Central PEI Winery, Apiary and Mead Tasting Tour

Discover the Flavors of Prince Edward Island with the Central PEI Winery, Apiary, and Mead Tasting Tour

If you’ve ever wanted a taste of PEI’s local drinks—from honey wines to craft ciders—this private half-day tour offers a relaxed, personalized way to explore some of the island’s top producers. It’s a great option if you’re into discovering how local beverages are made and want to see a bit of PEI’s countryside along the way.

What really caught our attention are the small-group feel and the chance to visit diverse producers—a family-run winery, a honey farm, and a meadery with farm animals. Plus, the round-trip pickup from Charlottetown makes the logistics smooth, especially if you’re short on time or prefer to skip the driving.

A quick note: while the tour is quite enjoyable, it’s best suited for those who enjoy tasting sessions and are comfortable with a laid-back pace. Keep in mind, the price per group (up to three people) might seem steep, but when you consider the personalized experience and multiple stops, it can be worthwhile. This tour caters well to wine and honey enthusiasts, and possibly small groups of friends or couples looking for a relaxed, tasting-focused experience.

Key Points:

• Personalized private tour with just your group
• Visits to four different local producers, including a meadery, cider farm, winery, and apiary
• Round-trip pickup from Charlottetown hotels makes logistics simple
• Opportunity to purchase bee products and drinks directly from producers
• Visiting an apiary allows guests to see the hives up close and dress in bee suits
• Ideal for those who love sampling and learning about local beverages and honey

An Introduction to the Tour Experience

We love the way this tour combines learning and tasting in a relaxed, intimate setting. Visiting multiple producers means you’ll get a good variety of flavors and insights into PEI’s beverage scene—all without feeling rushed. The private nature of the tour also means it can be tailored a bit to your interests, which is a big plus if you’re traveling with specific tastes or preferences.

One of the standout aspects is the diversity of stops. You start your morning with a visit to the Island Honey Wine Company, where they make mead using local Wildflower Honey, Lavender, and other ingredients. It’s a chance to sip on drinks crafted right on site, and the scenic location in PEI’s rolling hills makes for a pretty backdrop.

Next, you’ll visit Riverdale Orchard, where the focus is on hard apple cider. This family-run operation is a charming spot where you can see how apple juice turns into cider, and if you’re a fan of crisp, well-made cider, you’ll probably enjoy this stop.

The third stop is Matos Winery & Distillery—a family-owned vineyard that has been around since 2007. They’ve invested a lot in understanding what grows best on PEI, and their wines reflect the island’s unique climate. If you’re someone who appreciates good, locally made wine, you’ll find this visit worthwhile.

Finally, the tour wraps up with Canoe Cove Honey, an apiary perched atop a hill with stunning views of Northumberland Strait. Here, you can learn about beekeeping, sample fresh honey, and even try on a bee suit to visit the hives. For honey lovers, this is a real highlight.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Island Honey Wine Company

This spot is where you get your first taste of PEI’s honey wines—meads made on-site with local honey and flavors like Lavender and Haskap. The setting is scenic, with rolling hills making it an inviting start. The visit lasts about 30 minutes and is free, making it a nice introduction without feeling rushed.

A common comment from travelers is how much they appreciated the chance to try different mead varieties and learn about the production process. Since the winery started in 2017, it’s still relatively new but has quickly established a reputation for quality.

Stop 2: Riverdale Orchard

Here, the focus is on hard apple cider, a favorite among many visitors. Anne and Alex Jamieson turned their hobby into a business, and it shows in the care they put into their ciders. The orchard setting is charming, and the 30-minute visit is free.

People tend to enjoy seeing how the cider is made and tasting different varieties. Some mention that the cider has a good balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a refreshing stop. It’s especially nice if you’re a fan of crisp apple flavors.

Stop 3: Matos Winery & Distillery

This family-run vineyard is the third stop, with a history dating back to 2007. Jim Matos and his family put a lot of thought into choosing grape varieties suited for PEI’s climate, and the wines reflect that local focus. Sampling here gives insight into the island’s potential as a wine-producing region.

The tour around the vineyard offers a glimpse into their operations, and you’ll get to taste a selection of wines. If you’re into wine, this is probably the highlight for you. The fact that it’s a small, family-run operation adds to the charm.

Stop 4: Canoe Cove Honey

Your final stop is at Canoe Cove Honey, where you’ll see over 200 hives. Guests are invited to dress in bee suits and get an up-close look at the bees—an experience that many find fascinating. The view from the apiary is stunning, overlooking Northumberland Strait.

This is a great way to learn about bees and honey production, and you can buy bee products directly from the farm. If you’re a honey enthusiast or just curious about beekeeping, this is a real treat.

The Overall Experience

Travelers have expressed that the tour offers a great balance of education, tastings, and scenic views. The private nature (only your group) makes it feel exclusive and allows for a more relaxed pace. The fact that most stops are free to enter and taste keeps costs manageable, but the value is really in the unique, small-batch products and the chance to chat with the producers.

The tour’s duration of around 5 hours is just right—long enough to enjoy each stop without feeling overwhelmed. The vehicle is described as comfortable and Wi-Fi equipped, making the pickup seamless and the transit between stops easy.

One thing to note is the price—$360.02 for a group of up to three people may seem steep at first glance, but when you consider the private, tailored experience and multiple tasting stops, it’s a fair trade-off for a special day out. Plus, the chance to buy products directly from the makers can be a nice bonus.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re curious about PEI’s local drinks and honey, love tasting new things, and prefer a small, private group. It’s especially suited for couples, small groups of friends, or even solo travelers seeking a personalized, laid-back taste of the island’s beverage scene. If you’re a big fan of wine, cider, or honey, you’ll likely find this tour both enjoyable and educational.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or dislike tasting tours and farm visits, this might not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind that weather can impact the experience, especially at the apiary—so good weather days are preferable.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Central PEI Winery, Apiary, and Mead Tasting Tour offers a nice mix of flavors, scenic views, and learning opportunities. The emphasis on local, small-batch producers makes it a genuine taste of PEI’s beverage culture. It’s a good choice for those who want a more personal experience and are interested in seeing how PEI’s drinks are made from start to finish.

The tour balances educational value with relaxed enjoyment, making it a memorable way to spend part of your PEI trip—especially if sampling local wines, meads, and honey is your thing. For anyone who appreciates good drinks and beautiful scenery, this could be a highlight of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip pickup from your Charlottetown hotel is included, making it easy to join without worrying about logistics.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, giving enough time to visit all four stops comfortably.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering peace of mind.

What is the group size?
It’s a private experience for up to 3 people, which keeps the tour intimate and personalized.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour is centered around tasting drinks and visiting farms, so it’s best suited for adults.

Will I have a chance to buy products?
Absolutely. You can purchase bee products, honey, wine, and cider directly from the producers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, especially if you plan to visit the hives and put on a bee suit.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the experience is mainly geared toward adults who enjoy tastings, families with older children interested in beekeeping might find it interesting.

How does the pricing compare to other tours?
It’s priced at $360.02 per group, which, for a private tour with multiple stops, offers good value—especially considering the personalized attention.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of diverse local producers, the chance to visit a working apiary, and the opportunity to buy directly from the makers make it a truly authentic PEI experience.

If you’re after a relaxed, taste-focused day exploring PEI’s local drinks with a personal touch, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring your curiosity—you’re in for a flavorful journey.