Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

Dominic Rivard

When it comes to making Fruit Wine Dominic Rivard is considered the master. So many wineries interested in doing fruit wines have turn to Dominic to make their wines or become their consutant. He has for over 20 years, pioneered the development of fruit wines across the world. Dominic has also turned his skills to making cider.

Dominic was born in the province of Quebec and comes from a rich heritage of farmers and entrepreneurs whose ancestry can be traced to the cider making regions of North Western France. Today Dominic lives and works in Nova Scotia In the rugged landscape of Nova Scotia, where cold Canadian winters meet the Atlantic breeze, Dominic Rivard crafts award-winning ciders that tell the story of the land. But Rivard's journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in the global wine and cider industry began far from the apple orchards he now calls home.

He is a founding director of the Fruit Wines of Canada Association, which is involved in promoting fruit wines and the industry throughout Canada and the world. Dominic has won hundreds of awards in national and international wine competitions. Including the best desert wine in Canada and various best of show awards in fruit wine and desert wine categories.

The spark that would ignite a lifelong passion began in 1988 when, at just 17 years old, Rivard started experimenting with making wines from fruits, dandelions, Concord grapes, and rhubarb. What started as youthful curiosity quickly evolved into serious dedication. By 1990, he had studied with the Ontario Guild of Sommeliers in Ottawa, becoming a qualified sommelier and laying the foundation for his future expertise.

Rivard's formal education continued with studies in applied Chemistry and Mathematics at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and by 1997, he had completed the prestigious Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma with distinctions—a stepping stone toward his ongoing pursuit of the Master of Wine accreditation, one of the most respected credentials in the wine world.

While many winemakers focus exclusively on grapes, Rivard has distinguished himself through his pioneering work with fruit wines, ciders, and meads. His technical expertise and innovative approach led him to Columbia Valley Classics Winery in Chilliwack, BC, where he produced berry wines for what would become the first fruit winery in British Columbia.

While many winemakers focus exclusively on grapes, Rivard has distinguished himself through his pioneering work with fruit wines, ciders, and meads. His technical expertise and innovative approach led him to Columbia Valley Classics Winery in Chilliwack, BC, where he produced berry wines for what would become the first fruit winery in British Columbia.
"When I started making fruit wines commercially in the late 1990s, they were often dismissed as inferior products," Rivard recounts. "I saw the incredible potential in these alternative wine styles and made it my mission to elevate them to the level of fine wine."
This mission took him to The Fort Wine Company in Langley, BC, where, from 2001 to 2004, he transformed the operation into Canada's largest and most awarded fruit winery, producing 25,000 cases annually under his stewardship. His innovative approach to fruit wine production, including barrel fermentation techniques and the development of fruit ports and liqueurs, helped redefine what was possible outside the grape wine tradition.

Rivard's expertise has taken him across continents, making him a truly global figure in winemaking. His career spans North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, with significant projects that have shaped the industry in unexpected places.
In China, his influence has been particularly notable. As a consultant for the China Fruit Wine Association and through projects like Tianjin Kernel Rivard Wines and Tonghua Grape Winery, he introduced Western winemaking techniques while respecting local traditions. At Tonghua, he oversaw the production of an astonishing 20 million liters annually, including innovative products like wild grape wines and ice wines adapted for the Chinese market.

Wildberry Fruit Wines - Wai, Maharashtra, India

His adventures continued in Thailand, where as Director and Winemaker at Apsara Valley Wines Ltd. in Bangkok, he pioneered the production of tropical fruit wines from exotic ingredients like mangosteen, passion fruit, and pineapple—creating unique products that captured the essence of Southeast Asian terroir while applying rigorous winemaking standards.

In India, Rivard has been instrumental in developing the country's emerging fruit wine industry. Through collaborations with Rhymn Winery in Pune, Hillzill Estate Winery in Bordi, and Wildberry Fruit Wines, he has helped Indian winemakers create distinctive products that reflect local agricultural strengths while meeting international quality standards.

Rivard's technical innovations have advanced the entire field of specialty wine production. He has perfected various production techniques, including iced fruit wine cryo-extraction—a method that concentrates flavors and sugars in fruit wines to create dessert wines of remarkable complexity and balance. This technique, adapted from traditional ice wine production, has helped establish fruit wines as serious contenders in the premium wine market.

His experimental approach has led to unique products that challenge conventional categories: hot pepper wines, barrel-aged fruit ports, wild berry liqueurs, and innovative grape-fruit blends created during special projects with Bodegas Chinigue in Chile and Bodegas Farina in Spain. Each project reflects his belief that winemaking should balance tradition with fearless innovation.

Despite his global ventures, Rivard's heart remains in Canada, where he has been instrumental in developing the country's fruit wine, cider, and mead industries. As a founding director of the Fruit Wines of Canada Association, he has advocated for regulatory changes that have allowed this sector to flourish.

In 2009, he co-founded Muwin Estate Wines and Bulwark Ciders in Nova Scotia, establishing himself as a leader in Canada's rapidly growing craft cider movement. His current ventures—PayDay Cider and RedCore Cider Solutions—continue this work, emphasizing organic practices and production methods that showcase the unique qualities of Nova Scotia's apple growing region, known affectionately as "Cider Country."

Recognition and Influence
Rivard's contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed. His products have earned hundreds of awards in international competitions, with numerous "Best of Class" accolades across various wine and cider categories. His expertise is sought at international symposiums, and he has been invited to speak at prestigious institutions like Purdue University and Ohio State University.
As a judge for competitions like the Indy International Wine Competition—one of the world's largest and most prestigious—he helps set quality standards for the entire industry. His book on fruit winemaking has become a valuable resource for aspiring winemakers around the world.

The Philosophy Behind the Work
What drives Rivard's restless innovation and global adventures is a deep-rooted belief in the connection between land, climate, and finished product. Whether working with grapes, apples, berries, or tropical fruits, he approaches each project with respect for local traditions while applying rigorous technical standards.
"Great wine and cider begins with understanding what the land wants to give you," Rivard explains. "My job is to translate those natural gifts into something that brings pleasure and tells a story about where it came from."
This philosophy extends to his emphasis on organic practices and sustainability, particularly evident in his current work in Nova Scotia. By focusing on production methods that minimize environmental impact, he aims to create products that are not only delicious but also responsible.

Looking to the Future
Today, from his base in Nova Scotia, Rivard continues to push boundaries through his work with PayDay Cider and RedCore Cider Solutions. While maintaining his global consulting practice, he is increasingly focused on elevating Canadian cider and fruit wine to world-class status.
"The Canadian wine and cider industry stands at an exciting crossroads," Rivard reflects. "We have the perfect climate for certain styles, the agricultural diversity to create truly unique products, and a national character that balances tradition with innovation. What makes Canadian products special is that they reflect who we are as a people—resourceful, adaptable, and unafraid to chart our own course. In the coming years, I believe Canadian wines and ciders will increasingly be recognized not just for their quality but for their authentic expression of our diverse landscape and pioneering spirit—this is what Canada is all about."

As climate change reshapes growing regions worldwide, Rivard sees new opportunities for Canadian producers. With his characteristic blend of scientific rigor and creative vision, he continues to mentor the next generation of winemakers and cidermakers, ensuring that his pioneering spirit lives on in the industry he has helped transform.

From a teenager experimenting with dandelion wine to a globally respected authority on specialty wine and cider production, Dominic Rivard's journey embodies the very essence of innovation and passion that defines the best of the beverage alcohol industry. His story is far from complete, but his legacy is already secure as one of the most influential figures in the diversification and elevation of wine and cider production worldwide.

Clare and Dominic Rivard

Dominic is happily married to his wife of over 30 years . They have three children. Together Dominic and his wife Clare own Dickie Baxter Tap House and Bristo in Canning. Clare is the founder. The Bristo is located in 1852 historical home.

Dominic is into long-distance cycling and touring and also own a small bike accessories business that caters to distance cyclists and bikepacking cyclists.

Proudly Canadaian

If you enjoyed this website and want a way to support me, you can help by advertising on our web page. See our new wedding page.

winebell@outlook.com

winesofcanada@outlook.com

Wines of Canada was developed and designed by Robert (Bob) Bell of Whi make or sell wine. Support is welcome as are suggestions and comments; should you see something that needs to be corrected please let us know.