Matos Winery & Distillery
About
Matos Winery & Vineyards is a family-owned and family-run business. In 2007, after spending much time researching the growing conditions and suitability of establishing a vineyard in PEI, Jim Matos and his family purchased a 50 acre parcel of land in St. Catherines. They applied the French concept of terroir – finding a place where the combination of soil, slope, sun exposure and the peculiar weather vagaries allow certain grape varieties to unfold their unique characteristics. To this end, they consulted with the finest European vintners who visited PEI to provide their expertise.
Location Description
Located in the heart of St. Catherines, Prince Edward Island.
Additional Information
- Meeting / Conference Facilities:
- Caves:
- Wedding Facilities:
- Picnic Facilities:
- Dog Friendly:
- Winery Tours:
- Wine Tasting:
- Art or Architecture:
- Organic / Biodynamic:
- Awards:
- Wine Club:
- Lodging / Bed & Breakfast:
The Team
Jaime ran a very successful U-Brew business in Ontario for over 20 years. This involved making wine from pure juices from California, Greece, Italy and Chile and in the fall season had grapes imported from California for the wine maker who still preferred the old fashion way of making wine. Jaime would also buy grapes from the local Niagara farmers to blend with the California grapes. He had all the equipment for destemming and crushing the grapes for all levels of wine makers. He would also consult with clients as to the best way to end up with a superior wine.
It had always been a dream and passion for Jaime to have his own vineyard and winery one day. Many travels around the world scouting for the perfect location and a place that he could enjoy and call home. This ended up being Prince Edward Island, a place of great beauty, friendly people and a quieter way of life. It also helped that it reminded him of his own little island back in the Acores.
Heather always worked outside of the home but never forgetting that her greatest love was her family. Having lost her mother at a very early age Heather learned to take on challenges at an early age. She loves to sew, garden, read, cook and enjoys many crafts. This by far is her biggest challenge and she is looking forward to supporting her husband, meeting new people and making this a new adventure.
Both Jaime and Heather welcome everyone to their winery and hope that they to will enjoy the adventure along with them.
Estate Vineyards / AVA
In the summer of 2007, 16,000 Gamay Noir and Chardonnay grapevines were imported from France and planted on 10 hillside acres. In the spring of 2008, the Matos family sold their wine business in Ontario and moved to PEI. Most of 2008 was spent on tending the young vines – the size and shape of the vine is the result of the grape variety and the climate, but the way vines are pruned, trellised and spaced is also critical. The vines are pruned based on trellising and are trained on fruit and catch wires. The summer months were spent installing the thousands feet of wire necessary to properly train the vines.
A solar-powered weather station was also installed with wireless telemetry to relay data – benefiting water consumption and irrigation needs.
Construction of the winery began in the spring of 2010. The first harvest occured at the end of October and parts of the building had been completed in preperation for that harvest. This would house the destemming equipment, membrane press, peristaltic pump and fermentaion tanks. Construction in the winery was completed in early 2011 for our grand opening. We offer a showroom, tasting bar, display shelving, public washrooms and tours to the public.
Awards
October 20th, 2012: Our Gamay-Noir wine just won Bronze at "The 2012 Canadian Wine Awards!"
October 03, 2011: Our Gamay-Noir wine just won Silver at "The 2011 Canadian Wine Awards!