There are six distinct winegrowing regions in Nova Scotia. On the warm shores of the Northumberland Strait to the fertile Annapolis Valley, 22 grape growers nurture 400 acres of vines and 8 thriving vineyard wineries are producing award-winning wines.
The earliest vines in Nova Scotia were planted in 1611 by Champlain’s hardy band of settlers. Today these internationally successful varietals are:
- Marechal Foch
- DeChaunac
- Baco Noir
- Leon Millot
- Seyval Blanc
- L’Acadie Blanc
In the Annapolis Valley, picture perfect rows of grapes grow just a stone’s throw from the world’s highest tides rising and falling on the Bay of Fundy. Jost Vineyards on the northern shores of the province produced the first icewine outside of British Columbia and Ontario to be lauded as the Best Icewine in the country at the All-Canadian Wine Championships.
Attend a wine appreciation event hosted by the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission such as the Annual Port of Wines Festival and the Wine and Spirits Showcase, or book a reservation at one of the many Halifax restaurants that are renowned for their wine cellars, such as Onyx.
During the month-long Savour Food and Wine Festival in February, there are dozens of events, workshops, tastings and cooking and pairing sessions all across the province. Find the perfect compliment to your favourite seafood dish.
Immerse yourself in an enlightening sommelier-led multi-vineyard tour or spend an afternoon under the guidance of a wine maker at a boutique wine tour. Don’t forget to take home a taste of Nova Scotia and share it with friends as you discuss your trip!
Blomidon Estate Winery
The winery offers award winning wines like L'Acadie Blanc and Baco Noir and is very proud of its 100% Nova Scotia grown Chardonnay. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a stroll or picnic in the vineyard, or purchase items from the on-site wine shop.
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Gaspereau Vineyards
35 acres of vineyards overlooking the beautiful Gaspereau Valley, 3 km from Wolfville. Award-winning wines.
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Grand Pré Wines
Nova Scotia's first operating winery; award-winning wines, cobblestone courtyards, beautiful gardens, art gallery, European pergola. Summer Wine and Autumn Harvest festivals. A Bay of Fundy Recommended Experience.
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Jost Vineyards
Award-winning wines from numerous varieties of grapes grown on site; producer of Canada's Wine of the Year 2000.
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Lunenburg County Winery
Tours of winery where traditional country fruit wines are made from local berries, grapes and honey; U-pick.
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Sainte Famille Wines Ltd.
30 acres of premium vineyards on the hilly land of an original Acadian settlement. Nova Scotian crafts, gifts and premium wines available.
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Williamsdale Winery
Wild blueberry farm and winery; prize-winning wines; first winery in Canada to produce sparkling wines made solely from wild blueberries. Farm & winery tours; summer harvestfest. Gourmet wild blueberry products.
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