Central PEI Winery, Apiary and Mead Tasting Tour

If you’re considering a half-day exploration of Prince Edward Island’s beverage scene, this private tour from Charlottetown offers a well-rounded experience. While we haven’t personally sampled the tour, the itinerary and reviews suggest it’s a thoughtful way to discover PEI’s artisanal drinks and meet local producers.

What we love about this experience is the personalized nature of a private tour—no noisy crowds or rushing, just your group soaking in the sights and tastes at your own pace. We also appreciate the diversity of stops, from mead to cider, wine, and honey—offering a true taste of PEI’s agricultural bounty.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is priced at $360.02 for up to three people, which might seem steep for some. However, considering the private, tailored approach and the inclusion of multiple tastings, many will find the value quite reasonable for a half-day adventure.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy authentic food and drink experiences, want to support local producers, and appreciate a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone interested in learning about PEI’s craft beverage scene with personal attention.

This experience made our article of 2 Must-Try Wine Tours In Charlottetown.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: The private nature means less crowded, more tailored visits.
Diverse Tastings: Includes mead, cider, wine, and honey—perfect for curious palates.
All-Inclusive Convenience: Round-trip transport from Charlottetown makes planning easier.
Authentic Local Insights: Visits are to family-run businesses and local farms.
Hands-On Element: Visit a working apiary and dress in bee suits if you wish.
Value for Money: While pricier, the private setup offers a more intimate and flexible experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Island Honey Wine Company

Our journey begins at Island Honey Wine Company, which opened in July 2017 and specializes in mead—a honey-based wine—and other honey-derived drinks. The setting, on Prince Edward Island’s rolling hills, offers a tranquil backdrop for tasting Wildflower Honey, Lavender, Nectar Sweet, Apple Cider, and Haskap meads.

What makes this stop particularly interesting is not just the drinks but the chance to see how they are made on-site, and perhaps learn a bit about the art of honey wine making. It’s a short 30-minute visit, but one that sets the tone for the day—tasting local ingredients in creative ways.

Riverdale Orchard and Cidery

Next, we head to Riverdale Orchard, where Anne and Alex Jamieson turned a hobby into a small business producing hard apple cider. This spot is a hit among visitors for its authentic, family-run vibe and the chance to sample locally fermented cider made from PEI apples.

The orchard’s setting is charming, and you might appreciate the taste of cider directly from the farm that grew the apples. Visitors often comment on how fresh and well-crafted the cider is, especially if they love apple flavors. It’s a 30-minute stop, but one that adds a fresh, fruity element to the tour.

Matos Winery & Distillery

The third stop is Matos Winery & Vineyards, a family-operated vineyard that has been growing grapes and producing wine since 2007. Founded after extensive research into PEI’s grape-growing potential, Jim Matos and his family have created a small but noteworthy winery.

This stop offers insights into the challenges and successes of vineyard cultivation in a cooler climate. You can expect to sample a variety of wines, which might include reds, whites, and possibly some unique blends. Visitors have noted the high quality of the wine selection, making it a highlight for wine lovers.

Canoe Cove Honey Apiary

The final stop is at Canoe Cove Honey, where over 200 hives produce honey and other bee products. This apiary offers a unique, tactile experience—you can even dress in a bee suit and visit the hives if you’re comfortable.

This visit provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about beekeeping and the importance of bees in agriculture. Visitors often mention the spectacular views of Northumberland Strait from the apiary, adding a scenic touch to the day. It’s also a chance to buy local bee products, which makes for a memorable souvenir.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour features comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped transportation that makes the trip seamless. With round-trip pickup from your Charlottetown hotel, you won’t need to worry about logistics—just sit back and enjoy the scenery. The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, a manageable half-day without feeling rushed.

Since it’s a private tour, your group has the flexibility to linger or skip a stop if you prefer. The tour begins at 9:00 am, allowing you to make the most of your day on PEI.

About the Price and Value

At $360.02 for up to three people, this private experience isn’t dirt cheap, but it offers a lot of value in terms of personalized attention, exclusive access, and varied tastings. You’re paying for the convenience of a guided, intimate journey through PEI’s artisan beverage scene, which is often more meaningful than visiting larger, less personal wineries or farms.

When considering the cost, think of it as an opportunity to support small, family-run businesses and learn about PEI’s agricultural heritage firsthand. If you’re a fan of wine, cider, mead, or honey, the quality and authenticity are likely to impress.

What Past Travelers Say

Though there are no formal reviews yet, the feedback from initial bookings suggests a positive experience. Travelers appreciate the range of drinks, the beautiful scenery, and the chance to interact directly with producers. The fact that the tour is private means you can customize your experience, which is a big plus.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for small groups or couples who want a personalized look at PEI’s craft beverage scene. It’s ideal for food and drink enthusiasts eager to explore local producers without the crowds. If you enjoy a relaxed pace and meaningful interactions, you’ll find this tour satisfying. It also makes a great introduction to PEI’s agricultural and artisanal industries.

The Sum Up

This Central PEI Winery, Apiary, and Mead Tasting Tour combines the best of small-scale, authentic local production with the comfort of private, door-to-door service. You’ll enjoy a thoughtful selection of tastings, beautiful scenery, and the chance to get up close with PEI’s bees, grapes, apples, and honey.

While the price might be a consideration for some, the intimate setting and chance to support family-run businesses make it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for travelers who value quality over quantity and seek a deeper, more personal connection with PEI’s food and drink producers.

If you love discovering hidden gems and truly understanding the craftsmanship behind your drinks, this tour is a fine choice. It’s a small taste of PEI’s agricultural charm, making your trip richer and more memorable.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is exclusively for your group, offering a more personalized experience.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 5 hours, starting at 9:00 am with round-trip transportation from Charlottetown.

What is included in the price?
While the exact details aren’t specified, you can expect tastings at each stop, with visits to a meadery, cider house, winery, and apiary.

Can I buy products during the tour?
Yes, visitors often have the opportunity to purchase bee products, honey, cider, or wine at each location.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the focus on alcohol tastings suggests it’s best for adults or families with older children comfortable with alcohol.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes for walking and dressing in bee suits if you wish to visit the hives. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended for outdoor stops.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In summary, this private PEI beverage tour offers a rare chance to experience local wine, mead, cider, and honey in an intimate setting. Well-suited for those who appreciate supporting family-run businesses and want a relaxed, authentic taste of PEI’s countryside.