Although Canada is not generally thought of as a wine producing country, grapes have been cultivated here since the 1600s, starting in Nova Scotia. The impact of rising global temperatures has meant that regions previously suited only for pasture land are now capable of growing high quality wine grapes. Each year the quality and diversity of Canada’s wines are increasing, with regional styles emerging.
Geography & Climate
Nova Scotia has a cool maritime climate with the breeze and water bodies moderating temperatures. Situated on the east coast of Canada, Nova Scotia is separated from New Brunswick to its west by the Bay of Fundy that has the largest tidal range in the world. In certain locations, like Burntcoat Head, the difference between high and low tide can exceed 17 metres.
History
Wine grapes were first planted in Canada by Louis Herbert in 1611 on a hillside vineyard in Bear River, Nova Scotia. It wasn’t until 1980 that the first commercial wine was produced. By 1999 there were 3 wineries, increasing to 20 estate-wineries today.
The Winery Association of Nova Scotia (WANS) was established in 2002, setting wine standards for the region in 2004 and launching their signature wine style “Tidal Bay” in 2012.
In 2020 the WANS rebranded to Wine Growers Nova Scotia (WGNS).
Statistics
Grape growers: 68 (growing specifically for Nova Scotia wines)
Winery estates: 20 (growing their own grapes and vinifying on site)
Vines: 485 ha (1/3 of which at estate-wineries)
Production: 2.5 M bottles – 43% are sold at the cellar door (“farm gate” in local parlance) that receive 150,000 visitors a year supporting over 1,000 jobs.
Grapes
There are 7 grape growing regions in Nova Scotia, 6 of which have wineries (see map below)
L’Acadie Blanc is Nova Scotia’s signature grape, the single most planted variety in the region. It is a hardy grape with high resistance to the cold, developed in Ontario in 1953; a crossing of Seyve-Villard 14-287 x Cascade (aka Seibel 13053*)
61% of the 2,000 tonnes of grapes cultivated in 2022 consisted of L’Acadie Blanc (39%), Chardonnay (6%), NY Muscat (6%), Vidal Blanc (6%), Riesling (6%).
Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc are proving suitable for the region’s sparkling wines as well as lesser known vitis riparia and hybrids such as Baco Noir, Leon Millon, Lucie Kuhlmann, and Marechal Foch.
Signature Wines
Tidal Bay is the signature wine of the region. A low alcohol, white blend intended as an aperitif / easy drinking summer wine.
It was established in 2012 and must be produced from 100% Nova Scotia grown grapes, have a maximum 11% alcohol and pass a blind tasting.
20 grape varieties are permitted. 51% must come from any combination of L’Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Vidal, and Geisenheim 318. The remaining 49% can include Chardonnay, Chasselas, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Ortega, Siegfried, Osceola Muscat, Frontenac Gris, Frontenac Blanc, Petit Milo, Bayuga. Any other grapes must be kept below 15% collectively.
Sparkling wines are the future for premium wines here. Much like England, the cool climate is producing some world-class traditional method sparkling wines. Nova Scotia sparkling wines have even appeared on wine lists internationally at Gordon Ramsay’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant in London.
Wine Tourism
The region gearing up for wine tourism with several wineries offering everything from chalets and snacks to luxury accommodation and fine dining. The region’s estate-wineries include:
Annapolis Valley
1365 Church Street
Beausoleil Farmstead Winery
Blomidon Estate Winery www.blomidonwine.ca @blomidonestate @blomidonestate
Domaine de Grand Pré 🍴
Lightfoot & Wolfville 🍴- 8th Generation family 500 ha estate previously raising livestock and haymaking, producing wine since 2009. www.lightfoodandwolfville.com @lwwines @lwwines
Mercator
Planters Ridge 🍴
Avon River Valley:
Avondale Sky Winery 🍴
Lost Bell Wines
Gaspereau Valley:
Benjamin Bridge 🍴 www.benjaminbridge.com @benjaminbridgevineyards @benjaminbridge
Gaspereau Vineyards
L’Acadie Vineyards
Luckett Vineyards 🍴 www.luckettvineyards.com @luckettvineyards @luckettvineyards
Malagash Penninsula:
Jost Vineyards
Bear River Valley
Bear River Vineyards
Marble Mountain:
Eileanan Brèagha Vineyard
: accommodation available 🍴 : meals available
The Wines of Nova Scotia website contains comprehensive information on the wineries and there is even an app to download to explore further.
www.winesofnovascotia.ca
www.instagram.com/winesofns
Recommended Wines
Tidal Bay
Any producer will do here. A great aperatif on a sunny day.
White
Benjamin Bridge Wild Rock White – a non-vintage blend of Ortega and Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh and mineral that screams out for oysters.
Pét-nat
Benjamin Bridge Pét-nat (100% Geisenheim ) – light and refreshing with touches of peach pear and mandarin orange.
Sparkling
Benjamin Bridge NV Brut – a blend of European grapes an hybrids. Fruity and tropical with lingering fruit compote.
Blomindon Estate Winery Brut Reserve NV – Chardonnay with 90% Pinot Noir – 56 months on lees – a world class sparkling with depth and complexity.
Lightfoot & Wolfeville Brut 2016 – 100% Chardonnay – 60 months on lees – a classic expression of traditional method sparkling Chardonnay.
Lightfoot & Wolfeville Brut Rose 2020, Blanc de Blancs 2016 – savoury red fruit deliciousness
Lightfoot & Wolfeville Blanc de Blancs 2016 – 100% Chardonnay (organic / biodynamic) – 14 months in French oak and 62 months on lees- a world class sparkling with depth and complexity.
Red
Lightfoot & Wolfville Fauna – a blend of red hybrid grapes. Partial carbonic maceration means low tannins and a red that can be drank chilled. Like a fresh Spanish table wine with light red berry flavours.
*a commonly grown grape in Japan. Wine Fogg are working on a book on the wines and wineries of Japan. For updates on this and other articles, subscribe to our newsletter.
