Invest in Nova Scotia Wines

The Nova Scotia Winery Policy: April 2007

This 30-page policy from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture is required reading for anyone thinking about setting up a vineyard or making wine in Nova Scotia. It is intended to encourage investment in and production of wine from locally grown grapes and farm produce, consistent with the regulations set out in the policy. Meeting these standards and policy guidelines will enable farm wineries to enter into a contract with the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, the largest distributor of wine in the province.

The Farm Winery Policy sets standards and measures for quality in winegrowing and production. These standards apply to all wines that display the Nova Scotia Geographical Indicator (NSGI) on the principal display panel. Icewines, all late harvest wines, Botrytized wines and Vin de Cure are required to display the NSGI and must meet the standards. For other wines the NSGI is optional.

The Farm Winery Policy also sets out standards on vineyard designation, estate bottled or estate grown designation, wine categories, varietal and blending designations, vintage dating, quality standards, Nova Scotia Wine Audit Procedures and terms restricted to Nova Scotia wines.

It is also important to explore municipal policies on land use, traffic pattern restrictions, insurance requirements and environmental and Health Canada standards that apply to your operation. Proper adherence to required policies and standards ensures that licensing and permits remain valid so that you can sell your product commercially.

The Nova Scotia Farm Winery Policy