About Matos Winery & Distillery
Matos Winery & Distillery is a family-owned and family-run vineyard on the West River in St. Catherines. In 2007 Jim Matos and his family bought a 50-acre parcel here after studying whether grapes could thrive on the Island, and they drew on advice from European winemakers to match vines to the site. The cellar list is short and focused: Chardonnay, Gamay-Noir and a rosé, plus Strawberry Chardonnay and Wildberry Gamay. The still produces Bagaco, anisette, an orange liqueur and a PEI apple brandy, and several of these have won awards.
The season opens June 1. From June through September the doors are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday and Monday from 1 to 5 p.m.; in October the winery opens Saturdays 10 to 5 and Sundays 1 to 5.
Guided tours cost $25 per person and last about an hour to an hour and a half. They walk through the vines from planting to the present, then the winery and its harvest-to-bottling process, and finish with three wine samples and a cheese and cracker plate in the gift shop. Tours need at least four people and are booked by email. The vineyard also hosts styled picnics with a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine, run with a local picnic company; spots are limited. If you miss the farm season, the family sells at the Summerside Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Island Lavender Distillery is also in St. Catherines, about five minutes away, so a July visit can pair lavender picking with a vineyard tour.
What to do
- Take the guided vineyard and winery tour with three tastings, $25
- Try the estate Gamay-Noir and Chardonnay in the gift shop
- Look for the award-winning PEI apple brandy and Bagaco
- Book a styled vineyard picnic (spots are limited)
- Visit Saturdays and Sundays in October before the season closes
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Opens June 1; daily June through September, weekends only in October
- Hours
- June 1–Sept 30: Tue–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun–Mon 1–5 p.m.; October: Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun 1–5 p.m. (as posted for the current season)
- Admission
- Guided tour $25 per person (current season)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Required for tours (minimum 4 people, by email)
Tips for your visit
- Tours need a group of at least four, so book by email well ahead.
- October hours are weekends only, and Sunday opens at 1 p.m.
- Plan a designated driver if you'll be tasting.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Island Lavender Distillery · about 5 minutes away
Island Lavender Distillery is about five minutes away in St. Catherines, so pick lavender in July and tour the vineyard the same afternoon.
Getting there
Questions
How much is a tour?
$25 per person, about 1 to 1.5 hours, with three wine samples and a cheese and cracker plate; minimum four people.
When is Matos open?
From June 1, Tuesday to Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday–Monday 1 to 5 through September; weekends only in October.
What do they make?
Chardonnay, Gamay-Noir, rosé and fruit wines, plus Bagaco, anisette, an orange liqueur and apple brandy.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Bonshaw & the West River, Prince Edward Island
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
