Alana Lapierre recently visited the Annapolis Valley, Gaspereau Valley, and surrounding areas of Nova Scotia’s wine community, and has put together this handy guide for your next trip out east
In the heart of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, the combination of history, natural beauty, and diverse wineries creates an unforgettable experience.
From the UNESCO-designated landscapes to signature wines like Tidal Bay and world-class sparkling varieties, each vineyard is a unique example of the region’s commitment to quality and innovation in cool climate viticulture that’s worth discovering and offers a glimpse into Nova Scotia’s winemaking heritage.
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Just before arriving in Wolfville, a charming town nestled in the heart of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley wine region and an hour’s drive northwest of the province’s capital city of Halifax, stop at the View Park located on Old Post Road. From there the full expanse of this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s stunning landscape can be appreciated from the sweeping view of the dykelands that protect the local agricultural landscape, to the Grand Pré National Historic Site and, weather allowing, to the cliffs of Blomidon in the distance.
Encompassing the town of Wolfville and surrounding areas, it’s here amidst beautiful vistas that you’ll find Nova Scotia’s main wine region, the Annapolis Valley. Over 12 vineyards practice cool climate viticulture, producing a variety of distinct wines that include the area’s signature Tidal Bay, still wines made with hybrid and vinifera grapes, and world-class sparkling wines.
Photo courtesy of Wines of Nova Scotia.
The first vineyard in Nova Scotia (and the first reference to European vines planted in what would later become Canada) was planted in 1611 on a hillside in Bear River, over 200 years before those planted elsewhere in Canada.
Located at the same 45 degree latitude as wineries in Bordeaux, Nova Scotia’s main region has a microclimate tempered by the Atlantic Ocean and Bay of Fundy tides (the largest tides in the world), fertile soils, and has a substantial part of its vineyard acreage planted in hybrids which are known for their natural hardiness in colder temperatures and disease resistance (chardonnay and riesling are also widely planted, and approximately 55 percent of the total annual harvest is made from L’Acadie Blanc, NY Muscat, chardonnay, riesling and vidal blanc).
Tidal Bay: Nova Scotia’s appellation wine
Long known for producing exceptionally balanced and structured sparkling wines with a cool climate characteristic of mouth-watering acidity, Nova Scotia also has a unique appellation wine called Tidal Bay.
Much more than a marketing strategy, Nova Scotia’s first wine appellation was officially launched in June 2012 and is best described as ‘the essence of Nova Scotia in a glass’: cool, crisp, aromatic, with zesty acidity and characteristic minerality. It is, in short, meant to be the perfect pairing for the seafood that the region is famous for.
The view at Lightfoot & Wolfville Winery in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Tidal Bay wines must be made from specific Nova Scotia-grown grape varieties with L’Acadie blanc, seyval blanc, vidal and/or geisenheim 318 making up a minimum of 51 percent of the final blend. They must also follow a strict set of standards, be approved every year by an independent blind tasting panel and be low in alcohol with no more than 11 percent alcohol by volume. Most wineries in Nova Scotia offer their own distinctive take on Tidal Bay, making it a must-try at each winery.
Wolfville
At the centre of Nova Scotia’s ‘Wine Country’, Wolfville is a hip, small university town situated along the shores of the Minas Basin with boutiques, cafés, wine bars, pubs, restaurants and the Waterfront Park that showcases the tides of nearby harbours (some of the highest tides in the world), and is the ideal starting point from which to visit the many wineries located in and around the Annapolis Valley.
“People across the globe are seeing Nova Scotia as an exciting, emerging wine destination that produces quality wine and competes with the best internationally.” – Haley Brown, Executive Director, Wine Growers Nova Scotia
Stay at the historic Blomidon Inn, have dinner at Juniper Food + Wine or Longfellow and take in a show (and a small break from wine) at The Church Brewing Company in a church originally built prior to 1840 and rebuilt following a fire in 1914. Grape Escapes and The Magic Winery Bus offer many different wine tours and itineraries if you prefer not to drive or want to visit multiple wineries during the day.
A day trip to Lunenburg: heritage and gastronomy
Extend your journey through Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley with a visit to the historic town of Lunenburg—a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its maritime charm. From the colourful centuries-old buildings lining the waterfront that house artisan shops, galleries, and eateries that serve fresh seafood and local delicacies, to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic where you can delve into the town’s seafaring history, it is well worth the trip.
Photo of Avondale Sky Winery courtesy of Wines of Nova Scotia.
Have lunch at the Half Shell Oyster Bar or the South Shore Fish Shack or embark on one of the scenic harbour cruises. If time allows, venture further east to Peggy’s Cove, an active fishing village and stop for a glass of wine at Bent Ridge Winery that also serves Italian and Latin inspired dishes using local products.
Wineries to visit
From small boutique wineries to farm and family-run ones, I visited several (most!) of them in the Annapolis Valley, so here’s a tour:
Grand Pré Winery (Grand Pré)
Located at the historic Grand Pré National Historic Site (you can stroll through the vines to the UNESCO World Heritage Site viewing plane), Grand Pré Winery is the oldest farm winery in Atlantic Canada and was founded in 1979. Stay for dinner in the garden at their acclaimed restaurant, Le Caveau (serving seasonally inspired and locally sourced cuisine alongside a local and international wine list) or spend the night on-site at their Inn located directly on this working farm winery. Try their traditional method sparkling riesling, their beautifully structured marquette or one of their wines made with lesser-known grapes such as castel and ortega.
Lightfoot & Wolfville (Wolfville)
Established in 2009, Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards is a family-owned, certified organic, estate winery and biodynamic farm. Choose from one of their many tasting options from the tasting room located in a restored barn to sample through their wines and make sure to leave time to order a wood-fired pizza on the patio overlooking rolling hills, orchards, the Minas Basin and the vineyard sheep that graze among the plots. Try their traditional method sparkling Brut Rosé from pinot noir and pinot meunier, one of their Terroir Series single varietal wines (including gamay, kékfrankos and chardonnay) or try to guess the mystery behind their Small Lot Mystery Pinot.
The tasting room at Lightfoot & Wolfville (photo by Jessica Emin).
Mercator Vineyards (Wolfville)
Located in the heart of wine country, Mercator Vineyards overlooks historic Acadian farmlands and focuses on Old World style, small lot, single-vineyard wines. Stroll the Harvest Moon Trailway, a converted former railway line, which runs along the property or enjoy a tasting on the patio of the fully restored 200-year-old farmhouse. The vineyard property is also home to 20 honeybee hives. Try their Provence-style Compass Rosé, the Sauvage sur lie made from petite milo and chardonnay and their Tidal Bay wine from L’Acadie blanc, petite milo, New York muscat, seyval, riesling and chardonnay.
Benjamin Bridge (Gaspereau Valley)
A Certified B Corporation for its sustainability practices and acclaimed for its world-class sparkling wines, Benjamin Bridge showcases Nova Scotia’s potential as a premier wine region. The estate’s dedication to regenerative principles (that include prioritizing soil health, water management, emissions reduction, as well as a biodiversity program) ensures the sustainability of their vineyards, and the region’s cool maritime climate is perfectly suited to crafting the traditional method sparklings that it is known for, as well as a specialized portfolio of still wines.
Taste through their wines on the vineyard patio or down by the picturesque river or take a guided tour that highlights their commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Try their iconic Nova 7 (first released 16 years ago) made with a blend of muscat, ortega, riesling, geisenheim, l’Acadie, vidal and petite pearl, or book a Bubbles & Bites Sparkling Wine Tasting to fully appreciate their sparkling wine range.
Benjamin Bridge Head Winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauriers (Photo courtesy of Wines of Nova Scotia).
Luckett Vineyards (Gaspereau Valley)
(Pictured atop as the main image), Luckett Vineyards is perched atop a hill overlooking the Gaspereau Valley. The estate not only boasts panoramic views but also features a fully functional distinctive British-style red phone box among the vines – a nod to the Luckett family’s heritage. Stop in for a flight of wines at the expansive tasting bar, explore the vineyard’s grounds and stay for lunch or dinner (on Fridays and Saturdays in season) at the vineyard’s restaurant that serves local cuisine alongside breathtaking Bay of Fundy views. Try their Phone Box Red made from Lucie Kuhlman, marquette, castel, Leon Millot and marechal foch. Their L’Acadie blanc Traditional Method NV is also a must-try, and grab a few cans of their ‘Hair of the Dog’ Rosé Bubbly – perfect for your next picnic.
Gaspereau Vineyards (Gaspereau Valley)
Situated in the picturesque Gaspereau Valley, this 50-acre vineyard was formerly the site of a dairy farm and apple orchard and the red barn tasting room and boutique are a testament to that. Enjoy their award-winning wines on the vine-side patio. Gina Haverstock is Nova Scotia-born and is the head winemaker at Gaspereau, Mercator and Jost Vineyards. Try their Tidal Bay made with vidal blanc, seyval blanc, New York muscat, riesling and chardonnay; as well as their Gaspereau Muscat that is dry with a fruity and spicy finish.
L’Acadie Vineyards (Gaspereau Valley)
As Nova Scotia’s first certified organic vineyard, L’Acadie Vineyards produces award winning organic and vegan sparkling wines, including traditional method sparkling wines with the region’s signature grape variety, L’Acadie blanc, on the ancient seabed valley slopes in Gaspereau. Book one of their tastings (the sparkling tasting is perfect to sample four of their traditional method and charmat method sparkling wines). Try their award-winning Prestige Brut Estate, a crisp, dry sparkling wine with vibrant acidity made with 100% estate L’Acadie blanc, as well as their La Vie en Rose, a dry charmat method sparkling made with estate L’Acadie blanc and Leon Millot.
Blomidon Estate Head Winemaker Simon Rafuse (Photo courtesy of Wines of Nova Scotia).
Blomidon Estate Winery (Canning)
A boutique winery named after the towering cliffs that frame the Bay of Fundy, Blomidon Estate Winery is known for its traditional method sparkling wines. Nestled on the shore of the Minas Basin in picturesque Annapolis Valley, the winery’s beautiful seaside setting includes a patio with sweeping panoramic views of the vineyard and basin. Try their award-winning Brut Reserve made from 100% chardonnay, their NV Cuvée L’Acadie and their beautiful Chardonnay to get a taste for their still wines as well.
Planters Ridge (Port Williams)
An artisanal winery with ultramodern equipment, you can taste through their portfolio of wines in the tasting room, a beautifully renovated 155-year-old timber-framed barn or sitting on the patio with sweeping views. Open year-round, they also offer local cheese and charcuterie plates and snowshoeing in the winter followed by a fireside wine tasting. Try their selection of sparkling wines including Resilience, a Lambrusco-style sparkling red wine, as well as their Pinot Noir that shows beautiful texture and finish. Stay overnight in one of the three modern bedrooms in the newly renovated original farmhouse built in 1864 and have dinner at The Port Pub.
Planters Ridge Winery.
Avondale Sky Winery (Avondale)
One of the oldest vineyards in the province, featuring a historic 180-year-old church that was transported 40 kilometers over the highest tides in the world, the Coutinho family’s Avondale Sky features small lot wines, enchanting vineyard grounds (Louis Coutinho just might invite you to walk the vineyards with him) as well as a restaurant and tasting room. Make time to watch the video that shows how the church was transported to the winery and try their Small Lot Riesling and Léon Millot Rosé as well as their premium traditional method Blanc de Noir Extra Brut. Don’t forget to pat winery dog Vino Rosso Coutinho, head of barketing.
– Alana Lapierre is VineRoutes’ regional editor for eastern Canada
