Wind Down With Some of the Best Wines From Nova Scotia

Did you know that around 80,000 people visit Nova Scotia each year? Tourists head out to Canada’s second-smallest province for cycling, fishing, and exploring the sandy beaches. Not many people know that this northern peninsula is also home to some of the most notable wines in the world. 

If you’re looking for some of the best wines on the Canadian mainland, Nova Scotia is the place to go. From white to red wines, countless varietals call “Canada’s Ocean Playground” home. 

This guide will discuss everything you need to know about wine from Nova Scotia. 

The Best Wineries in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia wineries are broken down into different regions. Each region has its characteristics.  

Annapolis Valley — East

Did you know that winemakers started growing grapes in Nova Scotia in the 1600s? The Canadian province was one of the first areas where grapes were grown in North America, and it all started in the Annapolis Valley. 

Eastern Annapolis Valley is referred to as the province’s wine country. There are 12 wineries in the area. 

Some wineries you can visit include:

• Benjamin Bridge Vineyards
• Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards
• Blomidon Estate Winery

You can’t go wrong with those options. 

Annapolis Valley — West

French settlers planted some of Nova Scotia’s oldest grapevines at Bear River Vineyards hundreds of years ago. Now the vineyard features stunning vistas of the Bay of Fundy. 

In addition to growing traditional wine grapes, the wineries in the western Annapolis Valley also make fruit wines with peach, plums, and raspberries. 

Check out the following wineries in Nova Scotia:

• Casa Nova Fine Beverages
• Bear River Vineyards
• Beavercreek Winery

They’re as good as they sound!

Southshore

Nova Scotia’s Southshore region is mainly known for its coastal villages and beaches. A few wineries in Southshore feature distinctive wines, including fruit wines. 

Southshore’s wineries include:

• Bulwark Craft Ciders & Muwin Estate Wines
• Petite Riviére Vineyards
• Lunenburg Country Vineyards

You’ll find a good variety of choices. 

Northumberland Shore

There’s only one winery currently located among the coastal inlets and rolling hills of Northumberland Shore. Jost Vineyards might be the only one in the area, but it’s also the largest winery in the province. Jost Vineyards is a pioneer in the wine industry and shouldn’t get missed. 

Cape Breton

Cape Breton is known for the Cabot Trails and one winery, Eileanan Brèagha. The winery overlooks the beautiful Bras D’Or Lake. The name comes from the owner’s Gaelic heritage and the gorgeous views of the islands on the lake. 

A Guide to Wine Tasting in Nova Scotia

Wine tasting is one of the most sought-after Nova Scotia attractions. There are a few ways you can approach wine tasting in the region. For example, you can focus on one region and visit all the wineries there. 

You can also book a wine tour through different companies in the area. Some also provide transportation, so you don’t have to worry about finding a designated driver. 

Are you planning a big event, like a birthday or bachelorette party? You can check out Nova Scotia’s Magic Winery Bus. 

The Magic Winery Bus is a double-deck bus that stops at various wineries. You can select different packages to choose from. Some of the packages offered include meals and tour guides. 

DIY Wine Tasting

If you can’t take a formal tour, you can easily plan your own wine tasting excursion to Nova Scotia. For those wanting to spend less money, start your day at Luckett Vineyards. They offer an inexpensive tasting fee that lets you sample around five wines. 

Stop for lunch at Mercator Vineyards. You can enjoy a picnic lunch while exploring the grounds. Domaine de Grand Pre is a short walk away from your next stop. 

Finish up your day with dinner at the Evangeline Inn. It’s a local favorite that also serves wine. You can top the night off with some homemade pie or crisp. 

Why Nova Scotia Is a Great Destination for Wine Lovers

If you’re planning a wine trip, your automatic reaction might be to make your destination the Napa Valley in California. Nova Scotia offers the same caliber of wines in a unique and picturesque location.  

Similar Climate to France

You might not consider Canada a region favorable to growing grapevines because of the intense winters the country gets. Nova Scotia has a cool climate with moderate winters. While they can’t make bold reds like Italy or California, they can produce other types of wine. 

Annapolis Valley has similar soil and climate to the Champagne area in France. While the sparkling wine produced in the Annapolis Valley can’t be called champagne, they still make it using the same methods. If you’re looking for sparkling wine, you might want to explore Benjamin Bridge Vineyards. 

Different Grape Varietals

Winemakers in Nova Scotia grow the same grapes that you can find in Switzerland, Germany, and France. However, the grapes grow differently in Nova Scotia. That’s because the region is closer to the water and the land is slightly different. 

While winters in Nova Scotia are milder than in other parts of Canada, the weather can still be unpredictably wet or cold. The grapes need to be disease resistant and hardy. 

Most of the grape varietals in Nova Scotia wine are hybrids. Some of the hybrid varietals include:

• Cabernet Foch
• Baco Noir
• Cayuga
• Leon Millot
• New York Muscat

Winemakers have also been experimenting with common grapes or grapes originally from Asia or Europe. Another term is vinifera. Some of the original grapes winemakers work within Nova Scotia include:

• Chasselas
• Cabernet Franc
• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Pinot Gris

If you’re looking for the best white wine, you’ll find it in Nova Scotia. 

Explore the Best Wines Nova Scotia Has to Offer

You can find some of the best wines in the world right in Nova Scotia. Don’t miss out on what Eastern Canada has to offer wine lovers. 

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