FOOD & DRINK
FROM THE ISLAND OF PICO – TO THE ISLAND OF PRINCE EDWARD
▲ Jaime and Heather Matos
T he offerings from Matos Winery and Distillery are equally as unique as the story behind them. And with selections bearing names like Angelica, Anisette, and Bagaco, that’s saying a lot. Owners Jaime and Heather Matos take inspiration from their Portuguese roots in all that they do with the Island winery and vineyard, which they opened in 2011. “Jaime and I were both born on the island of Pico in the Azores,” says Heather Matos. “Everyone kept telling us to visit the Maritimes as it was very similar to the Azores, so we decided to do that. We came to PEI and absolutely fell in love with the Island and the laid back way of life. This was supposed to be a semi- retirement hobby, and has taken on a life of its own- in a good way.” By Story Sheidow Photos Evan Ceretti
From the cherished family recipes used for their spirits, to the unique method in which they distill their grapes, they are deeply influenced by their mutual upbringings on Pico- producing a perfect harmony of intrigue and palatability with their products that is unlike any other here on PEI. “The most unique spirit that we offer is the Anisette, simply because of the presentation of the bottle. The idea for these was from watching Jaime’s dad make them back home, bringing a bit of our Portuguese style to our winery.” The clear glass bottle of Anisette showcases a complete stem of fennel, seed and all, encased in a delicate covering of sugar crystals. The overall effect is truly eye-catching, so much so you’d almost hate to drink it… ALMOST.
But their true focus is on their award- winning wines. “We offer three dry, unoaked wines; Chardonnay, Rose and Gamay-Noir. We also offer two dessert wines that are very unique in how we produce them. They are sweet, but not like an ‘ice wine’ sweet. We take the finished wine and infuse it with the essence- a definite must to try.” The pair uses an unusual variety of grapes, which are harder to grow but produce a better quality of wine, in their staple products at the vineyard. It’s the quality, not the quantity, in which Matos Winery finds pride. However, it’s these qualities that bring people to their doors in droves. Their winery tours, currently offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are warm and inviting, and offer guests a peek into the beauty and traditions of Portugal. Heather Matos explains,
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