Invest in Nova Scotia Wines

Pragmatic, Experimental and Committed

Bruce Ewert, L'Acadie Vineyards
Bruce Ewert of L'Acadie Vineyards came to Nova Scotia after many years in British Columbia and is well known in Canada's wine industry.

He opened L'Acadie Vineyards in May 2008. Set in the beautiful Gaspereau Valley, L'Acadie is Nova Scotia's first certified organic winery, and specialists in traditional-method sparkling wines. Certified organic means that records and practices are regularly inspected by a third party organization to ensure a recognized set of growing and production standards are met. Bruce's winery is also built with environmentally-friendly geothermal heating and cooling.

"Cool climate viticulture requires large bodies of water that do not freeze to winter temperatures. In this area, we have a lot of things going for us. We're influenced by the Atlantic Ocean rather than by lakes. This translates to cooler springs with later bud-break. This is beneficial because it helps avoid bud damage by spring frosts. We also enjoy warm falls for extended ripening, we are growing grape varieties that suit the climate and there are no significant pests, which makes growing organically more manageable and a better expression of true terroir."

Gina Haverstock, Gaspereau Vineyards
In Gina Haverstock's mind, small volume sharpens your focus and allows you to go for precision and quality. That's why, when Hans Jost purchased Gaspereau Vineyards in 1996, they made the business decision to limit the annual production of Gaspereau wines. They use only the very best grapes and makes small batches each year. Demand for the wine always outpaces supply. This winery is winning accolades for its rich, full-bodied reds such as DeChaunac, Lucie Kuhlmann and its flavourful whites, L'Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc, New York Muscat and Riesling.

"It's one of Nova Scotia's prettiest vineyards. A walk to the top of the vineyard rewards you with breathtaking view of the whole Gaspereau Valley. But when I look at it through a vintner's eye. I see an interesting slope and proximity to the rive. This is what makes it a great place to grow great grapes and produce great wine."

Chris Hawes, Bear River Vineyards
As Canada's smallest licensed cottage winery, Bear River produced just over 1000 cases in 2008. Vintner Chris Hawes established a Nova Scotia geographic appellation in Bear River that has attracted the development of four more vineyards to Bear River since 2005 with total plantings of 44 acres.

At the winery, steep south facing terraces in a hot sunny bowl contain six acres of vines planted in gravel/slate soil – green energy sources and recycled materials produce low-carbon emissions. A gravity feed wine and water system throughout three stories of the winery eliminates excessive pumping for racking and fermentation. All bottle rinsing, filling, corking, heat capsule shrinking and wine bottling is powered from solar energy panels. All water for the winery is heated at point-of-use by demand heating . LED lighting throughout the winery makes the power consumption remarkably low. In-floor electric heating and mass thermal storage result in no new carbon. Domestic and commercial hot water is flash heated by a 21Kw tank-less heater. The winery van uses cleaned recycled vegetable oil for fuel...as does their backup diesel power generator.

Natural cooling concrete tanks for fermentation of viniferas are examples of historic global winemaking practices that have been saving energy for centuries. Through their efforts to develop and maintain a progressive and responsible winery operation they have created an educational destination for customers and guests, welcoming 3,000 visitors to the winery last summer and fall.

Dan and Heather Sanft, Lunenburg County Winery
Blueberries. Elderberries. Raspberries. Pears. Kiwis and just a few grapes. Not the traditional global complement from a wine grower's fields unless you are in Nova Scotia, where the provincial fruit is Blueberries.

What defines Dan and Heather Sanft's Lunenburg County Winery as a producer of 26 different medal winning wines, six coming from grapes, is this cottage winery’s products are highly individualistic with offerings such as Razilly Raspberry, Kings Kiwi, Oxbells and Fireflies to Montbeliard Pear ,Bouteilliers L'Acadie or Halifax Citadel Red. They have for 15 years all been made with 100% Nova Scotia grown fruit.

"Fruit wine is our speciality. And while it can be a challenge to persuade some consumers to try a fruit wine and climb that "grape wall", once they do they are most always converted. No pretence here – have a picnic, pick berries, and taste our delicious Nova Scotia wines."

Carol Slack, Petite Riviere Vineyards
The wines produced under Carol Slack-Wamboldt's watchful eye exude a strong sense of place. Only five kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, the wines are beautifully defined by mineral, stone-like characteristics. They are made from 100% Nova Scotia grown grapes using the French style of blending grapes. Paired with a plate of local mussels or lobster ensures an unforgettable Nova Scotia dining experience.

"Our wines are passionate expressions of our uniquely Nova Scotian origins. The ocean influence and rocky and sandy soils impart an impressive character to the wine here."

Hanspeter Stutz, Domaine de Grand Pré
Swiss-born Hanspeter Stutz, president of Domaine de Grand Pré Wines opened the doors to his family's winery in 2000. As the only winery in Nova Scotia with a restaurant onsite, Hanspeter knows the value of pairing local wine with local food. Le Caveau serves Grand Pré's crisp, clean wines alongside gourmet cuisine. Visitors can eat outside on the Pergola, overlooking the majestic Blomidon and the vineyards.

"We are building a beautiful wine region and destination in Nova Scotia. And the industry needs new individuals to continue to grow – wine makers, growers and operators – those who hold an attitude toward high quality."

Janet Woodworth, Blomidon Estate Winery
The proximity to the world's highest tides was part of the attraction for the owners of Blomidon Estate Winery. And Janet Woodworth says it is part of what defines the terroir at Blomidon. Nestled on the edge of the Minas Basin near Canning in the picturesque Annapolis Valley, the winery benefits from air flow that minimizes the risk of frost and disease. The result is well crafted wines loaded with rich aromatic character.

"Our wines have an impressively complex nose and a palate loaded with fruit character, both pleasing qualities for wine lovers, especially Chardonnay drinkers. We're very proud of our 100% Nova Scotia grown estate Chardonnay as well as award-winning estate wines like L'Acadie Blanc and Baco Noir."