Our Story

How we got from there to here


We all have a past but if you are reading this you are in the ​present (until such time as you have passed) so that is where we begin.   The Island Honey Wine Company opened on July 2017. It is situated in the scenic rolling hills of Prince Edward Island between Charlottetown and Summerside in the quaint village of Wheatley River.

Charles and Laura Lipnicki are the owners of "La Serena Farm" where the Island Honey Wine Company stands today. 

 This little piece of  paradise tries to echo the harmony found in nature. A small herd of sheep mow the grasses and bring fertility to the living soils of the orchards.  A free ranging flock of colourful ducks challenge the insects and pests that try to enjoy the fruits of farm labour. A friendly Great Pyrenees dog named Abby welcomes visitors as long as they have two legs, not four. She protects the livestock from coyotes and foxes. There are also several thousand honey bees that make this place their home and  they are responsible for fruit pollination and honey production.

Agropreneurs Charles and Laura offer a working farm walking tour to share the sights, sounds, tastes and textures of their farm with their guests.   They hope the meadery will be an overnight success that started back in 2011.  At that time, they were both riding the roller coaster of successful business careers but never quite finding  the time to smell the roses or watch the clouds drift by.  It was a hectic crazy lifestyle and they were looking for a change.

They explored the maritime provinces and like many visitors they were touched by the kindness of strangers. They experienced  the sense of community and the slower pace of life that creates the maritime charm people feel.

THE REASON WE DO WHAT WE DO

We hope you get to try the meads and discover the flavours of our little Island. Instead of trying to coax fruits from warmer lands to grow in our Maritime climate we wanted to produce a world class product that was true to the Island.  ​ Our ingredients are local, climate friendly and our honey truly is a reflection of time and place. Every year has its differences that makes the mead unique from year to year.  We couldn't find a healthier way to manicure the grass between the rows of fruit than our herd of mowing sheep! The sheep add nutrients to the soils , aerate,  build organic matter, and at the end of the season, it is a good feeling to know that you left the land just a little bit better year after year.