perfect afternoon. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the details paint a picture of a thoughtfully curated experience that combines local craftsmanship, stunning views, and the convenience of door-to-door service.

What makes this tour stand out are the personalized approach—limiting groups to just your party—and the chance to taste a variety of spirits, wines, and brews crafted right here on the island.

One of the things we love about this experience is the variety of stops. From a family-run winery to a craft distillery, a hop farm, and even a honey producer, it offers a broad spectrum of flavors and stories. Another highlight is the relaxed, private atmosphere, with a professional driver taking care of transportation so you can focus on tasting and enjoying the scenery.

A possible consideration is the price—at just under $380 for a group of two, it’s an investment, but one that promises a comprehensive local tasting adventure.

This tour suits couples, small groups, or anyone eager to indulge in PEI’s thriving alcohol scene while soaking in its scenic beauty. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a deeper, more personalized experience than a large bus tour can provide—plus, you get the bonus of sampling some of the best spirits and wines PEI has to offer.

This experience made our article of Charlottetown’s 2 Best Drinking Tours.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience: Limited to your group for a relaxed, tailored outing.
• Diverse stops: Includes a winery, brewery, distillery, honey producer, and wine company—each offering distinct tastes.
• Comfort and convenience: Door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Charlottetown, with air-conditioned transport and WiFi onboard.
• Expert driver: Ensures a safe, stress-free journey through PEI’s scenic landscapes.
• Tasting opportunities: Sample locally crafted wines, spirits, beers, and honey, with options to purchase if desired.
• Duration: Around five hours of immersive tasting and sightseeing, perfect for a half-day adventure.

This tour is set up to provide a well-rounded look at PEI’s small-batch beverage producers, each with its own unique story and flavor profile. The stops are spaced out evenly, with each lasting approximately 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to savor the offerings and learn about the producers.

Stop 1: Matos Winery & Distillery

Your journey begins at Matos Winery & Distillery, a family-owned operation that started in 2007 after careful research into PEI’s unique growing conditions. Jim Matos and his family invested in 50 acres of land, focusing on cultivating grapes suited for the island’s climate. Here, you’ll learn how they turn locally grown grapes into fine wines and spirits. Although admission tickets are not included, this stop promises a glimpse into PEI’s emerging wine scene and a chance to taste some of their boutique products. Expect a warm, family-run atmosphere, with a focus on local terroir and craftsmanship.

Stop 2: Barnone Brewery and Hop Farm

Next, you’ll visit Barnone Brewery, situated in the rolling hills of Rose Valley. This small farm brewery was established in 2011 by a father-son duo, Hugh and Don Campbell. They grow a handful of hop varieties—around 4 to 6—and craft beers that reflect PEI’s countryside charm. The setting itself offers picturesque views, making it easy to relax and enjoy a cold pint or two. The brewery’s focus on small-batch brewing and local ingredients means you’re tasting beers made with care and attention to detail.

Stop 3: Deep Roots Distillery

At Deep Roots Distillery, you’ll find an award-winning operation that emphasizes small-batch, craft spirits. Their use of locally sourced ingredients results in spirits and liqueurs with a genuine sense of place. This stop is likely to be a highlight for those intrigued by artisanal distillation. You might get to sample spirits that showcase PEI’s natural bounty, and perhaps learn about the distillation process that makes their products stand out.

Stop 4: Canoe Cove Honey

Honey lovers will appreciate Canoe Cove Honey, which produces a wide array of products, from jars of honey to mead, candles, skin creams, and lip balms. This stop adds a sweet note to the tour, quite literally, and highlights PEI’s thriving beekeeping industry. Expect to see the bees in action and possibly taste some honey or mead, a honey-based wine that’s both sweet and complex. The variety of products shows how PEI’s natural resources are used creatively.

Stop 5: Island Honey Wine Company

Your final stop is Island Honey Wine Company, opened in 2017. They produce a range of meads made from wildflower honey, lavender, nectar, apple cider, and Haskap berries. Situated on scenic rolling hills, this winery emphasizes local ingredients and innovative flavors. It’s an excellent place to appreciate how honey can be turned into a sophisticated beverage, and you’ll likely walk away with a new appreciation for mead.

What Makes This Tour Special

Beyond the stops, what really elevates this experience is the focus on local, small-batch producers. Each stop offers a different aspect of PEI’s craft beverage scene, giving you a well-rounded tasting profile. The private vehicle ensures comfort, while the professional driver adds peace of mind—no worries about drinking and driving. The inclusion of WiFi and bottled water makes the journey more comfortable, especially during warmer weather.

The tour is well-paced, with 45-minute visits giving you enough time to taste, ask questions, and enjoy the scenery. The total duration of around five hours makes it a perfect manageable half-day outing, leaving you free to explore Charlottetown afterward or relax for the evening.

Cost and Value Analysis

At $378.49 for a group of two, this tour isn’t cheap, but it’s important to consider what’s included. Private transportation, a curated itinerary, and the opportunity to taste a variety of local products add significant value. For travelers eager to indulge in PEI’s spirits scene without the hassle of planning multiple visits or driving, this is a convenient, educational, and enjoyable option.

Compared to larger group tours, the personalized nature of this experience offers a more intimate look into PEI’s craft industry. If you’re a connoisseur or simply enjoy discovering local flavors, the cost could be justified by the quality of the stops and the relaxed atmosphere.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One reviewer praised the guide Miriam, describing her as “fun and nice”, and appreciated the mix of learning about beer-making and local history. They felt it was “fun” overall, though noted the price was a bit higher than expected at $25 for a beer. This suggests that the tour’s educational and personal touch adds to its value.

In our view, the tour’s strength lies in the variety of experiences and the scenic settings, which are often highlighted by travelers as memorable. The chance to sample excellent wines and spirits crafted on PEI shines as a key benefit, especially given the island’s reputation for high-quality, small-batch products.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour for You?

This private PEI spirits tour offers a thoughtful blend of local craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and personalized service, making it especially appealing to travelers who value authentic experiences. If you love tasting different kinds of wine, beer, spirits, and honey, and want to learn about PEI’s emerging craft industry, this tour hits the mark.

It’s best suited for small groups — couples, friends, or couples traveling together — who prefer a more intimate setting than crowded tours. The high-quality stops, combined with the comfort of private transport, make it a worthwhile choice for those eager to explore PEI’s beverage scene with minimal fuss.

While a bit on the pricier side, the experience offers a balanced mix of education, relaxation, and tasting, all set against the island’s beautiful landscape. If you’re looking for a memorable, flavor-filled adventure that showcases PEI’s local producers, this tour won’t disappoint.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately five hours, allowing enough time to visit five stops comfortably.

What is included in the price?
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi onboard, bottled water, and the curated visits to five local spots.

Do I need to pay for admission fees?
No, the tour price does not include admission, so you may need to pay at each location if applicable.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While primarily focused on tasting alcohol and honey, most travelers can participate. Confirm with your provider if you have specific concerns.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hassle-free pickup from your Charlottetown accommodation or specified location.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its private nature, diverse stops, and focus on small-batch, locally crafted products set it apart from larger, more generic tours.

Can I buy products at the stops?
Most locations offer the opportunity to purchase wine, spirits, honey, or related products.

Is this a good value?
Considering the personalized experience and multiple tasting opportunities, many find the price justified, especially for a private tour.

What’s the best time to go?
The tour requires good weather; check with your provider for seasonal details, but generally, late spring to early fall offers the best conditions.

This tour is a genuine gem for those wanting a leisurely, authentic taste of what PEI’s local producers have to offer. It combines scenic views, friendly hosts, and a diverse range of flavors that make your visit to this charming island truly memorable.