Explore the Top PEI Wineries and Distilleries
What’s the first thing that comes into your head when you hear Prince Edward Island? Is it the province’s iconic red and white lighthouses? It’s 1,100 kilometre coastline, filled with red sandstone cliffs and smooth sand beaches? Or it’s historic connection to the story of Anne of Green Gables? Add some stellar wineries and distilleries to the list, and you have a pretty remarkable Canadian province.
From a small-batch distillery that uses certified organic produce to a family-run winery known for it’s delicious Chardonnay, Prince Edward Island just wouldn’t be the same without these wineries and distilleries.
Matos Winery and Distillery
This family-owned PEI winery and distillery was born from a lifelong passion for wine and uncompromising desire for quality. Located in Saint Catherines, a mere thirty minute drive from the heart of Charlottetown, Matos Winery and Distillery was founded by a dynamic husband and wife duo, Jaime and Heather Matos. Originally from the small island of Pico in the Acores just off of Portugal, the couple picked Prince Edward Island as the spot for Matos Winery and Distillery because of the province’s unique growing conditions and the fact that it reminded them of home.
Matos Winery and Distillery has won countless national and international awards since it opened in 2011, specifically for its Chardonnay and Gamay-Noir. The PEI winery and distillery also produces some delicious Apply Brandy and Orange Liqueur.
Deep Roots Distillery
Located in Warren Grove, a short distance outside of Charlottetown, Deep Roots Distillery is a family-run, small-batch craft distillery that started to take root back in 1990 when the owners, Mike and Carol Beamish, planted their first 200 apple trees. Fast forward to 2012, and the idea to turn the hobby orchard into a distillery started to ferment.
Deep Roots Distillery now produces a number of unique spirits and liqueurs, all made using organic PEI apples, blueberries, maple syrup as well as other local ingredients. The PEI distillery prides itself on using quality ingredients to create artisan spirits and liqueurs that reflect the authentic Island taste. Two award-winning bottles you must try are their authentic Absinthe and Island Tide liquor.
Newman Estate Winery
Newman Estate Winery is definitely one of the most impressive wineries on Prince Edward Island, predominantly because it was built with endless hours of help from the community and volunteers. The hidden gem is located in the south-eastern part of Prince Edward Island, in the town of Gladstone.
As a family-run winery, Newman Estate Winery produces truly unique wines, made with 100% PEI grown grapes. And, because the wine is made in small batches, you can only find it at the boutique winery. Meaning it’ll be well-worth the one-hour drive from Charlottetown.
Myriad View Artisan Distillery
Situated in Rollo Boy, overlooking the beautiful Northumberland Strait, is Myriad View Artisan Distillery. While they’re stunning waterfront views and classic red barn buildings are worth the trip alone, you won’t be disappointed when you sample their diverse portfolio of spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, brandy, whiskey and pastis.
What’s more, Myriad View Artisan Distillery is well-known — and rightfully so — for its moonshine. The artisan distillery pays homage to the province’s prohibition days as the producer of Canada’s first (and arguably the best) legal moonshine. Opt for the Island Moonshine for an traditional taste of PEI, a gin distilled using a 200 year old recipe, or their classic triple distilled grain vodka.