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

If you’re considering exploring Prince Edward Island’s vibrant craft spirits scene, this private tasting tour in Charlottetown offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s local producers. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on available info, it looks like a fantastic way to spend half a day indulging in PEI’s best wines, beers, and spirits—without the hassle of driving.

What really makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized nature of a private tour means you’ll get more tailored attention and flexibility. Second, the variety of stops — from a family-run winery to a craft honey producer — ensures you’ll see the breadth of PEI’s small-batch craftsmanship. That said, the price is on the higher side, at nearly $380 for a group of two, but the included transportation and curated visits add value.

For those who enjoy tasting local libations and soaking in scenic views, this tour could be just right. It’s especially suited for couples, small groups, or friends who want a relaxed, in-depth look at PEI’s spirits scene without worrying about navigating on their own.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience in a comfortable vehicle
• Five carefully selected stops showcasing PEI’s best wine, beer, spirits, and honey
• Hassle-free pickup and drop-off in Charlottetown
• Flexible timing and relaxed pace over 5 hours
• Educational and tasting opportunities, often with a friendly guide
• Good for adult groups who appreciate locally crafted beverages

What the Tour Offers: A Deep Dive

This five-hour adventure promises a curated experience of PEI’s spirits, wine, and honey producers. Starting with the Matos Winery & Distillery, you’ll visit a family-run operation where history and passion blend into what seems like a cozy, authentic setting. While admission isn’t included, you’ll get a sense of their dedication and perhaps even sample some of their offerings if available.

Next up is the Barnone Brewery and Hop Farm, situated amidst picturesque rolling hills. Founded by a father-son team, this spot grows its own hops—between four and six varieties—and crafts small-batch brews. It’s easy to see why beer lovers would find this stop particularly appealing, especially if you’re into seeing where the magic happens (and tasting fresh, locally brewed beer).

Moving on to Deep Roots Distillery, described as award-winning and small-batch, this stop offers spirits made from locally sourced ingredients. The fact that it’s award-winning hints at a high-quality product, and the use of local ingredients makes it a strong highlight for those interested in supporting local producers.

The Canoe Cove Honey stop is a slightly different flavor—literally. They produce honey, mead, candles, skin creams, and lip balms. If you’re into natural products or just curious about honey’s versatility, this visit adds a charming touch to the tour.

Finally, the Island Honey Wine Company offers a variety of meads made on-site, with flavors like wildflower honey, lavender, nectar, apple cider, and haskap. Situated in scenic rolling hills, this spot caps off the tour with a sweet and floral tasting experience, perfect for those who love unique wine varieties.

Transportation and Group Size

You’ll travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, making it comfortable and convenient. This intimate setup means you won’t be in a large group—just your own party—allowing for a more relaxed, personal experience. Starting at 9:00 am in Port Charlottetown, the tour is structured to flow smoothly, with about 45 minutes allocated per stop.

While the price might seem steep, keep in mind that it includes the private transportation and the tailored nature of the visit. No need to worry about designated drivers or navigating unfamiliar roads—your professional driver takes care of that.

The Experience Value: Is It Worth It?

At nearly $380, this tour might seem expensive, but when you break down what you get—private transport, five stops, personalized attention, and the chance to taste and learn about PEI’s best alcohol producers—it starts to make sense. If you’re a fan of spirits, wine, or craft honey, and appreciate a relaxed, guided experience, many travelers will find this a worthwhile splurge.

A recent review highlights how much fun it was: “Our guide was Miriam, and she was fun and nice. We learned about the process of making the beer and other things they make, plus some history. We got a beer to start, then two tastings at the end. It was fun!” This suggests the tour isn’t just about drinking but also about learning and connecting with local artisans.

On the downside, some might find the cost a bit high, especially if you’re not a big drinker or prefer self-guided tastings. Also, all the stops do charge admission separately, which isn’t included here, so keep that in mind as an extra expense.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

One thing worth noting is that this tour’s appeal largely hinges on its intimate, curated approach. The stops seem carefully selected for quality and uniqueness. From a family-run winery to a craft honey producer, each location reflects a different facet of PEI’s local spirit-making tradition. The review mentions fun, friendly guides and an engaging atmosphere, which can make the experience memorable.

While there’s no explicit mention of whether children are welcome, the nature of the stops—focused on adult beverages and honey products—suggests it’s best suited for grown-ups. If you’re traveling with older teens or adults who enjoy craft spirits, they’ll likely find it interesting.

Practical Details to Keep in Mind

• Start time is 9:00 am, giving you a full morning of tasting and touring.
• The tour concludes back at the starting point, so plan your day accordingly.
• Pickup is included, so no need to hunt down meeting spots.
• The tour is most suitable for most travelers, including those who appreciate a relaxed pace and want to learn about local producers.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, providing some peace of mind.
• It’s weather-dependent; if the weather turns bad, you might be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults who enjoy craft spirits and local wines. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a leisurely, educational outing with a personal touch. Those interested in supporting small, family-run businesses will appreciate the authenticity of each stop. If you’re a foodie or a beverage enthusiast, this tour can deepen your understanding of PEI’s local flavors while providing a good dose of scenic views.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour primarily involves adult beverages and honey products, so it’s best for grown-ups.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included in the price?
Private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, bottled water, and the curated visit to five local spots. Admission fees to each stop are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What if the weather is bad?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Are the stops family-friendly?
Since the focus is on adult beverages and honey, it’s more suited for adults than children.

Is there a guide?
Yes, a professional driver and possibly a guide will accompany you, making for a more informative experience.

How many people can join?
The tour is private, limited to your group of up to two people, which offers a more personalized experience.

What makes this tour different from self-guided tastings?
You’re guided through the best spots with expert insights, and transportation is taken care of—no worries about driving or directions.

What are the main highlights?
Visiting five unique PEI spots, enjoying scenic views, sampling local products, and the convenience of private transport all in one package.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, personalized way to explore PEI’s local spirits, this private tasting tour offers a combination of scenic beauty, educational stops, and tasty samples. It’s especially attractive for those who want to avoid the hassle of organizing transport and want a more curated experience.

While the cost is on the higher end, the quality of the stops and the intimate atmosphere could make it a memorable part of your PEI trip. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone passionate about craft beverages and local artisans.

Overall, if you’re looking for a genuine peek into PEI’s spirits scene with a touch of scenic charm, this tour seems like a solid choice. Just be prepared for the adult-only focus, and factor in the extra costs for admission at each location. Happy tasting!