Nova Scotia

Annapolis Highland is the second winery to open in the small but charming community of Bear River Along the Bay of Fundy
The winery’s vineyard is south-facing and comprised of several benches of well-drained, sand, gravel, slate and granite soils, resembling those of Alsace and the Mosel in the prestigious wine regions of France and Germany. At 400' above sea level their vineyard is not affected by the fog or cold ocean air, providing long, hot, sunny days necessary for producing premium quality grapes

The winery os owned by Karen & Brendan Enright who moved from Ontario in 2002 looking for a better life style

Winemaker: Ray Cornell Consultant Dominic Rivard
Philosophy: Provide premium quality Nova Scotia wines. We also like to think outside the box when it comes to varieties and have in the past and will continue to test varieties not common to the province

Avondale Sky Winery is owned and operated by Stewart Creaser and Lorraine Vassalo, who escaped their stressful careers for a life in the country. After searching province wide, they found their farm on the Avon Peninsula. The farm is surrounded by the ever changing tidal landscape of the St. Croix and Avon Rivers, rolling hills, and the panoramic Avondale sky. There was an old vineyard on the property

Rather than construct a new winery, the decision was made to salvage an old barn which was looking forlorn on a dike along the St. Croix River ten kilometers from the vineyard. They also purchased St. Matthews Church from Walton.

The winery opened in 2011 but they also opened big under winemaker Ben Swetman offering 10 whites, 4 Rose and one red. The Reds are currently aging. As while as using estate grown grapes and local grapes, riesling and other grapes are brought in from Ontario.

Tidal Bay (blend, crafted from L'Acadie and Geisenheim)won Gold at The 2011 Atlantic Canadian Wine Awards

Winemaker: Ben Swetnam,

Located in the beautiful Bear River Valley near the south western end of the Annapolis Basin. The winery owned by Chris Hawes became the only licensed Cottage Winery in the Province of Nova Scotia in February 2006. Chris claims to be the smallest winery with only 3.6 acres planted over the last 12 years he began growing grapes in 1987.

The farm house beside the vineyard was built in 1784. The winery building was built in 1883 and the first experimental planting by the NS Dept. of Agriculture was in 1963.

The vineyard environment and aspect in Bear River ripens eight varieties of vinifera. Well drained glacial soil and steeply sloping rows, warmed by the inland flow of the sea creates an ideal vineyard climate. Wines produced include Chardonnay Pinot, Gris, Baco Noir and Pinot Noir.

Winemaker: Chris Hawes

Les and Paulette Wade are the proud owners & operators of this Fruit winery and meadery. Started in 2005 as a hobby. In 2008 was licensed to manufacture wines to sell off site. In 2010, they found out that it was a dry county which meant overturning a 1934 prohibition by law to allow a retail store onsite . The Wades canvased like politicans in our town and won over 90% of the vote

The name comes from a creek that runs through the property with a Beaver population.

The winery specializies in fruit wines which are made from locally grown fruit from around the valley. Over 21 different varities of fruit wines including Naked Mead, our famous honeymoon wine made from pure honey

signature wines: Mead, cranberry and pear.

The future has plans to produce grape wines.

Winemaker: Paulette Wade
Philosophy: relax, its only wine.

Located in Canning, Nova Scotia, in the heart of the Annapolis Valley on Minas Basin, home to the world's highest tides. Officially known as Blomidon Estate Winery at Habitant Vineyards. The winery is named after Blomidon Provincial Park which is located nearby.

The original vines were planted in 1986 as part of an experimental vineyard and later sold to Jost Winery; they opened the winery in 1997 and in 2008 it was sold to the Ramey family. Marilyn Ramey is president

The unique climate of the Minas Basin allows for the grapes to thrive, tides influence the temperature and air movement. Gentle south-facing slopes allow for great drainage and maximal sun exposure. The sandy soil is also beneficial. All of which contributes to the production of award winning wines, most recently award winning wines.

Blomidon Estate Winery and its estate vineyards (25 acres) are located on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy. Eleven acres planted with Chardonnay, Baco Noir, L'Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Luci Kuhlmann, Marechal Foch, Leon Millot, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, New York Muscat. The land's gentle slope and sandy soil provides the vines with good drainage while the south facing slope of the vineyard allows the grapes maximum sun exposure. Most importantly, the inlets to the bay have the highest tides in the world, up to 16 meters. This truly unique tidal motion creates an extraordinarily unique environment for grape growing. The high tides of the region protect vines from freezing temperatures and frost by ensuring air movement and moderating temperatures year round.

Winemaker: Simon Rafuse
Philosophy: is to work with varieties that thrive in this climate, while continually pushing the envelope with new experimental varieties as well.

Signature wines are 100% Nova Scotia Chardonnay, L'Acadie Blanc, Baco Noir and Seyval

Located in the Gaspereau Valley, the winery was founded by Gerry McConnell his (deceased) wife Dara Gordon. Their project is to create great sparkling wines. Benjamin Bridge also produces icewine "Vidal is much better here than in Ontario", offers wine consultant Peter Gamble, "the natural acid is higher at harvest, typically around 18 g/l, whereas in Ontario it is usually 9 g/l, so they need to add acid for balance."

Winemaker: Jean-Benoit Deslauriers

Situated in the beautiful Gaspereau Valley seven miles from Wolfville. Once an apple orchard the vineyard was planted in 1996 on the ideal south facing slope followed by a successful harvest in 1999. The winery opened in 2004

At Gaspereau Vineyards, Jost planted Chardonnay, Riesling, Ortega and Vidal on the warmer upper part of a vineyard and varieties such as De Chaunac, L'Acadie, New York Muscat and Kuhlmann further down what is a fairly continual slope. “Chardonnay always makes it through the winter and it produces a decent wine,” Jost says. “But I like L'Acadie,” referring to the most widely planted white variety in Nova Scotia . On the Gaspereau site, the variety yields a wine that the wine shop staff describe as “dangerously drinkable.” The wine shows sweet, zesty citrus flavours with a dry finish.

Winemaker:: Gina Haverstock

The winery was founded in 1978; the first winery in Nova Scotia In 1993, Swiss businessman, Hanspeter Stutz, bought Grand Pré. Stutz was undaunted by the challenge of purchasing and restoring the vineyard. Now, with his vision and determination, Mr. Stutz has successfully established Domaine de Grand Pré as a proud and viable winery. It is a family business with son Jürg winemaker, daughter Beatrice manages the restaurant.

The only winery in Nova Scotia that offers the full wine & dine experience. Award winning restaurant t named Le Caveau; built in the original 1828 house. Grand Pre will be an UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2012

Domaine de Grand Pré has a unique approach to winemaking. Unlike most New World wineries producing Old World wines, such as Chardonnay, Hanspeter believes wine producers should develop distinct varieties, styles and vineyard practices based on particular soils and climates. To achieve this, Domaine de Grand Pré has partnered with the Agriculture Canada Station in Kentville, Nova Scotia to develop unique Nova Scotian varieties.

The winery has a very nice tasting bar. Tasting Fees apply. They produce icewine, port style wines and other dessert wines. The Domaine has a unique approach to winemaking. Unlike most New World wineries producing Old World wines, Hanspeter believes producers should develop distinct varieties, styles, and vineyard practices based on particular soils and climates.

signature wines are Tidal Bay, L'Acadie Blanc, Muscat, Ortega, Castel, Cabernet Foch

Winemaker: Jürg Stutz
Philosophy: Life is too short to drink bad wine

Jost Vineyards, situated on the northern shores of Nova Scotia, combines more than 300 years of grape growing and wine making traditions with a long warm, frost free season. Jost Vineyards history begins with Hans Wilhelm Jost and family in the Rhine region of Germany. The Christinenhof was a successful family-run vineyard and cellar, highly praised for its wine quality.

In 1970, in search of vast lands and new freedoms, the Jost family, Hans, Erna and children, Hans Christian and Ellen, immigrated to Nova Scotia. It was not until 1978 that the Jost's returned to the family tradition and began experimenting with grapes. With the success of these grapevines, more vineyards were planted and a use for the resulting harvest required. Jost Vineyards became a licensed winery in November 1983 and the first cellar was built in 1984.

The winery has over 75 acres located in the Malagash and Gaspereau Valley. The most common varieties are Marechal Foch, L'Acadie Blanc, Muscat, Leon Millot, Geisenheim, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Mischurnitz and Severnyi.

The Vintage Loft operates during the summer and is a charming gift store filled with local crafts, books and unique gift ideas. The Charity Grape Stomp in September is always a great time and enjoyment is almost a guarantee.

Carl Sparkes purchased an undisclosed stake in Jost Winery through his new company, Devonian Coast Wineries Ltd in May 2012.

Winemakers: Hans Christian Jost, Chris Frey associate winemaker

Philosophy: "Produce crisp, clean wines. The flavor of the wine should come from the fermentation of clean grapes and juice".

Jost believes the long, gentle growing season in Nova Scotia brings forth unique characteristics to the wine. Wine is created in the vineyard. Their 1999 Vidal Icewine from Jost Vineyards of Malagash beat 594 other entries in the All-Canadian Wine Championships

Located in the center of the in the warm Gaspereau Valley of Nova Scotia. Owners Bruce Ewert and his wife Pauline Scott plan to organically grow L'Acadie grapes and craft them into premium traditionally bottle fermented sparkling wines and table wines. L'Acadie is a flavourful grape variety well suited to our unique cool climate growing conditions and also refers to the rich farming heritage in the valley

Bruce brings with him a wealth of winemaking experience from his days working in the Okanagan, California and Australia.  They selected their location in Gaspereau Valley because it is the center of wine country in Nova Scotia providing soil which is well drained, rocky slate with about a 5 % slope for cold air drainage.

L'Acadie Vineyards, specializing in Traditional Method Sparkling wine, is Nova Scotia's first certified organic winery . Prestige Brut was the only entry from North America to win a medal in the 9th international competition of the world's best sparkling wines. Effervescents du Monde® 2011

Organic Winery

Winemaker: Bruce Ewert
Philosophy: Wines that show their terroir

Located near Wolfville Nova Scotia Luckett Vineyards and nearby Bay of Fundy. The unique tidal airflow from the Bay of Fundy provides mild temperatures year round, preventing late frosts in the spring and early frosts in the fall. In addition to providing a generous micro-climate, the dramatic land formations allow spectacular vistas .

The Gaspereau Valley winery is owned by Pete and Sue Luckett. Pete formed one of Atlantic Canada's best known and loved brands: Pete's Frootique. Three award winning stores and countless well-fed customers later, Pete has kept close to his roots as the charming grocer and energetic personality. Always looking with an entrepreneurial eye towards new adventures, he sees the vineyard as a true calling

Signature wine Ortega

Winemaker: Mike Mainguy
Philosophy:

Located on the South Shore on a 100 Acre Commercial Blueberry Farm. The farm is nestled on a drumlin, surrounded by Acadian forest,in a county dotted by lakes. Our vineyards and acres of blueberries land other soft fruits are within a mile of the LaHave River (North Branch). The winery opened in 1994.

Heather Sanft is the president and owner. Heather Sanft (is also the winemakers wife) was born in Halifax, NS a 8th generation Nova Scotian whose family arrived in 1753 from Montbeliard, France.

They have 24 fruit wines made from only 100% NS grown fruit and 4 grape wines also made from 100% NS grapes. Their award winning wines include Apple, Cranberry, Blueberry and the noted Montbeliard Pear*. They also produce two maple flavoured wines Oxbells, Fireflies and Kejimkujik Maple. Signature wines: Montbeliard Pear, Blueberry and New York Muscat

Winemaker: Daniel Sanft

The meadery has been producing organic honey and meade since 2002. The farm resides next to the churning Georges River which is dwarfed by the natural beauty and peace of the Barrachois Hills to the North. The owners Micheal Magnini and Jenn Holtom roots are Celtic and Roman in origin and they love to explore the myths, legends and history of our glorious past and it reflects in their labeling and branding.

The adventure began with the introduction of Italian honey bees to their small farm. Today they have beehives in multiple apiaries across Cape Breton.

Signature meads are Valhalla and Mjolnir and a sweet mead called: Freya

Winemaker: Micheal Magnini
Philosophy: Traditional mead as a modern art

Muir Murray Estate is a family owned winery (Dr. Jonathan Murray and Lesley Murray), nestled in the heart of the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. They bought the property in 2003 and spent the next six years preparing. The winery boasts one of the highest, south facing vineyards in the province and each of their vineyards has its own micro climate that allows the grapes to ripen fully and mature into wine of outstanding quality. They have 80 acres. The winery features an education centre. Only screw caps are used

Signature wine is Murray's Reserve- L'acadie Blanc

Winemaker:
Philosophy: Quality

This fruit and cider winery is owned by Dominic Rivard and Germain Bergeron. Dominic is an an internationally-renowned and award-winning wine master, recognized as a specialist in fruit wine, dessert wine, and ice wine production. Born in the province of Quebec, Canada in 1971, he comes from a rich heritage of farmers and entrepreneurs whose rich ancestry can be traced back to the cider producing regions of Normandy, France.

The wineries name comes from the word mi'k maq for black bear. The bear is their symbol in Asia where their wines are primarily exported. In Nova Scotia the fruits wines are sold under the Red Barn label. BULWARK ‘Original' is a hand crafted Cider that tastes like a traditional English Cider.

signature wines: Bulwark Traditional Craft Cider and Northern Compass Iced Apple. Cassis Mistelle is their fortified Blackcurrent wine.

Products can be found in Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Taiwain, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and California

Winemaker: Dominic Rivard
Philosophy: the quality and aromatics of Nova Scotia fruit in award winning wines and ciders

Petite Riviere Vineyards a boutique winery was started in 1994, named after the Petite Riviere, the river that flows through the heart of the LaHave River Valley Wine Region. It is located in South Shore of Nova Scotia, just south of Bridgewater & Lunenburg. The original owner Phillip Wambolt chose this site because of the unique soil here left behind from the glaciers, known as the Bridgewater loam, which he researched as being the best for red wine vines. Today the winery is owned by Sean Sears and Barbara Thomson, Carol Slack-Wamboldt

Petite has two vineyards; one built on a classic drumlin hillside, the other is situated next to thewinery with its easily visible rocky soil. The unique terroir of the LaHave River Valley Wine Region is based on the sedimentary soil and rocks left behind by the last glaciers. These soils are ideal for growing red grapes and 80% of Petite vineyards are planted with red varietals.

The vineyards experience the constant coastal breeze of Nova Scotia's South Shore (that is the Gulf Current coming ashore) that evaporates moisture keeping the vines safe from disease. The grapes thrive on the long warm days of Nova Scotia's “Banana Belt” and cool nights fed by the nearby oceans. The small amount of early spring fog lessens the fear of a late frost as the LaHave River Islands, which push out some 10 miles into the ocean, create a fog and frost wall protecting the vineyards, and extending the ripening time of the grapes.

Barbara Thomson a designer, RHN (Registered Holistic Nutritionist), Sommelier, is their winemaker. The winery has 13 acres producing 2500-3000 cases

signature wines
Whites- Sur Lie, NS appellation Tidal Bay, Risser’s Breeze, White Coyote
Rose- Lulu , Muscat Love
Reds- Terres Rocheaux (phillip’s blend), Two Rivers, Silk Sheets, LaHave, Kissing Brook, Italy

Winemakers: Barbara Thomson
Philosophy: creating wines that are true to the fruit & the terroir.
Leaning more to the Old World style wines (especially reds, which we are most well known for)
and incorporating New World techniques for safe & healthy wines. Our wines are often blends of our select grapes, made in a Bordeaux style wine. We make wines that are distinct & true to the
terroir- wines that come from ‘somewhere’ not just anywhere

Located in the Avon River Valley the gateway to the Annapolis Valley. The winery sits on a south facing slope over looking the valley.Owned and operated by Suzanne and Doug Corkum. The winery takes it's name from the land on which they built. In 1680 the Acadian village known as la Paroisee Sainte Famille was founded here. Ste. Femille first planted their vineyard in 1979.